22 SEPTEMBER 1923, Page 20

Malaya : the Straits Settlements and the Federated and Unfederated

Malay States. Edited by R. 0. Winstedt. (Constable. 12s.) This is primarily an instructive book (as its unattractive get-up seems designed to warn the reader), but it makes much better reading than the general run of picturesque travel- books. Each section of the life and activity of the peninsula is dealt with by an expert in that particular subject, such as the Forestry Research Officer, the Government Geologist and Acting Director of Agriculture among others. The editor himself and two other contributors are . members of the Malayan Civil Service. The result is a volume that may be received with confidence. A considerable number of photo- graphs are well chosen to illustrate the native life.