Black's First German Book. Phonetic Edition. By L. H. ALTHAUS. (ls. 6d.) Teachers who use phonetics will welcome this edition, the writing of which must have involved enormous labour. The number of these teachers will no doubt increase now that it is proposed in some quarters to raise compulsorily the school-leaving age to eighteen. We do not think that teachers will derive much assistance from the double sheet of Lesson Notes accompanying the volume. These notes are not nearly long enough, do not go enough into detail, and are too much concerned with general principles. Let Miss Althaus write a little volume of full notes. This would be very welcome, but it would have to omit such a note as this: "The costumes of the peasants represented on pages 7, 9, 11 are examples of the Hessische Trachten. The more prosperous the peasant, the more petticoats does his wife wear; on her wedding day a bride will proudly put on no less than twenty

two." Such a note is quite valueless for serious teachers. Moreover, the drawings give a very bad idea of Hessische Trachten. We think it bad policy at the present time to adorn the cover with a blazon of the German eagle and to introduce a drawing of a German general on page 51. Reasonable and sane people would not be offended by such Teutonic Realien, but the book under review will be taken into many homes the owners of which are not reasonable and (proof of their unreasonableness) are protesting hotly at the retention of German in school curricula. It is wise not to shut one's eyes to facts.

A New Pocket Dictionary of the English and Russian Languages. Compiled from the best Authorities by J. H. FREESE, M.A. (5s. net. Kegan Paul.)

This small dictionary appears at a time when it will be specially welcomed in view of the increasing number of extracts from Russian authors which are being published in this country. It is not full enough for very advanced students, but it is quite adequate to meet the demands of beginners. It has a useful introduction on participles, gerunds, auxiliaries and subordinate clauses, and particularly valuable information as to accent. The book is a scholarly production and Russian students will find it a most useful aid.

Elements of Analytic Geometry. By ZIWET and HOPKINS. (7s. net. Macmillan.)

In this textbook the first four chapters, on the straight line and circle, follow the usual plan. The parabola, however, is introduced as the graph of a polynomial of the second degree, and the methods of the calculus are used to find the derivative of the general polynomial in one variable. By regarding the parabola as the path of a projectile, the authors are able to introduce the idea of parametric equations in an interesting manner. The area of a parabolic segment is found by the methods of the integral calculus, and a proof is given of Simpson's rule. In the chapter on the ellipse, although the curve is shown to be the projection of a circle, the subject of conjugate diameters is treated analytically. The later chapters deal with special curves, and an important section contains a discussion on empirical curves, the use of logarithmic paper, &c. The part on Solid Geometry is not usually included in elementary textbooks, and is a welcome addition. The articles on contour lines have a special value. Examples are numerous.

The Supervision of Arithmetic. By JESSUP and COFFMAN. (5s. net. Macmillan.)

This book is the result of a series of surveys upon certain problems relating to the organization of arithmetical teaching. The authors base their conclusions very largely upon the painstaking investigations of Mr. van Houten, a superintendent of schools in Iowa. The subjects discussed include the use of textbooks, the elimination of those parts of arithmetic which owe their inclusion in the syllabus to tradition, the distribution of subjects over the different classes in the school, and the time devoted to drill in arithmetic. It is clear that the questions which are occupying the attention of teachers in America are much the same as in England, and it is interesting to find that in the lower classes in American schools quite half the time in arithmetic is devoted to the development of technical skill in dealing with numbers. Differential and Integral Calculus. By CLYDE E. Love, Ph.D. (9s. net. Macmillan.)

Many books on the calculus have recently been published for the benefit of students of physics and engineering. Among them, the work before us is sure to take a prominent place. As a first course for those who intend to pursue the subject in greater detail, it has also many advantages, especially in the accuracy of treatment and the frequent geometrical and physical illustrations. The short chapters on tracing curves are useful, though they provide no general method for determining on which sides of the asymptotes the curve lies. The differential coefficient of xn is found when n is a positive integer or commensurable fraction; it might

be well to add the case in which n is negative. The high price is likely to limit the usefulness of an excellent textbook. Second-Year Mathematics for Secondary Schools. By E. R. BRESLICH. (4s. net. Chicago University Press; Cambridge University Press.)

