Modern Argentina. By W. H. Koebel. (F. Griffiths. 12s. 6d.
net.)—" The El Dorado of To-Day" is the sub-title which Mr. Koebel gives to his book. It is a doubtful compliment, for El Dorados—and there have been many in the history of finance and adventure—have given not a little trouble to their discoverers and prospectors. What our author has to say about the country is, however, very satisfactory. There are some oddities, as they seem to a European observer, in its ways and customs, but the elements of life are sufficiently sound and stable. What could be of happier omen, anyway—from one point of view, at least—than that football has become the national game ? If the lottery were abolished, we might be still more assured of a prosperous future. But then one must not be impatient. Great reforms are not made in a day. Buenos Ayres, for a city not more than three centuries old, has advanced with fair rapidity. There is much that is interesting to read about rural matters and about other States in South America, as Uruguay and Chile. The illustrations are numerous and good.
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