SOME BOOKS OF THE WEEK.
[Under this heading we notice such Books of the week as have not Dee* reserved for review in other forms.]
A Russian Province of the North. By Alexander Platonovich Engelhardt. (A. Constable and Co. 18s.)—The " Russian Pro- vince" is Archangel, and Mr. A. P. Engelhardt is its Governor. When we see that the authorship of the book is official, we naturally become a little cautious. As a matter of fact, however, there is but little need for this attitude of mind. Our author's object is to describe, to set out the natural advantages of his province, and to interest the world in it. Of course, he makes no complaint against the authorities for neglect ; but it is clear that he thinks that there is much to be done. Agriculture is not a large factor in the Archangel industries. The chief place belongs to its fiaheries, and these, whether in the sea or in inland waters, are important ; and, if communication were improved, would become far more lucrative than they are. It is indeed absurd that Russia should import fish from abroad, when she has such boundless supplies at home. Mr. Engelhardt has explored his province thoroughly, and gives highly interesting accounts of the various tribes which inhabit it,—Korelians, Pomors, Laps, Murmans, Samoyeds, and Zirians. Some of these names—Pomors, e.g., and Zirians—will probably be new to many of our readers. The Pomors came from Novgorod some centuries ago, and are particularly vigorous, hardy, and enterprising to a remarkable degree in their occupation as fishermen. Two Pomors accompanied the Jackson-Harmsworth expedition, and came to the Governor for passports. They could not conceive that they could do without them, and nothing astonished them so much in all their journeying as to find countries without any police. They both came back safe and sound, satisfied with having received their pay in full, but not enlightened as to the purpose of the expedition,—" after wild beasts, and that's all," they thought. One municipal question which has greatly exercised the mind of the House of Commons is easily settled in these regions. In one village the Governor found that the one man left behind while the others were fishing was Mayor, and that the Aldermen were all women. This is an interesting volume. The descriptions of the abundance of fish in the lakes would make an angler's mouth water. Any one who did not mind roughing it would find excellent sport. " 0 mihi praeteritos referat si Juppiter =nos!"
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