The Pocket Guide to the West Indies. By Algernon E.
Aspinall. (E. Stanford. 6s)—Mr. Aspinall furnishes the usual informa- tion about travel, residence, notable objects and places, and the like. The book was printed before the Kingston earthquake. He adds, therefore, a note to the effect that only a small part of Jamaica was affected, and that the term " West Indies" includes places which are remote from the affected spot, British Guiana, for instance, and Barbados. These places are, it is true, more or less in the zone of earthquakes—With this may be mentioned Burma: a Handbook of Practical Information, by Sir I. George Scott (Alex. Moring, 10s. 6d. net). The author is severe on his predecessors, especially those who show "how much may be accomplished by industry and the use of volumes in the ship's library." He begs the critics not to indulge in mere carping and fault-finding, but rather to show how the book may be improved. We can only say that it looks as if it did what it professes to do. The arrangement is all that it should be. The fauna, flora, geology, and various races of the country are successively treated. Then we have accounts of the "Government" and the " industries"; religion, language, and other matters are discussed ; the visitor has hints as to what he should do or not do. Various details are supplied in the appendices. Chapters by experts form part of the contents enumerated. We must not forget to mention the very beautiful photographs.
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