29 AUGUST 1896, Page 26

Britiat Guiana and its Resources. By the Author of "Sardinia

and its Resources." (G. Philip and Son.)—This is a seasonable book, for it tells us something of the value of a country about which there is not a little trouble just now. It produces sugar, but not to much profit, though the writer discerns signs of improvement. It furnishes gold, and that in no small quantities. The yield has grown from 250 oz. in 1884 to 110,432 oz. in 1894. Of course it is the opportunity of digging for gold, not of growing sugar, that our Venezuelan friends are anxious to grab. There is a timber trade, but it is not flourishing. As to the natural attractions of the place, the vegetation is magnificent, especially in orchids and palms. The climate is indifferent, but in worse repute than it deserves. The annual rain-fall is 80 inches ; the thermometer never falls below 70 degrees ; the death-rate is 38 per 1,000.