and discreet technicalities of the communiques, could form no real impression of the kind of fighting or of the results of each phase of it.  The author has collected the accounts or reports, so that the strokes and counter-strokes (for there was nothing passive in this siege) of the epic combats round Douamont, Fort Vaux, the Woevre, Malancourt, Avocourt and the Mort Homme are intelligibly reconstructed.  Comment in the form of personal anecdotes of individual heroism is added.  Perhaps the most illuminating touch is in the letter of poor Feldwebel KARL GARTNER, which was to have been despatched to his mother by a friend going on leave, so as to escape the Censor’s eye.  It began in a mood of robustious confidence and ended (or rather was interrupted by GARTNER’S capture) on the most despairing note.  And this was seven months before the most brilliant counter-attack in the history of the War slammed the door once for all in the face of the enemy.

* * * * *

[Illustration:  Theatrical Manager.  “THIS WON’T DO, YOU KNOW.  IT’S NOT A LAUGH—­IT’S A YAWN!”

Poster Artist.  “WELL, THAT’S BECAUSE YOU WERE IN SUCH A HURRY FOR THE SKETCH THAT YOU WOULDN’T GIVE ME TIME TO LET THE IMPRESSION OF THE PIECE WEAR OFF.”]

* * * * *

    “The scheme of utilising vacant spaces in London is being taken up
    enthusiastically in the provinces.”—­Evening Standard.

At the same time the scheme of utilising vacant spaces in the provinces is being welcomed with similar enthusiasm in London.

* * * * *

    “Vigorous complaints against the proposal to establish an overhead
    electric system of tramways in Edinburgh were made this afternoon.

    Lord Strathclyde declared that the overhead wires proposal had
    electrified the citizens.”—­Scottish Paper.

There must be something seriously wrong with the insulation.

* * * * *

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