shipboard, are fully demonstrated with diagrams.  Marches, manoeuvres, detachments, battles, are fully disclosed.  Such investigations, when the French, Italian, or German language was the medium, were comparatively easy; but in order to give a proper comparative view, he was obliged also to study Russian, which he did successfully; by this means he has given us a masterly summary of the Russian system, with its immense battalions, its thousands of military schools, and its Cossack skirmishers, of wonderful endurance and formidable fierceness.

The volume is a complete description in detail of the principal armies, and of wider scope than would be expected; for, while the author has been very full upon the special topics assigned him, which did not include the duties of Engineers and Engineer Troops, it is easy to see everywhere that these latter would intrude themselves with the siren charms of a first love, and nothing but the record could dissolve the spell.  Indeed, he urgently recommends to the Government the organization of Engineer troops, specifying their equipments, points of instruction, and duties.  In this department, his description of Military Bridges is of great value.  Incident to the faithful descriptions contained in the Report, and by far the most valuable feature of the work, we would specify his comments upon all that he saw.  They are manly and bold, but raisonnes and just.  They give token of that originality of thought which we call genius.  The opening chapter on the Crimean War is the only fair critique of that gallant, but mismanaged campaign we remember to have seen.  The author’s object is to exhibit the movements of both Allies and Russians

  “As truth will paint them, and as bards will
      not.”

When MeClellan’s work first appeared, the “Athenaeum” took up spear and shield; but, selon conseil, McClellan declined to reply, and the champion fought the air, without injuring the record.

A prime interest attaches to this work, because, unconsciously, the author has given us, in advance, his repertory of instruments and principles.  From the written word we may anticipate the brilliant achievement, while in every case the action may be tested by a reference to the recorded principle.

The retirement of Scott places McClellan in a position where he will have neither partner nor censor in his plans and movements.  The graceful and appropriate manner in which the old veteran leaves the field, which age and infirmity will no longer allow him to command, is but a fitting prelude to the military rule of one upon whose brow the dew of youth still rests, and who brings to his responsible task the highest qualities, combined with a veneration for the noble virtues and an emulation of the magnanimous career of his predecessor, at once honorable and inspiring.

Spare Hours.  By JOHN BROWN, M.D., Author of “Rab and his Friends.”  Boston:  Ticknor & Fields. 16mo.