Practical Forms of Agreements. By H. MOORE. Second Edition, revised and edited by T. LAMBERT MEARS. London: Wm. Clowes & Sons, Limited. 1887. 8vo. xvi and 477 pp.

THE existence of this book is amply justified by the fact that within a little more than three years a second edition is demanded by the agreementmaking public. The outcome of Mr. Moore's labours has now been revised by Mr. Mears. The advantage of a second eye travelling independently over the same ground is an obvious one, and the result is a convenient and accurate handbook covering, as the title-page informs us, such subjects. as sales and purchases, enfranchisements and exchanges, mortgages and loans, letting and renting, hiring and service, building and arbitrations, debtors and creditors, not to speak of the forty miscellaneous forms adapted to purposes so varied as on the one hand the equalising of old and new shares in a company, and on the other the bestowal of a douceur for giving information in support of title. To have so multifarious a collection of precedents in the compass of a single volume is something gained. Mr. Moore's book is far more accessible to the ordinary purse, and manageable by the ordinary hand, than are the tomes to which the shelves of Lincoln's Inn are accustomed. Its aim is, we learn, to be suggestive. Mr. Moore's object is to provide a collection of precedents which would serve as practical suggestions to rather than as forms to be copied out by-those engaged in reducing to writing a contract, the heads of which have been more or less definitely agreed upon between the parties themselves.' It would seem that Mr. Moore has aimed well and has hit the mark. Certainly the reader of Mr. Moore's form of lease, which takes up eighteen pages of this book, is far more likely to be bewildered by the plethora of suggestion than to find himself at a loss for ideas upon the subject. For, to some minds, it is far harder to reject a suggestion which is authoritatively put before you than to devise and cope single-handed with difficulties of your own invention. However, Mr. Moore's book has been tried and found to be a good book, and it seems to have lost nothing in the hands of Mr. Mears. Perhaps it might have gained more, for example, a table of cases, sometimes the readiest apparatus for directing the practitioner to the point for which he is searching. And we think that the hand of Mr. Mears would not have been sacrilegious had it ventured to correct the grammar of the opening paragraph of the preface which Mr. Moore wrote in 1884.

Chitty's Index to all the Reported Cases decided in the several Courts of Equity in England, the Privy Council, and the House of Lords, with a selection of Irish Cases, etc. Fourth Edition. By HENRY EDWARD HIRST. Volume V. containing the title Practice and Pleading.' London: Stevens & Sons; H. Sweet & Sons; W. Maxwell & Son. 1887. La. 8vo. xlii and 4211-5372 pp. YET again we have to say that Mr. Hirst has done his work excellently well. It was in lines published only last April that we wished Mr. Hirst success in his struggle with the hydra-headed 'Practice,' and now in January, when these lines are read, he has already vanquished the foe in volume v., and has, we believe, promised volume vi. speedily. There is no doubt much of the work lying ready to Mr. Hirst's hand. Yet when we remember how many rules of Court must have been made, and how many practice cases must have been decided in the thirty years which have run between the end of 1853, when the third edition of Chitty' was published, and 1883, the year to which Mr. Hirst is now making his work complete,

we cannot but realise how laborious is the task with which the compiler has coped in the volume before us. Even the closely printed table of contents to the title Practice and Pleading' occupies thirty-four double-columned pages. The arrangement of this table would be better if thoroughly alphabetical, and in the body of the work the figures used might have been more clearly differentiated. But although in times past we have criticised Mr. Hirst's work, now as its task is drawing to a close-and progressing far more rapidly, be it observed, than in the days when he was a collaborateur -we must confess to a feeling that criticism is comparatively useless, that it is the eleventh or even the thirteenth hour, and too late to alter the plan or impair the consistency of the work. If faults there are and no book is faultless-we have noted them before, and we need not do so again. The third edition of Chitty' is practically obsolete. The fourth is gradually winning its way into the practitioner's library. Its value there is known and appreciated. But its value will be doubled for purposes of reference when the last volume containing the index of cases comes into our hands.

Histoire du droit et des institutions de la France. Par E. GLASSON Tome 1er. Paris: F. Pichon. 1887.

M. GLASSON has set himself the task of comparing French, English, and Norman law and institutions, and tracing them from their common foundations to those divergencies into which they developed. He began with the history of English law and institutions. His six portly volumes1 on this subject are well known to English readers. M. Glasson's new work is not likely to be inferior in quality to his previous one, seeing that he is now writing upon a subject with which he must necessarily be more in touch than with the unwritten common law of England.

The author adheres to his division into periods, subdivided into identical chapters, according to the subject-matter. He thinks this more reasonable than the suggestion made by some English critics that he should deal with individual institutions in a more consecutive manner.

