A Pictorial History of the Thames. Compiled and edited by
A. S.
Krausse. (Chatto and Windus.)—This seems to be a very complete book of its kind. Starting from Thames Head, we are conducted by it as far as Richmond, hearing by the way of any notable historical associations, of the various objects of interest, and other matters which may concern a traveller on the Thames. One of these subjects is the Thames Conservancy, and the editor takes occasion to give some facts of importance. One concerns the towing-path. Below Staines, this belongs to the Conservancy, and virtually to the public. Above, it is rented (though, practically, the rent is in many cases not demanded) of the riparian pro- prietors. These proprietors might, no doubt; warn the public off ; but they seldom do so. In fact, we know of only one instance, that of the short piece of path on the Oxfordshire shore near Mapledurham Lock. Here Mr. Blount stands upon his rights. The income of the Thames Conservancy is some- thing under £5,000 per annum, the pleasure traffic giving three- fourths of this ; but it is not adequate to the demands upon it. They might very well increase their tolls, especially upon steam-launches, which certainly are not taxed in proportion to the annoyance they cause, and, what is perhaps more to the point, to the damage they do to the banks. The volume is copiously illustrated.
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