Remains of Lost Empires. By P. V. N. Myers. (Sampson
Low.)— This volume contains the observations of a traveller among the ruins of Palmyra, Nineveh, Babylon, and Persepolis, and some historical ob- servations on the subjects there suggested. There is little chance of discovery in scenee that have boon so frequently visited, except, indeed, by means of excavations which Mr. Myers had not the opportunity of carrying on. At the same time, the plan of the work prohibits any exhaustive treatment of the history, nor do we perceive that Mr. Myers possesses any peculiar qualifications for his task. A volume of more moderate size might, indeed, have been more acceptable. An intelligent traveller who states the results of actual observation from the stand- point of a knowledge of history has generally something instructive, if not absolutely original, to say. Of this book, the most valuable part is the discussion of some dispute on questions of topography, a discussion which the author carries on with intelligence and knowledge, assisted, of course, by the results of personal inspection. From the historic East he went on to India,—there he finds himself within a different range of subjects. An Englishman cannot but be gratified to find an American speaking in high terms of our rule in India. American observers are not prejudiced in our favour, and therefore the testimony has the more value. Whatever may be the worth of Mr. Myers's judgment on details of government, his general impression of our desire to act justly to native races has a distinct value. An appendix gives an account of the glaciers in the Himalayas.
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