The "second-year course is mainly geometrical. It includes, with the usual additions, the substance of the first book of Euclid (latter part), the third, sixth, and eleventh books. There is no marked division between plane and solid geometry. Interspersed in the geometrical text are algebraical sections, inserted when required, on proportion, factors, quadratic equations, and equations with literal coefficients. There is also a chapter on trigonometrical ratios. In practice, most teachers vary the subjects on successive days. The question which they will have to consider before adopting this textbook is whether the author's alternations of subject are likely to meet their needs. The book itself is stimulating and full of interest. We may draw attention specially to the chapter on methods of proof and geometrical fallacies, the historical notes (which are much fuller than usual), and the portraits with brief biographical notices of Klein, Fermat, and Gauss. Model Drawing, Geometrical and Perspective, with Architectural Examples. By C. OCTAVIUS WRIGHT and W. ARTHUR RUDD. (6s. net. Cambridge University Press.)

The present day may truly be said to be witnessing the realization of Pestalozzi's aim-viz., to" psychologize education." We see this in many directions, and in this book we have yet another example. Model drawing has been an arid study for many generations of students, because it has dealt with abstract forms which, at any rate at the time of study, had little connexion with the world of reality. The authors have turned to the most natural field of reality-architecture-and, by concrete examples, have shown how these geometrical forms have a real existence in the world about them. The whole study must gain in interest and purpose in consequence. If the book is used in connexion with architectural models and we should add, though this is not directly suggested, with many photographs and drawings of buildings as a whole, and where possible personal observation of beautiful buildings-model drawing, both geometrical and perspective, even though an arduous study, will become a living and vital one, full of varied interest. The authors justly point out a new and illuminating treatment of the perspective of the circle.

44

The Nation's Histories."-(1) Poland, by G. R. SLOCUMBE; (2) Japan, by F. HADLAND DAVIS; (3) Germany, by W. T. WAUGH. (2s. 6d. net. Jack.)

This series provides useful introductions to National History. Each volume has useful maps and a valuable statistical summary. Of these three books Mr. Davis's has perhaps the most interesting material, and Mr. Waugh's the greatest grip. All three would be useful in a school library.

A Short History of Australia. By E. SCOTT. (3s. 6d. Oxford University Press.) This book has a romantic subject and treats it well. The little character sketches and well chosen detail make it very readable. The maps and biography are especially valuable. The German Colonial Empire. By P. GIORDANO. Translated by Mrs. G. HAMILTON. (2s. 6d. net. G. Bell.) A clear and adequate account of the rise of the German Colonies and a suggestive discussion of possible Italian claims to colonies in Africa and Asia Minor after the War. The translation is too literal; for instance, the German Marine Amt is rendered Ministry of Marines." The book needs a map and an index.

"

Sonnets and other Verses. By J. A. FOOT.
(2s. net. Chapman & Hall.)

This little book of sonnets and occasional verses by the Second Master of Winchester reminds us of Ionica, and will be treasured by all Wykehamists, as was Ionica by Etonians long before the outside world, or even the critics, had discovered the existence of William Johnson. There is, it is true, nothing here to match the haunting melody of "Somewhere beneath the Sun" or the dying fall of Oh earlier shall the roses blow," but there is throughout the same curiosa felicitas and the same classical faultlessness. The experiments in classical metres seem to us, as do Clough's Alcaics, tours de force. For instance, the Sapphics, with their double rimes

If ye love golden moderation only,

Neither yon hovel with its roof unmended,
Nor this rich palace shall be yours with lonely
Splendour unfriended-

might be termed a happy accident, and to translate all Horace's Odes on the same lines would be an impossible task.

