The Land of Idols. By the Rev. John S. Pool.
(Ward, Lock, and Bowden.)—" Talks with Young People about India" is the sub-title of Mr. Pool's book. Of course, he tells us about many other things besides idols. His first chapter, for instance, is devoted to "Conjuring Tricks." Marvellous are the stories which he tells of what he has seen himself. He has never seen, however, a conjurer's mango-plant grow fruit, and he hints disbelief. After this comes an account of the Black Hole of Calcutta; and this again is succeeded by a chapter on "Idols, Idols Everywhere." Then we have an interesting legend, "Buttoo, the Famous Archer." It is curious to contrast this atory with that of our own Robin Hood. Whether Mr. Pool is purposely discursive or not, we can- not say, but the effect of the succession of subjects in his book is just a little bewildering. However, it is full of interesting matter, and may be commended to the readers for whom it is meant.
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