Country Towns, and the Place they fill in Modern Civilization.
(London: Bell and Daldy.)—It appears from the census of 1861 that there are in England and Wales some two hundred and twenty towns whose populations range between five thousand and twenty thousand. These towns with their suburbs are the homes of more than two millions of the English people, and it has occurred to the author of the volume before us that this large section of our fellow countrymen is an audience specially worth addressing. But while primarily intended for residents in "country towns," this little book is not meant exclusively for them, and citizens as well as townspeople will find in it discussions and suggestions on subjects which touch them very closely. The relative advantages and disadvantages of a city or town life, physical, mental, and moral, are stated by the writer with much clearness, freshness, and vigour; and whether we agree with all that is advanced or not we must in candour own that every chapter is interesting, thoughtful, and suggestive, while the moral tone is of a very elevated character.
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