224 REVIEWS OF RECENT BOORS 



It will be a new thing such as we know not of, and we cannot foresee 

 what it portends to the western peoples or to the orient itself. There 

 is probably no "brown" or "yellow" peril to occidental civilization 

 but it seems very probable that the day is not far distant when crown 

 colonies and "spheres of influence" will vanish because of the trouble 

 and expense of maintaining them. 



However, optimism will always find hope for something better 

 to come. , H. C. 



Across Mongolian Plains. By Koy Chapman Andrews. New York. 



D. Appleton and Company. 

 This is a narrative of a journey made by Mr. Andrews and his com- 

 panions to Mongolia whither they went to obtain a representation of 

 the fauna from the North Eastern part of Asia — as a preliminary to 

 and in preparation of the great expedition which is projected into 

 Asia — an expedition which will conduct work in various branches 

 •of science, and not alone in the Naturalist's branch. The book 

 has been written, "entirely from the Sportsman standpoint." 

 "Scientific details have been avoided as far as possible." The 

 author designed the narrative for the general public. It admirably 

 fulfils this intention. It is written in vigorous style with vivid 

 descriptions. 



The volume throws much light on the fauna of Mongolia, as well 

 as on the nature of the country and its commercial possibilities. 

 These are very great and most promising. He appeals specially to 

 Americans to keep this in mind and make preparations for the 

 development of these wide territories. 



These vast and undulating plains are the training grounds of 

 freedom and independency of spirit as well as great self-reliance. 

 Inevitably the hard conditions tend to breed a harshness of disposition 

 which is evident in the treatment of prisoners and in many elements 

 of social life. Most of all it is seen in the eruptions of conquering 

 armies such as those of Kublai Khan, whose fierce cruelty and 

 appalling devastation * of flourishing communities are the flaming 

 fires of history. Mongolia is a place of arid deserts, undulating plains, 

 wide vistas. Its wealth of grass and luxuriance of variegated flowers, 

 its clear and stimulating air will attract the traveller. It is the 

 place of nomads to-day ; will it ever become the place of settled homes. 



The Sportsmen endured many hardships and faced some dangers. 

 They deserved the rich rewards they got in Specimens. The tale of 

 the hunt of the Wapiti, the Goral, the Roebuck ; the encounters with 

 the wild boar of Shansi and the shooting of easier game is well told. 



