PREFACE. 



of Geography . "There are no materials on which we 

 can attempt a botanical, or geological delineation of this 

 territory. The zoology also of these immense and luxu- 

 riant regions is scarcely known." 



It will therefore be seen that a work of this kind was 

 demanded, and I trust it will commend itself not only to 

 the Biblical student, but to authors in the vernacular lan- 

 guages, especially to such as shall hereafter prepare native 

 works on natural history. It will also be serviceable to 

 those who translate from the Burmese or Karen into En- 

 glish, and to all natives who read English, and particu- 

 larly to every one who desires to write on these Provinces 

 either in India., England, or America. 



Such is my reply to those " machines for eating and 

 drinking, digging and working, hoarding and spending," 

 who ask : " what's the use of it ? They cannot well 

 see the use of studying the stars, observing the stratifica- 

 tion of rocks, or being curious about shells, minerals, and 

 plants, birds, beasts and insects." 



