The Log of the' Nereid.' By Thomas Gibson Bowles. (Simpkin
and Marshall.)—Mr. Bowles writes himself " Master-Mariner," and, we doubt not, can sail a yacht to perfection. But this does not imply that he is -wise in matters beyond his nautical know- ledge. The English occupation of Egypt, for instance, is "well- intentioned, but nevertheless deadly." This is on p. 95; by the time he reaches p. 169, he says of the Englishmen in Egypt:— "Considering all things, it is marvellous how well they do their work, and how hard they try to understand it and the country. That they have fully succeeded, it would be too much to say ; but they have done much, for they won't take bribes themselves, nor let others take them, if they find it out." It may be wise to change one's opinion, but not to express two opinions in one book. Even the greatest of statesmen cannot venture so far, much less the greatest of master-mariners.
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