Mrscamorsons.—Wimborne Minster and Christchurch. Priory. By the Rev. Thomas Perkins.
(G. Bell and Sons. is. 6d.) —This is a volume of the series of " Famous Churches" which is to supplement Messrs. Bell's "Cathedral Series." The two churches now described rank high among the non-cathedral buildings of Englaul Christchurch, in particular, visible as it is from great distances, is probably one of the best known objects of the kind that the country possesses. It is an interesting story that Mr. Perkins has to tell, though not without some deplorable incidents. For the restorer has been at work, and threatens to be at work again. What Mr. Perkins says on this point (notably at pp. 72-74) is worth noting. Let us hope that persons in authority will consider it. A valuable addition to our knowledge of Roman Britain is made in The Antonine Wall Report (Maclehose and Sons, Glasgow). This is a report of the excavations made during the years 1890-93. The vallum, which is 36i standard miles in length, runs from Old Kilpatrick on the Clyde to Bridgness on the Forth. The general outcome of the excavations is, it would seem, to strengthen the theory that it was a turf wall on a stone foundation. — A Vertebrate Fauna of the Shetland Isles, by T. C. Buckley and A. H. Evans (D. Douglas, 30s.), belongs to the series of " Verte- brate Fauna of Scotland." Much trouble has been taken by the authors, and, we may add, by previous observers of the natural features of the islands, and of the inhabitants of the land and its surrounding seas. The list is unexpectedly long, but some, at least, of the entries are necessarily doubtful.—Among the indispensable periodicals of the year is the Banking Almanac, edited by R. H. Inglis Palgrave (Waterlow and Sons, 15s. net). It is full, of course, of useful and interesting facts. One of some importance is the diminution of the note issue of the country banks. In the last thirteen years nearly two millions and a half have lapsed. Of new bank offices opened in 1898 there were two hundred and ninety one. The total liabilities of the banks in the United Kingdom are over £700,000,000 ; their liquid assets and reserves about .2126,000,000. — The Financial Reform Almanac. (Simpldn, Marshall, and Co. ls.) The most notable feature in this year's issue is Sir Charles Dilke's article on " The Cost of the Army." This is a sign of the times, for Sir Charles frankly owns that " in several directions he desires to see largely increased expenditure." As to the wisdom of getting value for our money we are all agreed. But has this been the main contention of the Financial Reform Association ? Has it never decried effective military and naval expenditure ?
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