sideration of ways of penetration into Alsace-Lorraine, the Palatinate, and Rhenish-Prussia, and maps are given of some of the chief German towns. Particulars are given of many road routes and navigable waterways. An excellent vocabulary is provided of serviceable words and phrases and particulars regarding conventional signs and abbreviations. The second volume will prove very helpful to medical officers, nurses, orderlies and Red Cross workers generally. It furnishes information regarding the status of members of the Service de Santé. The greater part of the book is taken up with vocabularies regarding words and phrases relating to medical work and nursing procedures. We are very grateful to our gallant Allies for such timely aid in our endeavours to overcome the barriers and perplexities which are due to the average Britisher's limitations in his knowledge of French.

Adolescence, being Selections from Occasional Poems and Meditations illustrating that of the Author. By Werner Mathews. Pp. 240. Cambridge: Fabb and Tyler, Ltd., Guildhall Street. 1914. Price 5s. net.

The title of this collection of poems and poetic thoughts in prose is ambiguous and unsatisfying and must seriously offend all grammarians. The work is indeed in every way an exceptional one. Although the title-page bears the date 1914, the volume has apparently only just been issued. The poems are ambitious, and show true poetic fire and force, but the author is not free from eccentricities and extravagancies, which do much to mar the artistic symmetry and literary power of his work. The lyrics, odes and shorter verses, which are used as "interludes," will probably be generally more appreciated than the more elaborate Academic Excursion," the allegory “ Phœbus," and "Mariane and the Saturnics." More than a hundred pages of the volume are devoted to 427 numbered paragraphs from "The Florentine Note-book and others." The contents of this strange volume are not to be judged by ordinary standards. They are the excursions of a poetic soul quickened by genius but oftentimes lacking the equilibrium of an

· established and experienced artist sure of the instruments of expression. The book is one which will appeal to many readers seeking for originality in thought and unconventionality in its presentation.

"The Romance of the Human Body." By Ronald Campbell Macfie, M.A., M.B., C.M., LL.D. Pp. vii + 275. London : Wells Gardner, Darton and Co., Ltd., 3 and 4, Paternoster Buildings, E.C. 4. 1917. Price 5s. net.

Dr. Macfie has the gift of exposition. He is a scientifically-minded medical expert with something of the powers of a seer and much of the imagination of a poet, and withal he wields an experienced pen which, as his many books show, is in his hands a sure tool and controlled instrument. This present book is a delightful study of the structure and function of the human body and the laws governing the evolution of man. It is no mere popular handbook on human anatomy and physiology, but a cleverly constructed description of the tissues and organs and a truly romantic record of their rôle in the great story of human vitality. The book is one which any ordinary man and woman will delight to read. It will be particularly helpful to teachers. We would also commend it to medical advisers and others who are called to lecture on the fundamental facts of healthy living to children, youths, and working people. We hope Dr. Macfie will now furnish us with a companion volume on preventive medicine, which might well be entitled "The Tragedy of the Human Body."

'Citizenship: An Introductory Handbook." By M. Cécile Matheson, late Warden of the Birmingham Women's Settlement. Pp. 136. London: The Student Christian Movement, 32, Russell Square, W.C. 1917. Price 1s. 9d. net.

Miss Matheson has had long experience in matters making for citizenship, and her little handbook provides an excellent introduction to the great and essential social service subject of civics. It has been prepared to provide a manual for study circles, but its service should not

be restricted. In fact, it is just the introduction that many a student or young business man should be advised to peruse; and teachers in our elementary schools will find it particularly helpful in educational work and child welfare service. Something of the scope of the handbook will be indicated by an enumeration of the titles of the eight chapters: The Fact of Citizenship, Poverty and Distribution of Wealth, The Poor Law, The Homes of the People, Education, Public Health, The Drink Problem, and the Complete Citizen. At the end of each chapter is a suggestive bibliography, and at the end of the book is a collection of questions for discussion.

How to Enlighten Our Children: a Book for Parents." By Mary Scharlieb, C.B.E., M.D., M.B. Pp. v + 202. London : Williams and Norgate, 14, Henrietta Street, Covent Garden, W. C. 2. 1918. Price 3s. 6d. net.

