25 JUNE 1904, Page 14

The Principles and Finance of Fire Insurance. By F. Harcourt

Kitchin, B.A. (Effingham Wilson. 6s. net.)—Mr. Kitchin affirms, and a little consideration inclines us to agree with him, that fire and marine insurances are very difficult subjects. And this book amply proves the case. For the outside public the most generally interesting chapter will be" The Causes of Fires." We should have thought that the proportion of incendiarism was much more than is stated here. "A high authority puts it at 4 per cent." This is in the States, and Mr. Kitchin thinks it much less here. An office dealing with buildings which no one wishes to burn down finds its business very lucrative.