4 NOVEMBER 1911, Page 10

Black Man's Rock. By John Mackie. (J. Nisbet and Co.

2s. 6d.) This story takes us back thirty odd years to the Basuto War (1879-1881). The "Rock" is Morosi's Mountain, a strong position which the Basuto chief of that name fortified, if not without the notice, yet without the interference of the Imperial power. The story is brisk enough, and brings us in view of some valiant doings by British soldiers and civilians. One thought occurs to us as we read: would it not be well, in view of the public for which this and similar books are intended, not to dwell on red-tape blunders or official inaction? That is a kind of criticism which is bound to come soon enough. Meanwhile let the young people enjoy the love of British valour without drawback.