THE FIFES IN SOUTH AFRICA.
The Fifes in South Africa. By 9,176 I.Y. (A. Westwood and Son, Cupar, Fife.)—Major Gilmour, of the Fife and Forfar Imperial Yeomanry, who writes an introduction to this book, expresses the opinion that the history of the Empire will be in- complete without a narrative of the movement which resulted in the formation of the Yeomanry. These pages constitute a con- tribution to such a comprehensive history, as they tell in simple, straightforward language how the Yeomanry of Fife and Forfar responded to the call made by the nation in the beginning of 1900, and how they acquitted themselves in South Africa. The enthusiasm in Fifeshire was very great, and Major Gilmour testifies that probably no company went out more serviceably equipped, owing very largely to "the kindness and foresight of many friends." The experiences of the Fifes, which were, of course, very similar to those of other bodies of Yeomen, included the relief of Mafeking, the occupation of Potchef- stroom, the march to Pretoria, the incident of Nooitgedacht, and Modderfontein. Cheery stoicism and good nature are the notes of this book, in which no claim is put forward on behalf of the Fifes to superior bravery. They sustained a great loss at one time in the death of one of the best of their officers, Captain Hodge, and the account of his hurried funeral on p. 88 is an admirable piece of graphic yet simple writing.
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