book discusses in
an historico-philosophical vein the genesis, growth, and development of
the constitution of the American Republic, and the exposition attempted
in its pages, if not exhaustive, is yet lucid, masterly, and suggestive.
While unable to admit the soundness of some of the author's premises, or
to acquiesce in all his conclusions, we are glad to recognize the high
value of his contribution to the literature of a profoundly interesting
subject, which hitherto can hardly be said to have monopolized the
attention and thought of American historians. The author is probably
wrong in thinking that in the pages of his interesting little book he is
pursuing an almost entirely untravelled path, but there can be no doubt
that considerable credit is due to him, for pointing out the exceeding
fruitfulness of a too much neglected field of historical inquiry. The
chapters on the political and religious causes of the Revolution are
worthy of a careful reading, and indeed we cordially commend the book as
a whole to all who wish to know the "record of their country's birth,"
and the constitutional guaranties of their personal "peace, liberty and
safety."

* * * * *

_Battle of the Bush_,[I] by Robert B. Caverly, is a series of historical
dramas published in pamphlet form, to be subsequently consolidated,
according to the advertisement of the publisher, "into a neat volume of
about three hundred and fifty pages." To those in love with the curious
legends and romantic incidents of early colonial history this work in
its present attractive form will be especially welcome. The simplicity
as well as savagery of Indian life is here placed in conjunction and
contrast with the sober domestic manners and customs, high-toned
morality and religion of the early Pilgrim people. The various
relations between the two, incident to neighborhood, trade, and
intercourse,--relations sometimes of friendship and sometimes of
conflict,--are often strikingly exhibited, and the author succeeds in
awakening a genuine interest in those old-time affairs. The beautiful
illustrations which enrich the work give it an additional attraction and
value.

* * * * *

_Railroad Transportation; its History and its Laws_,[J] by Arthur J.
Hadley, is worthy of careful study, and is likely to attract some
attention, discussing, as it does, questions of railroad history and
management which have become