The West Indies: a History of the Islands of the
West Indian Archipelago, together with an Account of their Physical Charac- teristics, Natural Resources, and Present Condition. By Amos Kidder Fiske, A.M. (G. P. Putnam's Sons. 6s.)—This is a very useful compendium of information relative to a beautiful group of islands which deserve far more attention both from statesmen and travellers than they have yet received. Mr. Fiske's book is necessarily much condensed, for most of the forty chapters into which it is divided might form the sub- ject of a large and interesting volume. Several chapters are devoted to each of the larger islands, while those of secondary importance are disposed of in a single chapter, or several " are grouped together in one. Other chapters treat of the Archipelago of Columbus ; the progress of discovery ; Spanish possessions ; colonisers, privateers, pirates, buccaneers, maroons, &c.; West Indian slavery ; and finally, the West Indian enigma. The "enigma" is the question of the possibility, or otherwise, of the improvement of the negro race, and the introduction of local self-government into the West Indies. This question, however, it may be noted, is of less immediate importance as regards the West Indies than in the case of the Southern States of America, *here it has assumed a most pressing and dangerous aspect since the abolition of slavery. Another question alluded to by Mr. Fiske is, Ought any part of the West Indies to remain in European hands at all ? He clearly thinks they ought not. The book is profusely illus- trated with good maps and plates ; but we notice one omission of importance. While some attention has been given to the physical condition of the islands in former ages of the world, there are but very slight allusions to their extremely interesting natural history at the present day.
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