Leaves from a Journal in the East. By Julia Smith.
(W. R. Russell and Co.)—There is no particular reason why Miss Smith should have published her journal. There are even some reasons why she should not. Generally, there is the crowd of books, though this volume is thoughtfully made to appear at a slack time. And there are things said that are not quite wise. Here is an example:—" Clash of Western culture, sartorial effects and vulgarity with Eastern conservatism and picturesqueness." This was written, it is true, early in the tour. By the time it was finished, the writer probably discovered that there is plenty of vulgarity in the East also. But there is no necessity to criticise what is hardly meant for a. serious expression of opinion. Miss Smith writes as a cheerful, interested, good-tempered observer, who, happily for herself, had not time to see beneath the surface.
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