Short Plays about Famous Authors. By MAUD MORRISON FRANK. (Wells Gardner.)

Goldsmith, Heine, Fanny Burney, Charles Dickens, and Shake

speare are the famous authors selected by Miss Frank for her protagonists. The plays are all well within the scope and capacity of juvenile actors, and suited for a holiday party of ambitious boys and girls. The child is father of the man, but we may doubt whether the Christmas Eve with Charles Dickens or the adaptation of Hood's Plea of the Midsummer Fairies will fulfil the author's intention of making the authors more real to actors who are already familiar with the Pickwick Papers and Midsummer Night's Dream. In the first two, again, they will miss all the rollicking fun of Tony Lumpkin and the mocking humour of the Reisebilder-if, indeed, Heine is to them more than a name. The Children at Kangaroo Creek. By FRANCES FITZGERALD. (2s. 6d. net. The British Australasian.)

A brightly told story of young child life, with its ups and downs. The setting is Australia, which adds novelty to the story. Crusading at Anzac, 1915. Pictured and described by Signaller ELLIS SILAS. Second edition. (1s. net. The British Australian.)

Generals Sir Ian Hamilton and Sir William Birdwood write kindly forewords to this collection of pen-and-ink sketches, with explanatory letterpress. Signaller Ellis Silas makes no attempt at giving consecutive historical facts, but his silhouettes bring vividly before us the horror of war and the almost incredible heroism of our brave Australian troops at Anzac.

Outposts of the Fleet. By Edward Noble.

(1s. net. Heinemann.)

These racy stories of the merchant service have appeared in the Yorkshire Post and other daily papers. As early as 1903 the author complained that there was no State recognition for the merchant service; nor is there, it might be answered, for the doctor, or the civil engineer as such. But heroes like captain Mason and Captain Binn are recognized by the State, and they find, too, their vates sacer.

Sketch-maps, with Historical Notes, August 1914 to May 1916. By P. R. CLAUSS. (1s. net. Blackie.)

These sketch-maps, with brief chronicles of events on the opposite pages, are just what a teacher of history requires as outlines for a lesson. The names are few, and it will be easy for the class under guidance to add more details. Unfortunately events move so rapidly that the last maps take us no farther than the loss of Kut in Mesopotamia in the April of 1916. "English Literature for Secondary Schools."—(1) British Orators.

Selected by J. H. FowLer. (2) Sertum: a Garland of
Prose Narratives. Edited by J. H. FOWLER and H. W. M.
PARR. (3 and 4) The Isle of Gramarye. Parts I and II.
By E. P. ROBERTS. (1s. each. Macmillan.)

The four volumes before us maintain the standard in interest of the rest of the series. An excellent idea of British oratory is given by the selection of the numerous pieces in the first-named book. In the second, it would seem that Kinglake occupies overmuch space, taking up four sections out of ten. The Isle of Gramarye consists of tales from old Britain taken from the pages of Geoffrey of Monmouth, Wace, and Layamon, and told in suitable language.

Abraham Cowley: The Essays and other Prose Writings.
Edited by A. G. GOUGH. (4s. 6d. Clarendon Press.)

A sympathetic introduction is supplied by the editor, who asserts that, though it was Cowley's poetry which brought him fame in his own day, it is his prose which wins our affection now, for in that sphere he was natural and broke away from the chains of tradition. Voluminous notes and an index make the edition suitable for the student.

American Prose (1607-1865). Selected and edited by WALTER C. BRONSON. (6s. net. University of Chicago Press and Cambridge University Press.)

This is the companion volume to Prof. Bronson's American Poems, and intended mainly for use in schools and colleges. It gives as far as possible entire works, and the speeches of Colhoun, Webster, and Lincoln are well adapted for a study of parliamentary oratory. The notes are somewhat scanty, and in the case of the later writers are confined to extracts from contemporary critics. We miss some famous American historians, such as Prescott and Parkman. The print is small but clear, and the price for a volume of over 700 pages extremely moderate.

