ondence, now given to the public for the first time; and the treatment of American immigrants down to 1845 is set forth.
The fifth volume comprises—from 1846 to 1848—the exciting period of the conquest of California by the United States, which is treated in all its phases. The policy of our Government and the doings of its agents are studied from documentary sources not hitherto brought to light. Hence the volume is likely to prove, as a narrative, more interesting and readable than any that have preceded it; and it can not fail to be important as a record, because it is founded largely on original testimony. Its contents embrace, first, the acts of Fremont in the country, which are set forth in an unfavorable light; next, the personal and sectional controversies that marked the last days of Mexican political annals. A following chapter is devoted to foreign relations, the policy of the United States and other nations, and the efforts of Colonel Larkin; another chapter to the causes of the settlers' revolt, wherein Fremont is again handled with severity; and four chapters to the detailed presentment of the "Bear Flag" revolt; after which begins the story of the conquest proper as part of the Mexican War. This having been told, the political controversies of Stockton, Kearney, and Fremont, next claim attention. The stories of the Mormon Battalion, the New York Volunteers, and the Artillery Company, are given; also the annals of immigration, including the tragic experiences of the Donner party and the coming of Sam Brannan's Mormon colony; the history of the ex-missions and of Indian affairs, with the annals of trade, and other incidents, going to complete the history. The pioneer list is completed, and includes in all some ten thousand names and biographical sketches. Our heading indicates a change in the name of the publishing house. A story is connected with the change. The whole establishment was burned down last April, with an inadequate insurance. Mr. H. H. Bancroft was the principal proprietor, and lost very heavily, not only through his share in the business, but also in the destruction of the plates of nine volumes of the history, and of the whole edition of the first volume of the "Oregon." In rebuilding and reorganizing the concern, it was necessary to dispose of a part of the business. Mr. Bancroft, having determined to devote his life to the history, resolved to sacrifice all to that. Hence the new concern is formed as "The History Company," and its peculiar work till that is done will be to bring out this "History."
Physical Training in American Colleges and Universities. By Edward Mussey Hartwell. Washington: Government Printing-Office. Pp. 183, with Plates.
This is one of the "Circulars of Information" of the Bureau of Education, and is published at the request of the commissioner. Dr. Hartwell makes a comprehensive and satisfactory presentation of the subject. He begins with a sketch of the "ideals of manly excellence" and a running history of gymnastic training down to the time of Fellenberg and the Hofwyl schools; then describes the "Introduction of Gymnastics into America," from the starting of the Fellenberg schools in 1824 and 1825; relates the development of the "New Gymnastics," and records the history of the building of gymnasia in colleges. The particular accounts of the principal college gymnasia and gymnasia of the Young Men's Christian Associations are illustrated with views and plans of buildings. Tables are given exhibiting the facts that twenty-six colleges in the United States have buildings exclusively devoted to gymnastic purposes, the cost of which, including fittings, is estimated at $750,000; and twenty other institutions have gymnasium or drill-halls. Nine theological schools also have gymnasia. During the year ending July 1, 1884, thirty-three officers of the army were detailed to duty at colleges, universities, and schools of superior instruction to young men, for giving military drill. College athletics have been most developed in the East, and particularly at Harvard, Yale, and Pr