CURRENT LITERATURE.
The Ilisto2y of Japan. Vol. IL 1865-1871. By F. 0. Adams. (Henry S. King.)—It is too much that a stout volume of nearly 850 pages should be devoted to the history of Japan for seven years. One would think that a whole "cycle of Cathay" could bo disposed of in so ample a space. To tell the truth, it is impossible to feel much interest in these Japanese affairs. We take the table of contents of a chapter at random. —" 1865. Ex-Dainagon of Owari commands troops against Chosbin- Two parties in the Clar—' vulgar-view party' obtain, upper hand—they decapitate the three Bares, &c., on approach of the sevenKirgds—army returns to Ozaka-Tronbler in Ch8shin—Talcasugi Shinea.ku had organised Kiheitai in 1863—joined by 500 men—defeats 'vulgar-view party;'"andeo, on. Really this passes human endurance. Most Englishmen give up the attempt to understand even the political parties of the United States, and are we to be made to learn about " vulgar-view parties "in Japan ? If Mr. Adams had confined himself strictly to the fluctuations of Japanese opinion about the toleration of foreigners, and their practical results he would have done well. As it is, he has wasted pains in detail- ing these tedious and insignificant squabbles of Japanese factions. On the other hand, his opinions about education, morals, and other kindred matters in Japan, are valuable.
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