Some Books of the Week
A VERY charming dedication predisposes the reader towards The People of the Leaves, by Vivian Meik (Philip Allan, 12s. 6d.). His hopes will not have been misplaced, for he will be guided by Mr. Meik into the forests of Rairakhol, which (he tells us) in the spaciousness that is India, is about as small as the palm of a fairy's hand—but it is as beautiful." Guided by the fugitive vision of a face seen for a moment, by a hand uplifted for a second, the author at last found the little people of his search. Sheltered by their all but impenetrable forests, these People of the Leaves have survived in ever- decreasing numbers, timid but gracious, knowing little of the outside world save for the occasional brutality of a " chowkidar." Beyond a description of the dance of the full moon and his account of the weaving of the leaf-girdles, very fortunately for us Mr. Meik has not limited himself to a recital of concrete facts : but in delightful and allusive prose he has brought the people before us emotionally with far more pre- cision and sincerity than a bald tabulation of facts could have done. We can feel his experiences with him, and incidentally are privileged to a self-revelation which proves the People of the Leaves to have been fortunate in their interpreter. A notable book, well illustrated and well produced.
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