Colonel Grodekoffs Ride from Samarkand to Herat. By Charles Marvin.
(W. H. Allen and Co.)—There is no little interest in this volume. Under any circumstances, so adventurous a journey would form a good subject for a narrative, while the interests of England in Asia and the relations between Russia and the Afghans give to an evidently genuine and trustworthy story, such as this which Mr. Marvin has given to the world, a special value. It is satisfactory to note, among other things, that " the name of Abdarrahrnan Khan is always attended with loyalty and •respect in Afghan Turkestan," though when the Colonel was there it had to be uttered in secret, as the mention of it might bring a severe punishment on the speaker. Another paragraph is curious :—" When the English entered Cabul, they found, among other things, a Russian uniform, which occasioned immense sensation and alarm throughout India and England ;" and then it is explained that probably this uniform was copied from the Colonel's own, giving a proof, not of Russian intrigue, but of the Governor's taste, this gentleman having admired the dress, and de- sired to have one for his own wear. Again we read, "Herat is not in a position to defend itself against a-European army, since at a mile to the north it is commanded by heights from which it could be bombarded by artillery." Enthusiasts who clamour for an occupa- tion of Herat must reckon on our having to maintain a vast fortified camp, to protect our position in the city.
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