PREFACE. 



13 



Doubtless errors will be fovmd in the text and in the proof-reading by those 

 who search for them. Few will expect absolute perfection. If the bare facts of 

 nature have been clothed with living interest sufficient to make them acceptable 

 and full of information for the general reader, as well as memorable and useful 

 to the student of nature; and if at the same time what has been written falls 

 well within the tenets and tenor of truth as understood by the more critical 



scientists; and above all, should thi- 1 k prove generally useful, the author's 



ambition will have been attained. 



WILLIAM ALANSON BRYAN. 



The Palms, Honolulu. Hawaii, 

 September 13th, 1915. 



