American Geographical Society

Deutsch-Ostafrika. Wirtschaftlich Dargestellt by Hermann PaascheBulletin of the American Geographical Society, Vol. 39, No. 12 (1907), pp. 767-768Published by: American Geographical SocietyStable URL: http://www.jstor.org/stable/198602 .

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Book Notices. Book Notices. Book Notices.

The graphic description of their worship and their principal temple at Utta- mussad on the Pamunkey, coupled with Mr. Dodge's weird illustration, makes quite a thrilling chapter. There are also word-pictures of Indian customs, which the author's imagination has filled out with much spirit.

Of course the "Pocahontas Myth," as some scientific historians call it, is treated at length; and by virtue of the facts cited, and Mrs. Pryor's enthusiastic faith in them, it drops, for us, its mythical cloak and emerges again as a very credible story. Next to Pocahontas our favorite hero, Capt. John Smith, stands out, notwithstanding all his faults, more admirable than ever. And the debt that thle nation owes to his courage and power is marked in comparison with the sloth, incapacity, and jealousy of his fellow-colonists.

As a whole, the feminine spirit pervades the book too strongly to carry con- viction as to theories and conclusions. But for the most part these are avoided, and facts only are presented, with directness and ease.

For the not too serious student of history the volume will be instructive and entertaining. H. P. L.

Entwicklungsgeschichte der gegenwartigen phanerogamen Flora und Pflanzendecke der oberrheinischen Tiefebene und ihrer

Umgebung. Von Dr. August Schulz. II9 pp., 2 Maps. J. Engel- horn, Stuttgart, I0o6. (Price, M. 6.40.)

This is number 3 of Vol. I6 of "Forschungen zur deutschen Landes- und Volks- kunde." Dr. Schulz treats of the development of the present flowering plants in Germany, and especially in the middle Rhine basin; and of the immigration into middle Rhine territory of a number of phanerogamia and of the history of these plants after their settlement there.

Deutsch-Ostafrika. Wirtschaftlich Dargestellt. Von Dr. Her- mann Paasche. 430 pp. and I8 half-tone Illustrations. C. A. Schwetschke & Son, Berlin, I906. (Price, M. 8.)

Dr. Paasche, formerly a university professor, with economics as his specialty, more recently Vice-President of the German Reichstag, decided to go to Ger- man East Africa and to base his conclusions as to the value of the colony, in part at least, upon his own independent observations. This book tells what he saw and heard and gives the opinions he deduced from his first-hand study. He travelled in the interior only as far as the mountain zone that borders the coastal plain on the west, but what he saw in this region and the information he obtained from officials who are thoroughly familiar with the inland districts seem to have supplied him with all the data required for his purposes.

Dr. Paasche deals in a pregnant manner with the present aspects and condi- tions of the colony. The first four chapters are given to a discussion of the general colonial question, and his observations during the trip to Africa on the Suez Canal, Aden and the British port of Mombasa. In the next twelve chapters he treats the regions in German East Africa which he visited, keeping right to the heart of the inquiries his journey was meant to facilitate. What is the present and prospective value of the ports of Tanga, Dar-es-Salam, Bagamoyo, and Pangani? The prospects of commerce, of colonial planting and railroad development, the qualities of the soils, the health conditions, the practicability of German immigration, the biological and agricultural experiment stations, etc.,

The graphic description of their worship and their principal temple at Utta- mussad on the Pamunkey, coupled with Mr. Dodge's weird illustration, makes quite a thrilling chapter. There are also word-pictures of Indian customs, which the author's imagination has filled out with much spirit.

Of course the "Pocahontas Myth," as some scientific historians call it, is treated at length; and by virtue of the facts cited, and Mrs. Pryor's enthusiastic faith in them, it drops, for us, its mythical cloak and emerges again as a very credible story. Next to Pocahontas our favorite hero, Capt. John Smith, stands out, notwithstanding all his faults, more admirable than ever. And the debt that thle nation owes to his courage and power is marked in comparison with the sloth, incapacity, and jealousy of his fellow-colonists.

As a whole, the feminine spirit pervades the book too strongly to carry con- viction as to theories and conclusions. But for the most part these are avoided, and facts only are presented, with directness and ease.

For the not too serious student of history the volume will be instructive and entertaining. H. P. L.

Entwicklungsgeschichte der gegenwartigen phanerogamen Flora und Pflanzendecke der oberrheinischen Tiefebene und ihrer

Umgebung. Von Dr. August Schulz. II9 pp., 2 Maps. J. Engel- horn, Stuttgart, I0o6. (Price, M. 6.40.)

This is number 3 of Vol. I6 of "Forschungen zur deutschen Landes- und Volks- kunde." Dr. Schulz treats of the development of the present flowering plants in Germany, and especially in the middle Rhine basin; and of the immigration into middle Rhine territory of a number of phanerogamia and of the history of these plants after their settlement there.

