POSTSCEIPT. 333 ago, that the size of the army is unnecessary for legitimate purposes, and that a reduction in its numbers would be beneficial to the country. Instead of being an addition to the power of the Khedive, the army is in fact a source of weakness, threatening his supremacy, and making the existence of a settled government precarious, and apparently dependent on the goodwill of irresponsible and unscrupulous men.

Since finishing my portion of this book I have read ' Colonel Gordon in Central Africa ' with the liveliest interest, and have also seen numerous reviews of the book. This is not the place, nor do I feel myself competent, to undertake an exhaustive criticism of Colonel Grordon's work in Africa. Praise of such a man seems impertinent. Though some may be unable to approve of every detail of his government, and to agree with every opinion expressed in the book, all Englishmen must feel proud to claim him as their countryman, as I am proud to possess the privilege of calling him my friend.

I have been struck in reading the reviews, that so many of the writers seem to look upon Colonel Gordon's sojourn in the Soudan as a complete failure ; but to this I cannot agree. It is true that the slave-trade has not been completely abolished, and that since his withdrawal it has in some quarters considerably revived. At this no one who is acquainted with the subject could be greatly