The Oxford Song Book. Collected and arranged by PERCY BUCK. (5s. net; words only, 1s. 6d. net. Oxford University Press.)

This excellent collection will be genuinely welcomed in spite of many previous collections of a similar kind. The songs are mostly, though not entirely, national and folk songs, and are chosen with a view to the taste of the ordinary schoolboy and young man. The special feature of the book is that the tune is incorporated in the

accompaniment, which is written to suit the attainments of moderate pianists. We note one or two changes of the usual rhythm, not Charlie is my for the better, we think-e.g. in the second part of Darling," and particularly the use of the dotted quaver and semiquaver instead of quavers in "Pretty Polly Oliver," which destroys its grace and stateliness. The Russian Anthem, too, loses something of its dignity by the attempt to have a note for each syllable. But these are minor criticisms of a delightful and much-needed book.

The Simplified Spelling Society (44 Great Russell Street) send us a second edition of their Ferst Reeder. The spelling has been brought up to date and an English passage of prose added. Experiment has shown that by beginning with simplified spelling, even if normal spelling is ultimately adopted, five months of an infant's schooling may be saved.

RUSSIAN.

A First Russian Reader. By FRANK FREETH.
(2s. 6d. Kegan Paul.)

The introductory note to this reader tells us that it is intended to provide the next step for the student after he has mastered the rudiments of the Russian grammar. The author, in his anxiety to enable English students to pronounce Russian words when transliterated, has adopted a system of his own, representing the Russian word by what seems to him the nearest approximation to There are its correct sound as expressed by English letters. several points in this process which seem open to dispute. To give only one example, the author habitually represents the English combination aw as the correct pronunciation of the Russian open o, which is simply identical in sound with the Italian open o in scuola and with the present English West-country pronunciation of the same letter. The Italian pronunciation of scuola is not identical with " squaller," though many English speakers seem to think that it is so. It is gratifying to be able to announce that an accurate account of the sounds in Russian is being prepared by a Russian savant and reproduced in phonetics. There is too little constancy in English combinations of letters to permit of the author's system of teaching Russian pronunciation by English letters without further comment. But for Parts II and III of this reader we have nothing but praise. The easy sentences and the more difficult passages are alike well chosen; the Russian text confronts its English reproduction, and whoever has taken the trouble to master the exercises in this reader will be able to read This with facility any ordinary non-technical Russian book. reader may therefore be safely recommended to students, with the proviso that they would do well to take a few lessons in pronunciation from an experienced Russian teacher before setting out on the task of mastering its contents.

Russian Composition. By SOLOMONOFF.
(3s. 6d. net. Kegan Paul.)

This book is intended to be used in classes under the guidance of an instructor. But the directions given are scholarly and lucid: so that even those students who have not the benefit of a teacher will find the work a very useful aid. The exercises in advanced Russian composition are especially worthy of commendation: the pieces chosen are intrinsically interesting and amusing, and the hints given by the instructor are just what is needed for the advanced student.

Volper's Russian Accidence in Tables. Adapted for English Students and provided with a full Index and Grammatical Glossary by MARK SIEFF. (3s. 6d. net. Kegan Paul.) This is an edition prepared in England of a compilation made by a Russian schoolmaster, whose books on Russian grammar are, according to the preface, used in practically every school of those provinces in Russia where the language of the native population is non-Russian. As a complete manual of Russian accidence this compilation would be hard to beat. It must be observed, however, that the book is almost entirely in Russian, and is therefore only likely to be useful to those who can read that language with ease. For such students many of the tables of declensions of nouns, and, generally speaking, of the simpler parts of accidence, will be superfluous; the simplest Russian phrases cannot be understood without them. The most useful part of the manual appears to us to be the tables containing the conjugation of verbs, a full list of which is given, with all their so-called irregularities, as such information is not to be found in any of the Russian dictionaries yet published in England. It was a happy thought to introduce to the English Russian-learning public a treatise published in Russia on the way that Russian should be learnt, but it would probably be of more use to English students to have an edition in English, and one containing less matter to master. The accentuation is somewhat eccentric, the stress accent being marked sometimes by a grave and sometimes by an acute accent.

