It would be ungracious to allow these pages 
to go to press without some acknowledgment, how- 
ever inadequate, of the very great kindness and 
courtesy extended to me in Italy, when, in the 
rainy year of 1903, I was engaged in their 
preparation. Owners of historic houses, from Hrs 
Mayesty the King downwards, did all that was 
possible to facilitate my labours. Perhaps it 1s 
not presumptuous on my part to hope that I shall 
meet with the same goodwill when, in a second book, 
I try to represent some of the beautiful villas on 
the Italian Lakes. My thanks are also due to 
Mr. F. Dollinger, my guide and interpreter, 
whose untiring energy and kindly help enabled me 
to overcome many obstacles that, without such 
assistance, I should have heen unable to surmount. 
CHARLES LATHAM. 
