24 JUNE 1899, Page 39

Pons Asinorwm ; or, Bridge for Beginners. By A. G.

Hulme- Beaman. (Methuen and Co. ls.)—The author hopes that his treatise will "spread the taste for Bridge." We do not wish him ill, but we hope that this object will not be attained. Bridge is a bastard whist which derives its chief attraction from the greater predominance of the element of chance. The favour that it has reached is a lamentable proof of the growth of the gambling spirit.