Ye Mariners of England. By Herbert Hayens. (T. Nelson and
Sons. 6s.)—This "Boys' Book of the Navy" is a very season- able publication. Mr. Hayens begins with King Alfred, to whom we owe the foundation of the Navy, as we owe many other things that have gone to the making of the nation. He passes rapidly over the older history, though he does not forget the victory of Sluys and the less-known battle of Lea Espagnols sur Men Then comes Drake, and with Drake the story of the Armada, and after these, again, the chequered story of the Dutch Wars. It will be understood that Mr. Hayens has to exer- cise a very severe repression. As he puts it himself, he has to omit twenty gallant deeds for one that he relates. Even all the great battles cannot be related in detail, much less the number- less actions fought by frigates and cruisers. It is unfair, there- fore, to criticise omissions. Still, when the Mutinies of the North Sea and the Note are described, the great share which Duncan had in bringing the rebels back to a sound mind might well have been recognised. He deserved as much credit, to say the least, as Lord Bridport. But this is an excellent book.
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