Reviews.

“The Yellow Joss,” by Ion L. Idriess (Angus and Robertson, Sydney), is a collection of short stories built on actual fact and experience. The locale of most of them is in and about the wildest portions of Australia. As is to be expected from such a well known and experienced writer, Mr. Idriess handles his stories with skill and artistry. They are all interesting, and a revelation of the triumphs and tragedies to be found in the battle for existence in the wilder portions of the great Australian continent. It is well worth adding to the fast growing library of Australian books.

“Conflict,” by E. V. Timms (Angus and Robertson, Sydney), is one of the most ambitious novels ever published in Australia. It is a long time since a story held me so strongly. It is a romance of the 17th century. The scene changes rapidly from the tragedies of simple fisher folk to the intrigues of people in high places; from glittering ballroom to the horrors of the galley slaves; from Bishop's Palace to the pirate quarter deck. The huge canvas is painted in vivid and striking colours by the power of the author's pen. I must confess though that the reiteration of the alleged wholesale profanity of the period will be wearisome to some and objectionable to others. Likewise, adherents of the Old Faith will not appreciate the fact that the author has made the deepest-dyed villain of the peace, held up to scorn and ridicule, a high placed ecclesiastic.

“Concrete for the Farm and Home.” The handyman will be keenly interested in this booklet, recently published. The mixing and laying down of concrete is to many an otherwise handy man full of insurmountable difficulties. This book sets out in the simplest and most practical manner possible the whole formulae of concrete mixing and the construction of the multitudinous forms in which it is laid out for the improvement of home and farm. Paths, pavements, motor drives, tanks, walls, steps, etc., are all described under their separate headings in a manner that allows of no mistake. The illustrations are numerous and most helpful. This most useful book may be had free by sending 3d. in stamps to “Concrete,” Box 134, Wellington.