Deutsch-Ostafrika. Wirtschaftlich Dargestellt. Von Dr. Her- mann Paasche. 430 pp. and I8 half-tone Illustrations. C. A. Schwetschke & Son, Berlin, I906. (Price, M. 8.)

Dr. Paasche, formerly a university professor, with economics as his specialty, more recently Vice-President of the German Reichstag, decided to go to Ger- man East Africa and to base his conclusions as to the value of the colony, in part at least, upon his own independent observations. This book tells what he saw and heard and gives the opinions he deduced from his first-hand study. He travelled in the interior only as far as the mountain zone that borders the coastal plain on the west, but what he saw in this region and the information he obtained from officials who are thoroughly familiar with the inland districts seem to have supplied him with all the data required for his purposes.

Dr. Paasche deals in a pregnant manner with the present aspects and condi- tions of the colony. The first four chapters are given to a discussion of the general colonial question, and his observations during the trip to Africa on the Suez Canal, Aden and the British port of Mombasa. In the next twelve chapters he treats the regions in German East Africa which he visited, keeping right to the heart of the inquiries his journey was meant to facilitate. What is the present and prospective value of the ports of Tanga, Dar-es-Salam, Bagamoyo, and Pangani? The prospects of commerce, of colonial planting and railroad development, the qualities of the soils, the health conditions, the practicability of German immigration, the biological and agricultural experiment stations, etc.,

The graphic description of their worship and their principal temple at Utta- mussad on the Pamunkey, coupled with Mr. Dodge's weird illustration, makes quite a thrilling chapter. There are also word-pictures of Indian customs, which the author's imagination has filled out with much spirit.

Of course the "Pocahontas Myth," as some scientific historians call it, is treated at length; and by virtue of the facts cited, and Mrs. Pryor's enthusiastic faith in them, it drops, for us, its mythical cloak and emerges again as a very credible story. Next to Pocahontas our favorite hero, Capt. John Smith, stands out, notwithstanding all his faults, more admirable than ever. And the debt that thle nation owes to his courage and power is marked in comparison with the sloth, incapacity, and jealousy of his fellow-colonists.

As a whole, the feminine spirit pervades the book too strongly to carry con- viction as to theories and conclusions. But for the most part these are avoided, and facts only are presented, with directness and ease.

For the not too serious student of history the volume will be instructive and entertaining. H. P. L.

Entwicklungsgeschichte der gegenwartigen phanerogamen Flora und Pflanzendecke der oberrheinischen Tiefebene und ihrer

Umgebung. Von Dr. August Schulz. II9 pp., 2 Maps. J. Engel- horn, Stuttgart, I0o6. (Price, M. 6.40.)

This is number 3 of Vol. I6 of "Forschungen zur deutschen Landes- und Volks- kunde." Dr. Schulz treats of the development of the present flowering plants in Germany, and especially in the middle Rhine basin; and of the immigration into middle Rhine territory of a number of phanerogamia and of the history of these plants after their settlement there.

Deutsch-Ostafrika. Wirtschaftlich Dargestellt. Von Dr. Her- mann Paasche. 430 pp. and I8 half-tone Illustrations. C. A. Schwetschke & Son, Berlin, I906. (Price, M. 8.)

Dr. Paasche, formerly a university professor, with economics as his specialty, more recently Vice-President of the German Reichstag, decided to go to Ger- man East Africa and to base his conclusions as to the value of the colony, in part at least, upon his own independent observations. This book tells what he saw and heard and gives the opinions he deduced from his first-hand study. He travelled in the interior only as far as the mountain zone that borders the coastal plain on the west, but what he saw in this region and the information he obtained from officials who are thoroughly familiar with the inland districts seem to have supplied him with all the data required for his purposes.

Dr. Paasche deals in a pregnant manner with the present aspects and condi- tions of the colony. The first four chapters are given to a discussion of the general colonial question, and his observations during the trip to Africa on the Suez Canal, Aden and the British port of Mombasa. In the next twelve chapters he treats the regions in German East Africa which he visited, keeping right to the heart of the inquiries his journey was meant to facilitate. What is the present and prospective value of the ports of Tanga, Dar-es-Salam, Bagamoyo, and Pangani? The prospects of commerce, of colonial planting and railroad development, the qualities of the soils, the health conditions, the practicability of German immigration, the biological and agricultural experiment stations, etc.,

767 767 767

This content downloaded from 195.78.109.78 on Fri, 9 May 2014 21:07:57 PMAll use subject to JSTOR Terms and Conditions

Book Notices. Book Notices.

are topics of searching discussion. The following eight chapters deal in greater detail with the most important phases of agricultural production, now emerging from the stage of experimentation-the planting and preparation for market of sisal hemp (henequen), rubber, coffee, cotton, sugar, cocoanuts, oil grains and

fruits, dye-stuffs, and timber. The final chapters relate to the settlement of German peasants on small holdings, the land question, and a summary of the conclusions which the author has enunciated and discussed in treating the vari- ous topics of the book.

