The Ogowe Band. By Joseph H. Reading. (Reading and Co.,
Philadelphia, U.S.A. ; Brentano's, London.)—Mr. Reading de- scribes himself on his title-page as late " Secretary and Treasurer " to a West African mission, and Commercial Agent for the United States. This "narrative of African travel" combines informa- tion acquired in both capacities, with descriptions of travel, scenery, and life. What missions are doing, how trade prospers, under what conditions slavery exists, are among the subjects with which he deals. On missions he may be supposed to have pre- possessions ; but he is probably not far off in his estimate, put into the mouth of a Colonial Governor, that they have done a good deal, but not as much as has been expected of them, and that the loudest objectors are not by any means irreproachable. Of Liberia and its prospects he seems to have a very poor opinion. It is an absolute failure. On slavery he makes the notable re- mark that the criminal class in Africa, instead of being shut up in prison as among us, are sold for slaves, and so compelled to work, and kept under control. Of course this does not account for the slave-trade. Altogether, this is an interesting book. The long introduction, which takes us to Liverpool, the Canaries, &e., is quite readable.
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