Mrs. Scharlieb is the doyen of British medical women, and as a clinician, operator, and medical adviser has won world-wide distinction. But with true patriotic instincts and statesmanlike vision she has realized that the foundations of all endeavour for human betterment must be laid in the lives of the people. Therefore, with rare industry and never faltering faith, numerous educational works have come from her pen and are exercising far-reaching influence for good. The latest work which Mrs. Scharlieb has written is one for which many mothers will bless her, and we earnestly commend it to the serious study of all parents and workers for the protection and betterment of our British sons and daughters. The volume is one of the most practical, sympathetic, and luminous expositions on sex education which have ever been written for the enlightenment and guidance of perplexed parents. The development of the child is lucidly explained, and the signs and meaning of sexual evolution are simply but accurately described. The indications of puberty and the changes in structure and unfoldings of function which come with adolescence in both girls and boys are expounded with delicacy, clearness, and effectiveness. A chapter is devoted to a consideration of

the difficulties of young adult life, and the nature of the so-called social evil is faithfully explained. The concluding chapter deals with eugenics, and should do much to disarm suspicions and encourage inquiry regarding new knowledge which is seeking ways and means for the betterment of the race. The issue of such a reliable, outspoken, sympathetic book of counsel, written by England's most distinguished and respected woman doctor, is a sign of the new truth-seeking spirit which is abroad and which is bringing into quickened minds a real endeavour to safeguard the future by bringing the light of scientific truth into all the dark places where breed the foes to human health and happiness.

"Educational Needlecraft.” By Margaret Swanson and Ann Macbeth. With a Preface by Margaret McMillan. New impression. Pp. xiv + 136, with 8 coloured plates and numerous other illustrations. London: Longmans, Green and Co., 39, Paternoster Row, E.C. 2. 1916. Price 4s. 6d. net.

This is a book which teachers of needlecraft will delight in. As Miss McMillan says in her preface: "This book represents the first conscious and serious effort to take needlecraft from its humble place as the Cinderella of manual arts, and to show how it may become a means of general and even of higher education. The writers have faith that in taking the common things of life and walking truly among them they will find greatness and beauty at last. And this faith is justified." The book is the work of true artists, and there is evidence throughout of the scientific spirit. The authors have ever kept in mind psycho-physiological facts and principles. And thus it is that a practical manual has been prepared which admirably meets the needs of the teacher of the young child and provides material which the little needle-woman will know how to appreciate. Miss McMillan's preface is a beautiful introduction to an artistic, practical, and eminently serviceable manual. The designs provided and work suggested and described are graded to meet the requirements of little ones of 6 up to girls entering on full womanhood. The work is admirably illustrated.

"Poland and the Polish Nation." By Drogoslaw. Translated by Marie Busch. With a Preface by Percy Alden, M.P. Pp. viii + 106. London: The Saint Catherine Press, Stamford Street, S.E. 1. 1917. Price 1s net.

This timely and most interesting and instructive manual has been published for the Polish Information Committee, which has its headquarters at 110, St. Martin's Lane, Trafalgar Square, W.C.2. This Committee have issued a series of valuable works and the present historical handbook is by no means the least important; indeed, it may well serve as a general introduction. It furnishes a sketch in broad outline of the history, aims, and spirit of Poland. The book opens with a condensed account of the history of Poland and the chief features of the Polish territories. Then follow chapters on the Political Regime, Economic Conditions, the Existing State of Education, Literature and Art, and closes with a suggestive presentation of conclusions, of which we venture to quote the concluding sentences: "Poland's colours -red and white-must float in freedom beside those of other nations. Then the White Eagle of her Escutcheon will at last behold the unclouded sun of Poland's liberty, and the soul of Poland, delivered from long oppression, will display treasures that will richly contribute to the The progress and welfare of mankind. creation of a free, united, and independent Poland is demanded by historic justice, but it is also a political necessity. The stability of Europe can only be secured by the resurrection of Poland."

'An Introduction to Forestry for Young People." By Sir Andrew N. Agnew, Bart., President of the Royal Scottish Arboricultural Society. Pp. x + 83, with 14 plates. Edinburgh: Douglas and Foulls, 9, Castle Street. 1917. Price 1s. net.

