Cruising Among the Caribbees. By C. A. Stoddart. (Kegan Paul,
Trench, Trabner, and Co.) — The author of this little book of travel seems to have been a member of an American tourist party,—an institution with which Mark Twain's book, " The Innocents Abroad," has already familiarised us. We can hardly say that Mr. Stoddart's account of his travels is as entertaining as that contained in the book referred to, but then its intention is rather instructive than humorous. His cruise in the Caribbean Sea was an ideal trip for the winter months, and comprised a visit to each of the principal islands of the Lesser Antilles, better kncwn as the Windward Islands. He waxes enthusiastic over the beauties of Guadeloupe, Dominica, Martinique, and St. Vincent, awarding the first prize to the last mentioned, which possesses all the natural wonders and loveliness of the other three, combined with "a certain air of delicate culture which is entirely its own." We are sorry to remark, however, that, in the matter of prosperity and content, the author draws a comparison between the French and English islands which is decidedly un- favourable to the latter. The reason is not far to seek. The proprietors of French plantations are rarely absentees, and regard their West Indian homes as real homes, and not as places of tem- porary exile. Moreover, the abolition of slave labour did not come into effect upon the French islands until some time after the English, and that respite was of inestimable value to planters who could learn by the misfortunes of their neighbours. The author remarks of the West Indies that " a careful survey of their location, aside from questions about their populations, would convince any impartial observer that their proper relations and des- tiny should lie with the continent to which they are adjac nt That we could take them and govern them so as to increase their prosperity and our own ultimate wealth and advantage, there is little reason to doubt." One might afford to smile at this opinion in the mouth of an American, were it not unfortunately endorsed by more than one English writer,—notably by Fronde. The condition of the West Indian colonies is a standing reproach to this country, and it is impossible to believe that it is without some remedy. There is not much real information to be got from Mr. Stoddart's book, but it is pleasantly written, though somewhat in the style of journalism.
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