Burma under British Rule—and Before

Abstract

LITTLE more than a year ago a most beautifully illustrated, interesting volume on “Burma,” by Max and Bertha Ferrars, appeared, which has been most favourably received. And now we have a second work on Burma. This comparatively recent part of the empire, then, receives a full share of attention, and not the least interesting part of the business is that both Mr. Ferrars and Dr. Nisbet are retired Burma forest officers. Even a cursory glance at the books will show that these two gentlemen have become most intimately acquainted with the customs and character of the Burmese. As a matter of fact, though this has not always been admitted, there is no branch of the Indian services the members of which come into closer contact with the inhabitants away from towns, than Indian forest officers. If it is remembered that in many cases the peoples in question live in out of the way places and that many of them never see a magistrate or a judge, it will readily be acceded that the selection and training of the members of the Indian forest service should be done with special care, since the happiness of millions of ignorant people depends to a considerable extent on the tact and sympathy of these officers.

Burma under British Rule—and Before.

By John Nisbet Two volumes. Pp. xvii + 912. (Westminster: Archibald Constable and Co., Ltd., 1901.) Price 32s. net.