The present volume is devoted to the Roman and the Gallo-Roman epochs, with an introduction on prehistoric times, and the making of the French people. On this subject M. Glasson is, if anything, still more decided than his predecessors in claiming almost exclusive Celtic origin for his race. He observes (p. 76): De tout ce qui précède il est permis de conclure que la nation française est née de Celtes et de Gaulois romanisés ; au sud de la Loire l'élément celtique domine sans mélange sérieux de sang romain, bien que toute la population ait adopté la civilisation romaine; aux extrémités de l'Ouest, la race celtique ou gauloise est encore moins mélangée; enfin au nord de la Loire, au centre et à l'Est, la race gauloise domine manifestement, tout en subissant l'influence des mœurs et institutions germaniques. ... Le caractère et le génie gaulois sont demeurés à peu près intacts parmi nous. Les Romains d'abord et les Germains ensuite n'ont jamais formé qu'une minorité dans la nation .... Il suffit de rapprocher le tableau que nous fait César des Gaulois de son temps avec le caractère et le génie actuel du peuple français pour se convaincre de la parfaite identité des anciens habitants de la Gaule avec ceux qui vivent aujourd'hui sur son sol.... Ceux qui nous qualifient de race latine commettent une grossière erreur . . . La race est celtique ou gauloise; les institutions, romaines ou germaniques; la langue, latine.'

....

1 Histoire du droit et des institutions de l'Angleterre.

Pedone-Lauriel, 1882-3.

We may mention that the main divisions are preceded by exhaustive bibliographical tables, in which the labours of other workers in the same field are judiciously classified.

Traité de droit commercial maritime. Par ARTHUR DESJARDINS. Tome sixième. Paris: Pedone-Lauriel. 1887.

In the new volume of his exhaustive and masterly treatise M. Desjardins deals with marine insurance. Here, as in previous volumes, the author has examined the historical theories and researches of others, adding the results of his own labours; but the bulk of the volume is devoted to a critical exposition of existing law as applied in France, and as contrasted in its most delicate particulars with the laws of other civilised states. Every page of the book bears evidence of the author's close reading and wide experience as advocate-general of the Court of Cassation. His book is not only one of the most valuable existing works on the law of maritime insurance, but, like his previous volumes, it is one of the first serious contributions to the relatively new subject of comparative law.

Le Tribunal International. Par LE COMTE L. KAMAROWSKY, traduit par SERGE DE WESTMAN, précédé d'une Introduction par JULES LACOINTA. Paris: Pedone-Lauriel. 1887. 8vo. xxxiv and 528 pp. THE Professor of International Law at the University of Moscow, who has offered to the public this exhaustive work on a subject on which more claptrap has been written than on perhaps any other of international law, might have amplified his title with advantage. His book is not a philosophical disquisition on the possible advantages of an International Tribunal, as its laconic title might leave one to suppose. Half of it is devoted to international remedies and arbitration in actual practice; the rest is divided between an examination of the theories of jurists and a plan of organisation and procedure which he has evolved from his inquiry into existing practice and theory. Professor Kamarowsky's scheme is one of voluntary recourse. States are not invited to surrender the right of war. He thinks that as a matter of honour they would resort to a voluntary tribunal, and, after having accepted its jurisdiction, respect its decisions. In case one of the parties disregarded the judgment delivered, the author thinks a sort of boycotting of the refractory state might serve as a sanction (p. 517).

Whether or not the scheme is realisable and, if realisable, is worth much effort, we do not venture to say. It seems to correspond better than most similar schemes to the actual historical development of settled judgment and justice as between members of the same State; and that is something, perhaps much, in its favour. In any case, the book is interesting and brings together a number of facts which are valuable per se.

Traité de Droit International Public. Par P. PRADIER-FODÉRÉ. Tome 3ème Paris: Pedone-Lauriel. 1887. 1267 pp.

THIS Volume deals with the relations of States with each other, comprising diplomatic relations and private international law (relations de droit privé). On the latter subject the author's treatment extends over upwards of 700 pages. The book has merits of a high order as regards exhaustive research, but it lacks that plentiful subdivision on which the value of works of reference so much depends. We trust that it will be provided with an ample index, which will make up in a great degree for the absence of more extended subdivision.

The French Code of Commerce. By SILVAIN MAYER. London: Butterworths. 1887. 8vo. xii and 307 pp.

THE French Code of Commerce has attracted the attention of still another member of the English legal profession. Seeing that three recent translations are now in the market, there must be a demand for this article. Yet we should have thought it was not so much a translation as an edition comparing, where necessary or desirable, French with English law that was wanted. As regards Mr. Mayer's translation, we have checked it in numerous places and found it good. We do not, however, sometimes understand why the translator has retained the French term where an English one exists, as in the cases of cession (art. 541), provision (art. 115), société en nom collectif, description (p. 213), for which assignment,' 'cover,' 'partnership,' ' specification,' are quite intelligible, and are besides the technical equivalents. On the other hand, the translation of 'aval' by 'surety' (art. 141) is calculated to mislead. The word 'aval' belongs to the universal phraseology of the law merchant. On the whole, nevertheless, as we have said, the translation is good.

