30 AUGUST 1913, Page 23

Perris of the Cherry Trees. By J. S. Fletcher. (Eveleigh

Nash. 6s.)—That "Perris" who farmed the Cherry Trees Farm would have committed murder for the reason assigned by him at the end of the book, is, to say the least, improbable. Nothing in his previous conduct suggests the hero, and there- fore his altruistic motive and his magnanimous conduct in coming back to give himself up will not be easily credited by the reader. The novel is by no means a story of quiet country life, but is concerned with most of the unlawful passions to which human beings are prone. It is well written, and the account of the revival of the terrible ancient ceremony of "stang riding" is vividly done. Certainly Mr. Fletcher does not show his country people in a pleasant or peaceful light.