British Burma and its People

Abstract

THIS book is offered as the result of thirteen years' experience derived from close intercourse, both officially and privately, with the people of Burma during that period. Such works are frequently contributed by the pro-consuls of the British empire, and afford, apart from their scientific value, good material to judge of the men and methods of our colonial government. Their merits are naturally unequal. The volumes of Raffles and Tennent, become classical, supply the corner-stones of future compilations, and are the exciting causes of a more ephemeral literature. It is, however, seldom that we see combined with the administrative capacities of our governors and commissioners a thorough knowledge of the ethnology, biology, and physical characteristics of the regions over which they preside. When such a man appears, and further possesses the quality of observation, his work marks an epoch, and English rule receives a new significance. It is in no adverse spirit that we say thus early that Capt. Forbes' work will not rank in this category, and we desire rather to commend it for what it does possess than to criticise it for the information which it does not supply. British Burma and its People. By Capt. C. J. F. S. Forbes, &c. (London: John Murray, 1878.)