We have received an exceedingly interesting Contour Relief Model of
Salisbury Plain. (Sifton, Praed and Co., Ltd., The Map House, 67 St. James's Street. Price £2 10s.)—The map, which is modelled and embossed by Mr. Henry F. Brion, is to a horizontal scale of two inches to the mile and to a vertical scale of four inches to the mile. Its size is thirty-five inches by twenty-four. The model is based on the Ordnance Survey, and shows the Govern- ment ground on Salisbury Plain. We agree with the publishers in thinking that it should prove of very great value to the soldier for tactical and instructional purposes. The model takes in Amesbury on the south and Urchfont and Pewsey Down on the north. Ludgershall is in about the middle of the eastern boundary of the map. The property of the War Office is clearly indicated by colour, and also the danger zones of firing. Land forbidden to troops, plantations, roads, railways, camps, &c., are plainly marked. Our only criticism of the map takes the form of regret that the scale is not larger, and therefore the indenta- tions of the ground more clearly shown. We admit, however, that this is not a very practical criticism, because it would mean a very large increase in the size of the map. It was no doubt to meet this criticism that the vertical scale of four inches to the mile was adopted ; but even then the raised map effect is not very strongly marked. For small or even comparatively small raised maps one requires a mountain district and not rolling country. Nevertheless, as we have said, we are sure that the map will prove of great interest and use to those engaged in training troops on Salisbury Plain. We wish the art of raised map-making could be further developed in this country. What could be more interest- ing than a raised map on the twenty-six-inch scale of England? Such a map would require a huge building to house it, but it would form a most attractive exhibition. There would have to be hard paths in the big valleys in which to walk and steps up the highest mountains. It would, in fact, be a kind of geographical Japanese garden.
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