THE PASSES OF '111a, PYRENEES.
The Passes of the Pyrenees. By Charles L. Freeston, F.R.G.S. (Kegan Paul, Trench and Co. 10s. ea. net.)—The author and his friend, Mr. Burton-Alexander, spent some time last year in exploring the Pyrenees, in the latter's 18-h.p. Austin car, for the purpose of writing a "practical guide to the mountain roads of the Franco-Spanish frontier." The result is a readable, as well as useful, book, full of the information that people touring in a car would be likely to want. He says that August and September are the best months for going to the high passes, and though no doubt this is the case, the present writer found Jane very pleasant at Gavarnie and its neighbourhood, with its abundance of alpine roses, columbines, and irises, and the compara- tive scarcity of pilgrims from Lourdes. Mr. Freeston writes a detailed account of every road, which ho completes with an itinerary, giving the altitude of each place, the intermediate distances, and progressive totals. He speaks of the excellence and cheapness of the inns and the friendliness of the peasants, which besides the high average of good roads, bring this fine scenery and life-giving air within the reach of many people who other- wise could not enjoy them. The illustrations from photographs are capital. They have been taken with artistic skill, and show a true appreciation of this attractive country.
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