Mr. Vale's little book (Batsford, 7s. 6d.) can be heartily
commended, for he describes with equal livelinegs and accuracy the Northern countryside and the towns that constitute the industrial North. His brief chapters on iron, coal and textiles will be illumin- ating to Southern readers ; there is much truth in his remark' that while trade is not moving south it is being transformed by the mergers which con- centrate industry in a few places and leave others desolate, like Ulverston or Jarrow. His account of the Durham village of Crook, with an unemplOyment percentage of 85, shows that the North= countryman can face adversity with courage. Mr. *Vale touches on many aspects of Northern life, not forgetting pigeon-flying, foot-racing and ksiurr and spell. His book is illustrated with 130 good photographs ; those of the Penninei and the Border country are particularly interesting.
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