The preparation and publication of this excellent manual has been made possible by the generosity and foresight of three members of the Royal Scottish Arboricultural Society, which has its headquarters at 19, Castle Street, Edinburgh. We understand that a certain number of copies have been gratuitously distributed to Scottish teachers and scholars. Sir Andrew Agnew has accomplished a really

patriotic work with much skill and discernment. In simple language and in interesting form particulars are given as to the distinguishing characters of our chief trees and the main features of the wood they grow. The Life of a Tree and the Evolution of a Forest are picturesquely set forth. There are also chapters on the Enemies of Trees; the Management of a Forest; Felling, Removal, and Utilization of Timber. The attractiveness of the little volume is much enhanced by the excellent illustrations. We could wish it might be possible to place this sensible and scientifically reliable manual in the hands of every teacher. Certainly all Boy Scouts and children in country schools should be acquainted with Sir Andrew Agnew's introduction to silviculture.

'The Cooking-Box: How to make and use it, together with Eighty Economical Recipes adapted for Fireless Cookery." By Constance C. Radcliffe Cooke. Pp. x + 82, with 8 figures. London: National Society's Depository, 19, Great Peter Street, Westminster, S. W. 1. 1917. Price 1s. 6d. net.

This is truly a handbook for to-day. It is a practical guide to the economic and effective use of fireless cookery, and every housewife and all teachers will do well to procure a copy and study it. The cooking-box has long been known to Scandinavian people as the "Hay-box cooker," and for many years “la cuisine automatique norvégienne" has been known to thoughtful students of economic cookery. War conditions have awakened extravagant and conservative Britons to an appreciation of the many advantages of "a fireless cooker." We can speak from practical experience of the invaluable service which is afforded by a wellconstructed and properly managed "haybox." Miss Cooke's handbook provides all necessary particulars regarding the construction and use of a fireless cooking box. The collection of tried and tested recipes add much to the value of the book. We hold that every school child should be instructed in the principles of fireless cookery, and to this end we should like to place a copy of this helpful manual in the hands of every teacher. The book is issued at a price which brings it within the reach of all.

"Vegetarian and Wartime Cookery." By Amy Roth. Edited by Helen M. Edden, T.S.C. Pp. xi + 130. London: John Hogg, 13, Paternoster Row, E.C. 4. 1917. Price 1s. 3d. net.

Here is a practical manual to help in the solution of some of the difficulties of the food problem. It has been compiled by an experienced restaurateur, and edited by an expert. The recipes are arranged as far as possible in convenient alphabetical order and mainly in accordance with vegetarian principles and practice. They will be found thoroughly serviceable, and will go far to meet the economic, dietetic and practical requirements of rational housekeeping under war conditions. The manual also contains sample menus and particulars regarding the management of a gas cooker and the construction and use of a SOcalled fireless cooker.

"The Use of the Voice." By the Rev. T. Grigg-Smith, M.A., Chief Diocesan Inspector of Schools in the South-Eastern Division of the Diocese of Manchester. Pp. 118, London: Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge, 68, Haymarket, S.W.1. 1917. Price 2s. 6d. net.

This informing and helpful manual deserves the serious study of parents and teachers and all responsible for the instruction of children and youths, and it is to be commended to the earnest consideration of ministers of all denominations and platform speakers of every rank and class. While a certain amount of interest is taken in the care and training of the singing voice, but little attention is given in schools and colleges to the more important development of the speaking voice. The neglect of the voice and the need for its proper training are fully expounded in this serviceable handbook. The author opens with a full and accurate statement of anatomical and physiological points. Then follow chapters on Speaking and Reading, and the Use of the Voice in the Conduct of Divine Service. A good chapter is devoted to an exposition of the pathological condition of stammering, and much sane advice is presented which teachers would do well to follow. Insistence is laid on the importance of co-operation between teacher

and stammering scholar: "Mutual respect should exist between teacher and pupil, and the pupil should be capable of persistent application." We quote the concluding paragraph: "Often it is a mistake to give formal lessons to children under 8 or 9, but informal help on the lines indicated above may do away with a stammer completely in quite early years. A very great deal also can be done by teachers who will give judicious direction of an informal and unobtrusive kind during school hours, and the writer knows one schoolmaster who, during a period of some ten years, has in this way helped no less than twenty boys of ages ranging from 8 to 14 to be entirely rid of stammers."

Science Progress. A Quarterly Review of Scientific Thought, Work and Affairs. Edited by Sir Ronald Ross, K.C.B., Ph.D., F.R.S., &c. Published by John Murray, 50A, Albemarle Street, W. Annual subscription £1. Single issues, 5s. each.

