IV PREFACE. 



The valuable treatises of Mr. S. H. Scudder, of Cambridge, Mass., upon 

 the Distribution of Insects, of Dr. A. M. Edwards, of Newark, N. J., upon 

 the Natural History of the Diatomacere, and of Mr. W. F. Flint, of Rich- 

 mond, upon the Distribution of Plants, are well adapted to awaken among 

 our citizens a new interest in the departments of entomology, microscopy, 

 and botany. Should this result follow, the several gentlemen will feel them- 

 selves amply repaid for their exertions in our behalf. 



Prof. Quimby's essay upon the use of the magnetic needle in surveying 

 has been issued separately, for the benefit of students and engineers. 



Mr. Isaac N. Andrews, of Nashua, has rendered the appearance of the 

 volume more satisfactory by allowing us the privilege of copying many of 

 the elegant wood-engravings, relating to White Mountain scenery, from the 

 White Hills, by the late Rev. T. Starr King. 



The Atlas will show very important contributions to the study of our 

 topography, in the truthful delineations of outline sketches, from prominent 

 points, of the White Mountains, prepared by the skilful hand of Mr. Geo. F. 

 Morse, of Portland, Me., who has devoted much time to their preparation. 



It was found impossible to obtain a satisfactory heliotype of the view of 

 the White Mountain range from Jackson, which was intended for the frontis- 

 piece. In its place we have inserted the view illustrating the ledges frac- 

 tured by frost, upon the summit of Mt. Washington. For a similar reason, 

 the view of the White Mountain Notch from Mt. Willard, accompanying 

 one of the Willey house, is copied from a hand sketch. 



C. H. HITCHCOCK. 

 Hanover, Dec. r, 1S74. 



