Puerto Rico. By William Dinwiddie. (Harper and Brothers. 10s. 6d.)
-Mr. Dinwiddie explains that he spent two months in the island after the Spanish evacuation, for the express purpose of taking stock of "our new possession." In this volume he
gives us the results. Of the island's climate he speaks well. For - a tropical region it is remarkably healthy. What he says of the Of physical aspect of the country cannot be epitomised. Of the career open to the immigrant he has nothing good to say. "Keep away," about sums up his counsel. But that much may be made of the island he does not doubt. The staple products are coffee, sugar, and tobacco. The last has greatly decreased of late. Fruits and flowers are cultivated, and offer a considerable field. Social and religious matters cannot be disposed of so summarily. The reader must see what the American visitor has to say about them. But it is curious to compare his estimate of the influence of the Church with the claims made on its behalf. It has been well endowed, and is absolutely at liberty to act. It has had its own way. For the result we must again refer our readers to Mr. Dinwiddie.
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