In Wicklow, West Kerry, and Connemara. By John M. Synge
(Maunsel and Co., Dublin. es. net.)—The Aran Islands. (Same author, publisher, and price.)—The second of those two volumes was first published. in 1900, was included in the author's "Collected Works," and is now separately reprinted ; the first appears now for the first time in its present shape, the various papers having been contributed to tho Shanachic and the Manchester Guardian. Tho impression left on the mind after reading them is of their manifest veracity. Mr. Synge evidently did his best to see the people as they really were. He conformed, as far as was possible, to the conditions of their life. He did not disguise himself, or pretend to be anything but what he really was. That would have boon difficult anywhere, and certainly impossible among people so keen-witted as these Irish peasants. His speech betrayed him, and, doubtless, other things besides his speech. Having made his observations, he commits thorn to paper with absolute truthful- ness. He does not wish to make out a case or to idealize his subject. The Irish people in his two books are very human indeed, curiously different from the corresponding class in England, but not on the whole superior ; in intelligence, indeed, on a higher plane, as far at least as variety of interests goes, but not in morals, and lower in practical effectiveness. The women, on the whole, are a long way above the men. We do not care to discuss the questions which the author, raises. He had an un- questioning faith in Home Rule ; it would do for the people, ho thought, what as a matter of fact no change of Government has over done for any people. He points out some weak places in Irish administration, such as the employment of half a dozen officials to organize the labours of half as many paupers—such abuses always occur in relief works. Whatever we may think on these matters, the two books are beyond all question worth reading.
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