27 JANUARY 1883, Page 27

The Caravan Route between Egypt and Syria. By his Imperial

Highness the Archduke Salvator Austria. (Chatto and Windas.)— 'This book is translated by the Chevalier de-Hesse Wartegg, and so well done, that it is only here and there, when he uses "Arabian" in cases where we should say "Arab," that one recognises it as the writing of a foreigner. Indeed, many an Englishman does not write such good English. But notwithstanding this, the very nature of the route to be described causes a great quietness and monotony in the narrative, which fortunately is enlivened greatly by the drawings done by the studious prince, and very well engraved. Being faithful, they, of course, partake of the repose of the subject, a deserted highway; but they give a mach better idea of the brilliant light and wide expanses of the desert than many more pretentious pictures. The travellers followed the telegraph wires all along the once well- trodden route, but it seems that no railway is practicable, on account of the shifting nature of the loose sand which composes the soil, and which would so constantly choke up the line, that it could only be kept clear at too great expense.