Dr. Paasche returned to Germany in the firm belief that in German East Africa the Empire has a colony of vast potentialities, and that the work of de-

velopment is worthy of liberal support. The long period of tentative effort and

experimentation is about over and the beginning of the harvest is at hand. The

freight offered for shipment at Tanga already surpasses the shipping facilities afforded. Within five years the exports of henequen alone will probably be at least 40,000 tons a year, and rubber, coffee, and other plantations are develop- ing with remarkable rapidity. The Government should be prepared to encour-

age and promote this progress. The opinion is universal among officials and settlers that the highlands of

western Usambara, the high grass plains west of the Mara River and those between Mount Kilimanjaro and Victoria Nyanza, are perfectly adapted for

cattle-raising and agriculture, and that, in the course of development, very large numbers of German peasants may settle in these districts under favourable con- ditions and live there in more comfortable circumstances than they are able to: do in Germany.

It is not long since an unfavourable opinion was common as to the future of this colony. The events of the past three or four years had done much to dis-

prove this view and pave the way for Dr. Paasche's book, which unqualifiedly certifies to the great value of this possession while criticizing, in some respects, the colonial policy of the Government.

A Woman's Journey through the Philippines. By Florence Kim- ball Russel. Ill. 40. L. C. Page and Co., Boston, 1907.

This light sketch of the Philippines is given by the wife of a Signal Corps officer, who accompanied her husband on the steamer Burnside during its three- months' cable-laying cruise among the Islands. It adds nothing of importance, though something of interest, to our knowledge of the Philippines.

It was evidently a young and happy circle that spent its leisure hours on the quarter deck of the Burnside, or on drives or social pleasures on the various Islands. Whatever struck the author as interesting in this obviously superficial view-the dress or undress of the natives, their homes, and personal appearance- is set down with a certain facility of expression. The few political opinions ven- tured are evidently acquired from the Signal Corps officers in the employ of the- Government.

Though of no value from a scientific standpoint, this little volume leaves a

pleasant impression of blue seas and bluer skies, stately palms and picturesque nipa shacks, soldierly Americans and friendly. savages.

Its pretty illustrations and gay spirit will serve to entertain some to whom the Philippine Problem is of no interest. H. P. L.

are topics of searching discussion. The following eight chapters deal in greater detail with the most important phases of agricultural production, now emerging from the stage of experimentation-the planting and preparation for market of sisal hemp (henequen), rubber, coffee, cotton, sugar, cocoanuts, oil grains and

fruits, dye-stuffs, and timber. The final chapters relate to the settlement of German peasants on small holdings, the land question, and a summary of the conclusions which the author has enunciated and discussed in treating the vari- ous topics of the book.

Dr. Paasche returned to Germany in the firm belief that in German East Africa the Empire has a colony of vast potentialities, and that the work of de-

velopment is worthy of liberal support. The long period of tentative effort and

experimentation is about over and the beginning of the harvest is at hand. The

freight offered for shipment at Tanga already surpasses the shipping facilities afforded. Within five years the exports of henequen alone will probably be at least 40,000 tons a year, and rubber, coffee, and other plantations are develop- ing with remarkable rapidity. The Government should be prepared to encour-

age and promote this progress. The opinion is universal among officials and settlers that the highlands of

western Usambara, the high grass plains west of the Mara River and those between Mount Kilimanjaro and Victoria Nyanza, are perfectly adapted for

cattle-raising and agriculture, and that, in the course of development, very large numbers of German peasants may settle in these districts under favourable con- ditions and live there in more comfortable circumstances than they are able to: do in Germany.

It is not long since an unfavourable opinion was common as to the future of this colony. The events of the past three or four years had done much to dis-

prove this view and pave the way for Dr. Paasche's book, which unqualifiedly certifies to the great value of this possession while criticizing, in some respects, the colonial policy of the Government.

A Woman's Journey through the Philippines. By Florence Kim- ball Russel. Ill. 40. L. C. Page and Co., Boston, 1907.

This light sketch of the Philippines is given by the wife of a Signal Corps officer, who accompanied her husband on the steamer Burnside during its three- months' cable-laying cruise among the Islands. It adds nothing of importance, though something of interest, to our knowledge of the Philippines.

It was evidently a young and happy circle that spent its leisure hours on the quarter deck of the Burnside, or on drives or social pleasures on the various Islands. Whatever struck the author as interesting in this obviously superficial view-the dress or undress of the natives, their homes, and personal appearance- is set down with a certain facility of expression. The few political opinions ven- tured are evidently acquired from the Signal Corps officers in the employ of the- Government.

Though of no value from a scientific standpoint, this little volume leaves a

pleasant impression of blue seas and bluer skies, stately palms and picturesque nipa shacks, soldierly Americans and friendly. savages.

Its pretty illustrations and gay spirit will serve to entertain some to whom the Philippine Problem is of no interest. H. P. L.

768 768

This content downloaded from 195.78.109.78 on Fri, 9 May 2014 21:07:57 PMAll use subject to JSTOR Terms and Conditions