PREFACE TO THE FlUST EDITIOX. XVU 



Encyclopinrlia of Geography : " There are no materials on which wo can 

 atteiupt a botanical or geological dolineation of this territory. The zoology 

 also of these immense and luxuriant regions is scarcely known." 



It will therefore be seen that a work like this was demanded, and I trust 

 it will commend itself not only to the Biblical student, but to authors in the 

 vernacular languages, esj)ecially to such as shall hereafter prepare iialivo 

 works on natural history. It will also be serviceable to those who translate 

 from the Burmese or Karen into English, and to all natives who read English, 

 and particularly to every one who desires to ^\■rite on these provinces, either 

 in India, England, or America. 



This is my reply to those machines for eating and drinking, digging 

 and woi'kiiig, hoarding and sj^ending, who ask " What's the use of it ? " 

 They cannot well see the use of studj-ing the stars, observing the stratihcatiou 

 of rocks, or being curious about shells, minerals, and plants, birds, beasts, 

 and insects. 



Tavoy, 1852. 



