New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-12-11

possessing the ability to make delightful draw
ings of them, the reader takes up his book with
the assurance of being entertained, if not in
structed, and. in truth, is not disappointed.
AS the title indicates, the narrative is told in
the form of a log. although, unlike most logs it
begins before the construction of the craft. The
amazement of the inhabitants of Brunnadern
in the Toggenburg eastern Swtzerland) at
being called upon to engage in shpbuidng
may be imagined. Fortunately. their previous
experience did not qualify them to criticise
either the design method of construction of
the 2O-foOt flat bOttomed, yawl rugged ark that
Mr.. Maxwell laid down in the village carpenter
shop. There is more than a suspicion that this
determining factor in the authors choice
of locality for carrying on his boat building
operations. The vessel was mostly ribs. half of
them iron ones, and was covered with inch
planking, reinforced with rubbing streaks. The
bow was shod with sheet iron and two finlike
leeboards added to the grotesque appearance
of the craft. However, it hoated, and it sailed.
and it could everlastingly go with the current,
sometimes broadside on and sometimes stern
foremost, to be sure, which added to the ex-
element of navigation and rendered difficult the
avoidance of obstacles. such as rocks shoals,
bridges and the like.
AS events proved, Mr.. Maxwell had not over
that would be required of the Griffin She sank
various occasions. and had to be hauled out
for less extensive repairs. Reading of
the shippers hairbreadth escapes from danger
GUS and uncomfortable situations, one readily
sympathizes with him. and lays it to no lack of
hardihood when he accepts the offer of a
venient tow, even when he accomplshes
part of his journey swung from the davits of
friendly steamboat. Like Lawrence, he would
not give up the ship, and his account of himself
and his mate-he had picked up his friend Cot
tington Taylor at Kehl,-ving aboard the boat,
cooking their own meals and sleeping in the tiny
cabin. suspended meanwhile in midair like house
painters on ladder is probably unique in the
annals of inland or any other navigation
The log. a log should, concerns itself with
"the conduct of the crew. and the story of the
voyage. The author wisely refrains from elab-
crate descriptions of the much described scenic
beauties OF the Rhine. He amply and agreeably
supplies the omission with the numerous
sketches in color which illustrate the volume.
Mr.. Taylor likewise effectively fulfils his duties
as second in command by contributing his share
of the even hundred clever pen and ink draw
ings Of persons and places Illuminating the text.
But this log as few logs do concerns itself with
the conduct of the crew ashore as well as afioat.
thereby adding much the enjoyment of the
reader Else how would he have learned of the
pretty daughter of the BurgOmaster OF We're, on
the island of Walcheren, in the Netherlands,
and of the havoc she wrought with the hearts
of captain and mate? Fortunately. they were
able to tear themselves away from this isle of an
exemplary Calypso while they still
speaking terms with each other, a desirable
state of affairs to maintain 20-foot yawl.
and so pleasantly to complete the voyage-with
the assistance OF mail boats davits as far as
the Kentish coast-to Teddington- on Thames A
breezy informal wholly delightful narrative OF
an original adventure Is 1.-The Log OF the Griffin.