UNIVERSITIES AND SCHOOLS.

WALES.

The co-existence of two types of secondary schools in Wales is likely to revive in the near future the problem of differentiating between them so that the particular function of each may be more clearly defined. This will be a very difficult problem to solve, because the newer secondary schools have been allowed to develop, as a rule, without much regard for existing facilities for secondary education, so that in many instances they conform, as far as their curriculum is concerned, to the normal type of intermediate schools. A certain amount of overlapping has, therefore, inevitably taken place which, it is felt, could easily have been avoided if the unfortunate friction between the Central Welsh Board and the Welsh Department had been obviated. It is well known that one of the main reasons why so many Welsh Education Authorities are at present agitating so vigorously for a Welsh National Council of Education is the hope that its creation will be the most effective means of co-ordinating all types of secondary schools and of evolving a truly effective and economical system. Some of the counties, and especially Glamorgan, are also considering a scheme for linking up the primary schools with the secondary schools, which will replace the present somewhat haphazard method of transference from the former to the latter. Experience has shown, more particularly in the populous centres like Glamorgan, that a large proportion of the boys and girls who gain free places remain only a year or two at the intermediate school. The resulting benefit to themselves is small, and they dislocate the organization of the secondary school. To overcome this difficulty, it is now suggested that each pupil, as he attains the age of eleven or twelve, will be required to decide whether he proposes to complete the normal secondary school course of four years, or merely to prolong his education for one or two years longer. If he decides on a short course, he will be transferred to a new type of secondary school with a limited curriculum, in which the normal course will not extend over more than three years. The details of the scheme have not yet been considered, but it is on these lines that the new type of school will probably be developed. There is a great deal to be said in favour of the principle, provided (1) that a pupil who feels that he has made a wrong choice is given an opportunity of rectifying his mistakes during the first year, and (2) ample safeguards against overlapping are devised.

Lectures.

The Workers' Educational Association, in conjunction with the University College of Cardiff, arranged an excellent series of public lectures which attracted attention on account of the prominence of the lecturers. The Master of Balliol dealt with "The National Opportunity," in which he pleaded for a wise expenditure on the right things-like education. With the growing belief in knowledge, he was confident there would be no tendency to starve education. The Rev. W. Temple also delivered an able address on education. He demands a higher standard of education as the only means of re-establishing our industrial stability. He also dwelt on the necessity of developing a keener corporate life in our newer secondary schools, as well as in the primary schools. Prof. Muirhead, of The Service of the State "; and Mr. Birmingham, lectured on A. E. Zimmern, late Fellow of New College, Oxford, on "The Commonwealth of Industry," which contrasted our industrial system with the Prussian system. Unfortunately, there are not many localities in Wales besides Cardiff which can hope to organize such an excellent lecture scheme.

We regret to record the death of Mr. J. G. Davies, M.A., the Head Master of Neath County School, at the age of forty-seven. Mr. Davies was the first head master of this school, which has developed under his charge into one of the largest of the dual schools in Wales. Mr. Davies was an active member of the Guild of Graduates, at one time acting as its Warden. Though he did not take a prominent share in public discussions on educational questions, yet he was recognized by his colleagues as a very earnest teacher and an able organizer.

IRELAND.

A meeting of the Senate of Dublin University was held on February 20, for the purpose of conferring degrees. Among the recipients was Prof. John Pope, who was admitted to the degree of M.A. (ad eundem, Cambridge). Prof. Pope has held the Chair of Modern Indian Languages in Trinity College since 1911, previously to which he was engaged for over thirty-seven years in educational work in India, being a Fellow of Calcutta University,

a member of the Indian Universities Commission, and President of the Commission for reporting on and revising European education. His lectures on "Modern India," delivered in Trinity College during the term, have drawn a large outside attendance.

