24 NOVEMBER 1894, Page 24

The Great Cattle Trait. By Edward S. Ellis. (Cassell and

Co.) —In this spirited story, Mr. Ellis introduces us into a world which reminds us forcibly of Fenimore Cooper's. Yet it is quite modern. The majority of the scenes are laid on a ranch in Western Texas after the close of the American Civil War. Yet, from beginning to end, it is a conflict between Coraanohes of the old familiar type and whites, both armed however with modern weapons. The hero is Avon Burnet, a lad of eighteen, who, having a cool head, unlimited courage, and a matchless mustang named Thunderbolt.' is flt for any achievement, and but for whom his uncle, the retired soldier and ranchman, Captain Dohm Shirril, would certainly have had a bad time of it. The heroine and comedienne is an African woman, who goes by the name of Dinah, who has the bravery of a. Jael and the humour of a Mark Twain, and commands the language of Mrs. Malaprop. In con- sequence, there is not a dull page in the book, not a chapter in which there is not a good joke or a rifle shot. In every respect, The Great Cattle Trail is an admirable book.