Irory, Apes, and Peacocks. By Israfel. (The Unicorn Press. 5s.
net.)—We are generally ready to admire " Israfel " when he is serious. He has a very pretty gift of description, somewhat florid, it may be said ; but then, when you are describing the "gorgeous East" it is but natural to be gorgeous. "Jeypore : a Study in Rose- Jacinth" is a good specimen of his powers in this direction. It is an attractive picture with the sacred crocodiles making a dramatic contrast of hideousness. "Israfel" "cannot fathom wherein lies the holiness of a crocodile." The Egyptians, it will be remembered, felt the same difficulty. The creature was deified in some parts of the Nile, and slaughtered in others. "Darjeeling" is another effec- tive picture. It is when our author would be satirical or humor- ous that he ceases to please. It is not that his jokes are failures, —they are good enough in their way ; but we do not want them, whether good or bad. Still the book is, on the whole, a distinct success. Hundreds of travellers have tried their hands on the same subjects, but few have done so well.
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