King Baddma's Word ; or, John Aikin's Adventures in Madagas-
car. By Robert Thynne. (John Hogg.)—Mr. Thynne has told the story of the early days of Australia in two successful books. He follows it up with one about Madagascar, not so pleasant a subject to an English reader, but quite worthy of attention. King Radama was a Prince of no little ability and character. He gave to the Bova domination in the island a stability which the tribe certainly was unable to keep. The story of his government is told, in part at least, in these pages, and told with a careful attention to authorities, and may be read with profit as well as entertainment. An appendix carries on the narrative of events down to the present time. Radama was succeeded by the bigeted and cruel Ranavalona, who did her best to stamp out Christianity. Then came a reaction with the succession of Radama II. His reign, however, was short. But the evil times had their natural result. The Hovas were utterly demoralised. But this was the result not of Christian, but of anti-Christian influences. What French ule will do remains to be seen. If the stipulated religious liberty is preserved the French will have falsified all prognostications founded on their past policy, more or less anti-clerical at home, always fiercely clerical abroad.
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