4 FEBRUARY 1871, Page 19

The Mutineers of the Bounty. By Lady Belcher. (Murray.)—We have

at last a complete account of what is a very curious and interesting episode in history. Lady Belcher is the stepdaughter of Captain Peter Heywood, who, as will be remembered by those who are familiar with tho history of the "Mutiny," was one of the midshipmen of the Bounty. For his share in the proceeding—he was left on board in the ship, when Captain Bligh and others were sent off in the boat, and did not offer any resistance to the mutineers, being indeed, wholly incapable of it,—he was tried on his return to England and condemned to death. He received, however, a free pardon, was permitted to re-enter the Navy, and rose to the rank of post-captain. Lady Belcher's relationship to this officer has given her peculiar advantages for her task. She had access, for instance, to the diary of James Morrison, one of the ship's petty officers. This gives additional proof—if such indeed were needed—of the tyrannical bearing of Captain Bligh. The family history of Peter Heywood is also an interesting feature of the book. The narrative of of the Pitcairn Islanders is also told in full detail, which readers will not find at all wearisome. There is, in particular, one curious incident which we do not remember to have heard of before, the usurpation of supreme power in the island by an impostor of the name of Joshua Hill, who was removed after a few months by the British Government. The story of the Pitcairn Islanders, the greater part of whom now occupy Norfolk Island, is continued to within a short time of the present date. It is, perhaps, the most pleasant narrative which could be found by any one who clings to " optimist " views of human nature.