Brazil. By Pierre Denis. (T. Fisher Unwin. 10s. 6d.)—There is
always a particular interest in reading the account of a country given by a traveller whose nationality is other than our own. M. Pierre Denia's book on Brazil is a very happy instance. A Latin writing of Latins, we feel that he has sympathy with and a faculty for understanding his subject. And ho is to be congratu- lated in that his subject is anything but hackneyed, for, indeed, the general public has but a hazy idea of Brazil, and will welcome this vary able and interesting volume. An historical chapter has been contributed by Mr. Miall, the translator, and is of peculiar interest and importance. The method of settlement adopted by Portugal in the sixteenth century has been responsible in an unusually direct manner for the Brazilians of to-day. The past is a more potent factor here than in other parts of America. As M. Donis puts it, " Brazil is more conscious of her past and less conscious of herself." But to turn to the modern Brazilians, M. Denis is particularly struck by their love of country life : they are essentially an agricultural people—a fact that is borne out by the comparatively small part played in the country's prosperity by her great mineral resources. Coffee has replaced sugar as the staple industry, and now rubber is becoming of immense import- ance. The description of the great rubber forests and the life of exile led by the men who work in them—for the rubber industry is practically "manned" by emigrants from the remote province of Ceara—makes a vivid and tragic picture, and is among the most striking things in a book that is full of interesting matter.
With this may be mentioned Salvador of the Twentieth Century. By Percy F. Martin, F.R.G.S. (Edward Arnold. 15s.)—As the
title indicates, Mr. Martin's book is a minute and exhaustive account of the Salvador of to-day. He enters into his subject with enthusiasm, and his book should be of particular value to those who have commercial interests, or contemplate investments in Central America.
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