The Mishmee Hills. By T. T. Cooper, V.R.S. (Henry S.
King and Co.)— This is an interesting book, relating how the writer endeavoured to open a trade-route from Assam to the jealously guarded Thibet. A previous attempt to reach Assam, through Thibet, from China, had been foiled by the machinations of the Lama priests, who hold from the Chinese Government the entire monopoly of the tea-trade, and for this, as well as for religions reasons, do all they can to keep Europeans out of the country. The present expedition was frustrated by the same all-power- ful influence. Mr. Cooper secured, however, the satisfaction of some months of pleasant adventure, and of giving to the public an agreeable book of travel. The most exciting parts of his book are the hunting in- cidents. On one occasion, his elephant was attacked by a tiger, which fastened on the roots of the animal's trunk. The sportsman was almost shaken out of the howdah, and at the same time prevented from getting a fair shot at the assailant, by the tremendous efforts of the elephant to shake off his enemy. At the same time, the driver of the elephant had the calf of his leg nearly torn off by the tiger's claws. The most interesting personages in the book is a Khamta chief, Chowsan by name, who conducts himself with all the dignity of the fabulous Red Indian, though he is at times a little hot in his temper, as when, for instance, he strikes at a slave with his native knife, a terrible weapon, and comes so near him as to shave off his hair, which was gathered up in a top- knot. Mr. Cooper thinks our Government should display more civility to these native chiefs, who have to pay humiliating deference to white men far inferior to them in every respect. He is also loud in condem- nation of the policy of neglect which left Assam to be plundered and depopulated by the Burmese and Hill tribes. As the journey had its practical object, the opening up of -"new routes of commerce," so the book has its practical portions, describing, for instance, the preparing of Assam tea. It will repay perusal.
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