19 FEBRUARY 1927, Page 32

FLOWERS AND ELEPHANTS. By Constance Sit (Cape. 5s.)—Mrs. Sitwell has

not so much described I as she has painted it for us in dim greys, in faint blues, in b prussian and vermilion and grape purple. She has done than compile a book of travel sketches : she has given glimpse of a delicate personality, walking through the fairs of her own mind, ever keeping aloof and holding hack from contact that might blur the first impressions of marble pals dim forests, mighty rivers and life itself. In his very cm] preface, Mr. E. M. Forster describes the effect of a lb gathered from the Tree of Life on various peoples. To westerner it is merely a flower, just as an elephant is elephant : to the Indian " elephants and flowers all blend are part of the illusion that severs unhappy mortals from truth." To our forefathers the flower says : There is topmost blossom on the Tree of Life, unspoiled by hi fingers." That is the view that Mrs. Sitwell takes. This rare book, full of poetry.