28 NOVEMBER 1891, Page 22

In Nelson's Days. By George Hewett. ( Wells Gardner, Darton,

and Co.)—Mr. Hewett tells in these pages a spirited little story of naval adventure. Joe Mathers is a youngster belonging to a seafaring family whom his mother had somehow contrived to keep at home. He is taken by a press-gang, refuses his freedom when it is offered to him on the score of his youth, takes kindly to his duties, and finally distinguishes himself at the Battle of Trafalgar. The story is not, we think, improved by the intro- duction of a villain who bears a spite against Joe, seeks to do him harm, and finally meets with his deserts. Perhaps the best scene in the book is the story of the mutiny on board the 'Penelope.' Mr.

Hewett evidently knows something of the sea and of naval history.