It is a wonder that the Civil Code, a much more interesting subject of study than the Code of Commerce, and in which alone the principles of French law are to be found, has not yet attracted the attention of contemporary English lawyers. Several old translations exist, but they are not good. Probably the task of properly rendering the Civil Code implies a great deal more trouble than the product is likely to show, and only a book containing valuable notes would repay its author in reputation for his labour.

Le Droit International Théorique et Pratique. Par CHARLES CALVO. 4ème Edition. Tome 1er. Paris: Pedone-Lauriel. 1887.

ONE may say that a book on International Law which reaches a fourth edition is on its way to the blissful condition called classical. The last edition was in four volumes, the new one will be in five. This expansion is due to additions on the Right of War, maritime law, the adjustment of international difficulties generally, and private international law-a branch of his subject upon which Mr. Calvo promises especially full treatment.

The first volume of the new edition comprises the historical sketch (now in 137 pages), and the sovereignty, independence, self-preservation, equality, and dominion of States, and the law of the sea. In the division on the latter subject questions of coast fisheries and territorial waters are dealt with. We may mention by the way that the author, while referring to the judgments in the Franconia case, does not notice in this connection the Territorial Waters Jurisdiction Act, rather implying that the old uncertainty still exists. The book bids fair to be one of the most complete general treatises on International Law yet published.

Traité du Droit International. Par F. DE MARTENS. Traduit du russe par ALFRED LÉo. Tome III. Paris: Chevalier-Marescq & Cie. 1887.

WE have already noticed the first and second volumes of this useful work. (See p. 234 supra.) Vol. III deals with international criminal law, in which of course extradition is the chief matter considered, the adjustment of international difficulties, the right of war (including maritime warfare), and neutrality. As regards the three last-mentioned subjects the author has added much to the original and the German editions. That of political crimes is one on which M. de Martens' views are interesting at the present moment. As one might expect, he has no weakness for political offenders.

For the jurist, he observes, murder is a crime as to which political considerations are irrelevant. Crimes committed by dynamiters and anarchists, he thinks, are a universal danger, in the removal of which States ought to aid each other (p. 98). The index to the three volumes, which closes the third volume, is exhaustive.

The Powers, Duties, and Liabilities of Executive Officers, as between these officers and the public. Second Edition. By A. W. CHASTER. London: W. Clowes & Sons, Limited. 1887. 8vo. xxiv and 376 pp.

THE present winter is not a particularly felicitous season for the publication of a new edition of Mr. Chaster's book on Executive Officers. It bears on the title-page the motto, Quis custodiet ipsos custodes? and the introduction, reprinted from the first edition, contains some sentiments about the 'liberties purchased with the blood and treasure of our ancestors,' which are excellent in themselves, but irrelevant to the questions now engaging public attention. A discourse on the duties of other people to Executive Officers would have been more likely to be useful just now. The principal new development of the present edition is, that whereas its predecessor was a 'digest,' it has now been re-written as an exposition.' It is done with a good deal of care, and with copious reference to authorities. Anybody really injured by a policeman, a sheriff, an excise-man, or a statutory inspector of anything, will probably be able to find in it the remedy appropriate to his misfortune. The book is well arranged and clearly expressed. It may, from time to time, serve a useful purpose.

A complete Practice of the County Courts, including that of Admiralty and Bankruptcy, &c. Vol. I. Third Edition. By G. PITT-LEWIS, Q.C., M.P., assisted by H. A. DE COLYAR. London: Stevens & Sons. 1887. 8vo. cxxii, 856, 207 and 179 pp.

NOTWITHSTANDING impending legislation on the subject (but nowadays promised legislation impends long) Mr. Pitt-Lewis has published the first volume of a third edition of his work on County Court Practice.

The procedure in our County Courts is very complicated and depends on something like a score of Acts and amending Acts, and a Consolidation Act is much needed; a Bill for this purpose was indeed brought into and passed by the House of Lords last summer.

In the meantime we think that the practitioner cannot do better than consult this latest edition of Mr. Pitt-Lewis's work, which is we believe to the County Courts very much what Seton and Daniell are in the Chancery Division; and we have little doubt that this edition will have the success which the earlier editions have had.

The Annual Practice, 1887-8, &c. By THOMAS SNOW, HUBERT WINSTANLEY, and FRANCIS A. STRINGER. London: W. Maxwell & Son; H. Sweet & Sons. 8vo. lxviii and 1302 pp.

Wilson's Supreme Court of Judicature Acts, Rules, and Forms, &c. Sixth Edition. By CHARLES BURNEY, M. MUIR MACKENZIE, and C. ARNOLD WHITE. London: Stevens & Sons. 1887. La. 8vo. cvii and 956 pp.

Ir is hard to decide between the merits of these two practice books. Wilson's Judicature Acts' is henceforth to be an annual too, so we may