24 JANUARY 1880, Page 23

The Sovereign. Princes and Chiefs of Central India. By G.

R. Aberigh-Mackay. Vol. I. (Thacker and Co., Calcutta.)—This first volume is partly introductory, containing "a brief account of the different branches of the administration that are presided over by the Imperial Government." A description of the physical charac- teristics of the region known as Central India is followed by a chapter on "Opium," with some curious details, historical and other, about this manufacture. After this there is a chapter on " Thugs and Deceits," and then, having disposed of the subjects of vice and crime, he proceeds to discuss the more pleasing topics of "Public Works," "Education," &c. In Part 2, we come to the proper subject of the work, precedence being given to the family of Holkar. Photo- graphs of the Maharajah, his two sons, and his older brother's sons are given, by way of frontispiece ; and we have an historical sketch of his family (the eminence of which dates from the early part of last century), and a very complete account of the manners and government of his State.