Windjammers and Sea Tramps. By Walter Bondman, Ben. (The Unicorn
Press. 2s. &L net.)—Mr. Bondman describes things which he has himself seen. We would not pledge ourselves to the accuracy of all that he says, but there can be no question of their general truth. This is what he writes of Samuel Plimsoll : " A hitherto obscure gentleman, who had no connection whatever with the sea, was the means of carrying into law one of the most beneficent pieces of legislation that has ever been introduced into the House of Commons." A terrible picture is drawn of the old state of things under the " shipping plutocracy." The fact is, no trade or profession ever reforms itself. All that the railway com- panies have done for the public has been forced on them by Parliament. Besides facts as to the condition of ships and ship- men we are told much, illustrated with curious anecdotes, about the ways of sea-going folk, their superstitions and habits of thought and speech in general. This is an informing book.
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