This journal of pure science is now in its forty-eighth number. Both editor and publisher are to be congratulated on its freedom from any evidence of the stress and strain of war conditions. In size, substance, and general effectiveness it fully maintains its high standard. The April issue contains a number of authoritative summaries of "Recent Advances in Science," original articles of exceptional interest, and numerous notes, essay-reviews, and reviews. The Editor of THE CHILD contributes an essay-review of the 'Carnegie Trust Maternity and Child Welfare Reports.

Mental Hygiene. The Quarterly Magazine of the National Committee for Mental Hygiene, Inc. Editorial Office: 50, Union Square, New York City. Publication Office: Concord, N.H. Annual subscription $2.00. Single numbers, 50

cents.

The National Committee for Mental Hygiene summarize their chief purposes thus: "To work for the conservation of mental health, to promote the study of mental disorders and mental defects in all their forms and relations, to obtain and disseminate reliable data concerning

them, to help raise the standards of care and treatment, to help co-ordinate existing agencies, Federal, State, and local, and to organize in every State an affiliated Society for Mental Hygiene." The official organ is of exceptional interest, full of authoritative articles, and containing informing notes and comments and a current bibliography. The journal only needs to be known on this side of the Atlantic to be thoroughly appreciated.

The Landswoman. The Journal of the Land Army and the Women's Institutes. Editorial Office: Stonefield, Kidbrook Grove, Blackheath. Published monthly by the St. Catherine Press, Stamford Street, S.E. Annual subscription 4s. Single numbers, 2d.

We gladly welcome this vigorous newcomer. It is effectively got up, full of timely and serviceable articles, and well illustrated. Women and girls taking up patriotic service on the land will find this vivacious monthly interesting and helpful.

The American Boy. Edited by Griffith Ogden Ellis. Published monthly by The Sprague Publishing Company, American Building, Detroit, Michigan, U.S.A. Price 15 cents each number. Annual subscription, $1.50. Foreign distribution, $2.00.

This large, handsome, plentifully illustrated, virile periodical is justly popular throughout the United States. It contains stirring stories, instructive articles, serviceable notes, and is just the living organ which boys will read and value. It claims to be "the biggest, brightest, best magazine for boys in all the world,” and there is strong evidence to support the claim. The January issue contained a communication from Sir Robert BadenPowell, on "The Most Interesting Boy I ever Knew."

The Round Table: A Quarterly Review of the Politics of the British Empire. Published quarterly by Messrs. Macmillan and Co., Ltd. Single numbers, 2s. 6d. Annual subscription, 10s. or $2.50.

This is a quarterly which all educationists and patriots should make a point of never missing. Although all the articles are issued anonymously, it can

be safely said that for breadth of view, depth of comprehension, real vision and. statesmanlike outlook this review is unrivalled. The periodical furnishes an accurate and consistent exposition of the meaning and purpose of the Commonwealth Spirit. The current issue contains a stimulating article on "The Victory that will End War"; a particularly lucid account of America's war aims; and a discerning exposition on "Three Doctrines in Conflict: Prussianism, The Revolution, The Principle of the Commonwealth." There is a really informing account of the peoples of the Baltic Provinces and Lithuania, and an exceptionally timely and helpful description of Palestine and Jewish Nationalism. The progress of recent events at home and overseas is summarized with masterly skill, and the meaning of various movements among British peoples is explained in a way which enlightens and leads to increasing thought and study. We have nothing but admiration and thanksgiving for this critical and constructive quarterly of British politics.

The Swimming Magazine. The official organ of The Royal Life-saving Society, 8, Bayley Street, W.C. 1. Issued monthly. Annual Subscription, 7s. 6d.

This periodical deserves the support of all interested in the admirable educational work of the Royal Life-saving Society and the encouragement of systematic instruction in swimming. We commend it to the notice of those concerned for the and physical development of youth anxious to further national service by life preservation.

NOTES.

"How Much do you Care for your Children?" by Frederick J. Gould, published by Watts and Co., 17, Johnson's Court, Fleet Street, E.C.4, is an appeal to working men and women on the subject of education. No price is placed on the pamphlet, but the printing cost is nearly 2d. per copy. Those requiring copies of this suggestive and stimulating appeal should communicate with the author at “Armorel," Woodfield Avenue, Ealing, W.5.