IN THREE CONTINENTS.*
THE journey described in the first of these volumes 1 lay through regions about which Europeans in general know very little, though it is richly endowed with all kinds of natural wealth. Of the two republics, Ecuador and Colombia, which contain a population little more than half that of London, the second has an area greater than that of France, Belgium, Holland, Germany and Switzerland put together. It is difficult to appreciate possibilities of such magnitude, but certainly this potential wealth is at present hardly tapped. The difficulties of communication internally and from the upland pastures to the sea-board will be realized when we remember that it is in precisely this region that are placed the Andes and the Cordilleras. The many photographs with which this book is illustrated show plainly the nature of the country which is exceedingly attractive in many ways " The grandeur of the scenery has for ever impressed itself on my mind," writes Lord Murray of Elibank, who shared the journey with the author and contributes a preface. In his opinion railways are urgently needed for the development of these countries, which will draw many immigrants as soon as the means of transport are less restricted. From the point of view with which the journey was undertaken, there (Continued Olt page 562.) • (1) Quito to Bogota. By A. C. Veatch. London : Hodder and Stoughton. (205.}—(2) In the Wake of the Bum mem. By A. Hyatt Verrill. London : Parsons. 121s.1.—(3) Men of the Inner Jungle. By W. 1'. Alder. Same publisher. (10e. 6d.1 —(4) From a Terrace in Prague. By B. Granville Barker. London Allen and 17nuin. (103.]
is naturally a good deal of attention given to heights and distances and important obstacles, but the general reader will also find himself absorbed in a narrative of unceasing interest.
The Spanish Main has provided rather more than its fair share of romantic fiction. Mr. Verrill 2 cruised these same waters in order to familiarize himself with the local colour of the places made tragically famous by their association with the Buccaneers. The result is an extremely readable volume which brings to life the facts of an obscure and blood- stained period of our history. It is not quite sober enough to take its place as a serious work on the subject, but as a general view it is admirable. The people whose acquaint- ance Mr. Alder made' are none other than the notorious head-hunting Dyaks of Borneo. At present, under the restraining influence of the Dutch, their habits are almost suburban in their amiability. He has recorded in racy language the survivals of many ancient customs which he witnessed, especially a thrilling blood-dance which throws some light on the nature of their head-hunting. From a Terrace in Prague 4 mingles historical reminiscences with impressions of scenery in a way which is always entertaining, though a trifle tedious at length. The smaller black-and-white drawings are not without a familiar charm, but those in colour rely excessively on atmosphere.
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