At a meeting of the Senate on March 17, the Board's graces were approved for conferring honorary degrees on General Jan Christiaan Smuts (LL.D.); Prof. J. A. McClelland, of University College, Dublin (D.Sc.); and the Rev. Edmund H. Fellowes, Precentor in Windsor Chapel (Mus.D.).

The Senate of the National University, at a meeting on March 3, approved the following recommendations made by the General Board of Studies: that Russian should be included among the modern languages approved for matriculation; and that certain exemptions and honorary War degrees should be awarded to certain students who have completed a substantial part of their courses, in consideration of their War service. The Senate also adopted the suggestion received from the Board of Education, Whitehall, that special arrangements should be made for the examination of prisoners of war who are pursuing their studies in captivity, either while abroad or on their return home.

The Literary and Historical Society of University College, Dublin, at a meeting subsequent to that of the Senate, passed a resolution protesting against the proposal to confer degrees on persons who had not duly attended any of the Colleges of the University or pursued the appropriate course of study, as being calculated to depreciate the degrees of the University.

In a recent reply to one of the Irish members in the House of Commons, Mr. Duke said he had received a deputation in Dublin during the Parliamentary recess with regard to the much criticized rule of the Intermediate Board, imposing a written examination for science students, and he promised that, when the rules in question came up, they would be carefully considered by the Executive.

In answer to a question from Mr. Dillon on the 5th inst. as to whether it was proposed to introduce a Bill dealing with education in Ireland at the same time as the Bill promised by the President of the Board of Education for England, Mr. Duke replied that no Bill had been drafted and that, owing to the fundamental difference between the machinery of education in Ireland and in England and the compromise on matters of religious differences represented in the constitution of Irish educational authorities, it would be difficult to introduce any legislative measures without careful preliminary inquiry.

The Civil Service Estimates relating to Education, Science, and Art, issued on March 19, show that the net sum required for the United Kingdom for the year 1917-18 is £21,412,175, of which £15,159,780 go to the Board of Education, £2,513,765 to Scottish and £1,818,018 to Irish education. The Irish Estimates show a decrease of £173,566 as compared with 1916-17, but this is due to the fact that a supplementary grant of nearly £178,880 had to be raised last year on account of the change from quarterly to monthly payment of teachers' salaries, an expense which will not recur. Of the sum required this year, administration expenses account for £32,167; inspection for £49,094; training colleges, ƒ62,713; teachers' salaries (including school grant of £24,000), £1,460,960; other school expenses, including organizing teachers, work mistresses, evening schools, grants for books, for heating and cleansing, and for medical treatment, £95,020; manual and practical education, £12,415; superannuation, &c., of teachers, £60,158; and model schools, pupil teachers and monitors, and teachers' residences for most of the balance.

A deputation representing pensioned Irish National school teachers waited on Mr. Duke, and subsequently on the Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasury, on February 23, to press their claims for a War bonus. The Treasury, after consideration, declared themselves unable to accede to the teachers' request.

The Commissioners of National Education have declared their willingness to sanction an arrangement whereby senior pupils may, under their teachers' supervision, devote part of the ordinary school time (not to exceed an average of two hours weekly) to the work of food production in the playground, or any other plot available close to the school, the pupils being allowed some share in the produce. The scheme is not to be adopted in playgrounds less than one-tenth of an acre in exent.

A deputation representing various social and philanthropic bodies waited on the Local Government Board on February 29 to urge them to give powers to the Corporation to strike a retrospective rate in order to provide for the continuation of meals for necessitous school children in Dublin until the new rate is struck. The Board have complied with this request, and it has thus been rendered possible to continue the meals, at any rate over the severest season of the year.

A conference was held on March 14 at the City of Dublin Muni(Continued on page 234.)