Though primarily devoted to the present-day aspects of the countries visited--their pressing political problems, industrial experiments, and further possibilities of development, social structure, and national ideals--the book takes many excursions into the past, and ventures now and then into prediction concerning the future. Life takes on novel and curious aspects in these alien lands, where there is more regard for festivals than for public improvements, and the outlander must take his chances of meager accommodation in inns by courtesy, surrounded by a careless, pleasure-loving throng. How this populace differs from the rest of the Latin-American world, what are their customs, diversions, inmost thoughts, and ideals--these are topics on which the author enlarges, in keenly observant fashion, and with the true spirit of an experienced traveler. The volume has many fine illustrations, and through its descriptive passages runs a vein of excellent humor."--N. Y. _Sun_. * * * * * The Winning of the Far West A History of the Regaining of Texas, of the Mexican War, of the Oregon Question; and of the Successive Additions to the Territory in the United States within the Continent of America, 1829-1867 By Robert McNutt McElroy, Ph.D. Edwards Professor of American History, Princeton University Author of "Kentucky in the Nation's History," etc. _8°. With Illustrations and Maps. $2.50_ This volume is designed as a continuation of Theodore Roosevelt's well-known work, _The Winning of the West_. It begins with the history of the Texas Revolution under General Sam Houston, tracing the origin of that struggle to President Jackson's determination, so often announced in his letters of that period, to "regain Texas, peaceably if we can, forcibly if we must." The author has had access to large collections of Jackson's letters, most of which have never been published, and his treatment of the subject is distinctly new. The volume then traces the origin of the Mexico-American war, showing from official documents that the declaration of war was not due to the encounter between the forces of General Taylor and those of General Arista on the banks of the Rio Grande, but had been positively decided upon by President Polk and his Cabinet before the news of that engagement reached Washington. The Mexican War is treated in detail, the accounts of the battles being based upon official documents and military reports. The events leading up to the conquest of New Mexico and California, and the settlement of the old controversy over the ownership of the Oregon region, are treated as phases of the western movement. Then follows a full discussion of the Compromise of 1850, and the volume closes with the Purchase of Alaska. * * * * * Mountaineering and Exploration in the Selkirks A Record of Pioneer Work among the Canadian Alps, 1908-1912 By Howard Palmer