14 PREFACE. 
The volume now presented to the public has been put together from materials 
which have accumulated during many years. At sea, when not occupied with 
official duties, amid calms and storms, I have devoted myself to its preparation ; 
and it is hoped that the public may find in these results of prolonged labor some- 
thing of the profit and pleasure with which the author has been rewarded while 
occupied in their collection and elaboration. 
Charles M. Scammon. 
San Francisco, May, 1874. 
