Life on the Ceara). By the Rev, W. Holman Bentley,
(Religious Tract Society.)—This is the third edition of an interesting little book, the work of a missionary in the region which he describes. The author has added a chapter which relates the progress of events in the Congo Free State up to the date of writing, i.e.,only a few weeks ago--" September, 1893." Everything seems to be prosperous. The Arabs have been beaten back ; there is a stand- ing army ; the State is in the Postal Union ; and, as Mr. Bentley humorously puts it, "Customs duties and a variety of other taxes make things more homelike." Mission work shows in seine aspects favourable results, and that with which Mr. Bentley is connected, though its results are not absolutely great (450 scholars at eight stations), is promising. The health of the workers has greatly improved. Of eighteen new missionaries since 1888, only one has died. After an apprenticeship to the climate, the great danger is past. But great care must be taken. Mr. Bentley tells a sad story of what happens when it is not, and when theories not adapted to the country are tried. The Episcopal Methodist (American) missionaries have had to support them- selves—it is a self-supporting mission—by shooting hippopotami and selling the meat to the natives.
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