Bellows Falls times. [volume] (Bellows Falls, Vt.) 1856-1965, 1896-01-08
From Vermont to Damascus.

This is the title of finely printed and
beautifully illustrated book that has found
its way to the EDITORS desk. Topographic
cally the book is perfect, 1t is printed on
good book paper and is Illustrated with 1G
fine halftone cuts.
The author is Adna Brown of SPRING
| field, Vt. While Mr.. Brown is well and
iavorably known all over the state as an
unusually successful business man and a
gentleman Of unimpeachable reputation, he
appears in new role when he takes up the
pen and publishes book. For this reason
Mr.. Browns many friends will read this
little volume from sense of curiosity
They will want to see if the self made man
of business can also make a success of
authorship.
This volume has been on the market
only short time, yet is meeting with a
flattering sale. 1t was not published, how
ever, as financial venture, but at the
earnest solicitation of Mr. Browns friends
AS the title indicates, this volume is a
book Of travel and comprises letters WRIT
ten while the author and party were enjoy
ing trip to the Orient. To say these let
ters are interesting would not express the
whole truth. There is connection, a con-
tinuity that holds the attention Of the read
er as closely as many novels will. Read
ing one letter only whets the appetite for
the next. The style is peculiar and gives
an added charm from its very simplicity.
There is no attempt at rhetorical display !;
one who had never seen the author would
know that he is plain spoken man who
talks right on. He has something to say,
and says it in simple but pleasing language.
Many Of the descriptive passages while not
ranking with those of more noted travellers,
are really superior. The scenes at Gibral-
tar, Rome, Athens, various points in Egypt
and Palestine are pictured with a literary
skill that would do credit to master.
But the chief merit of the book depends
not so much on literary excellency as on
the fact that its pages are replete with in
formation. To one who has never travelled
in the East or read books of travel extern
sively, its description Of the various peo-
pies, thei, customs and ways of living is a
continual revelation. Here is specimen
paragraph
There is no tobacco raised in Egypt.
II a man should have piece of ground two
feet square covered with tobacco, he would
be liable to Imprisonment tor ten years.
This gives the government large revenue
and is the reason why the people are not
allowed to raise it. The people here are
ground to earth by taxation. American
slavery that we used to have, would be far
preferable. Wages are ten cents day.
and the laborer boards himself.
After stating that the law Of the Mohanl-
medans allows man four wives, the
writer says
''The law in these matters is mere let
ter and many Of the well-to-do Arabs have
20 wives instead of four. The man rides
his camel or donkey and the wife walks or
runs behind. The manageable age for
girls is u, boys 1S. We have seen many
young wife about that age with her baby
in her arms. They never educate the girls"
The letters were written from Italy.
Egypt, Holy Land, Greece, CONSTANT
nople, Paris, Scotland and England. The
book demonstrates that the writer is care
ful student of history and well versed in
the Scriptures. Whether writing from
historic Rome, from the home Of the
ancient Pharaohs, or the sacred soil of
Palestine, his historical and scriptural ref
erences are always accurate and apt. AS
no one can visit historic scenes to the best
advantage without good knowledge of
what transpired there, SO no one can read
book of travel with very keen relish unless
the present is explained in the light of the
past.
The author has appended a chapter en-
titled Useful Hints for Travellers which
will be read to good advantage by all
contemplating an ocean trip.
In his closing paragraph the writer says
that he returned to his native heath
stronger, truer American than ever and
he might have added more enthusiastic
Vermonter. While this volume will not
have large sale outside the circle of Mr..
Browns friends, it is creditable, enter
tanning and instructive book and gives its
author high rank in the literary fraternity
of the state.
Straws.
The average of national bank earnings
the last three years appears about one-half