PREFACE. 



THE wide extent of the British Empire 

 in India, and the great number of Euro- 

 peans residing there, have contributed to 

 render that portion of the globe an object 

 of particular interest to the inhabitants 

 of this island. To gratify the natural 

 curiosity respecting so important a part of 

 our dominions, various publications have 

 from time to time issued from the press, 

 giving copious and detailed accounts of 

 the country and its inhabitants, with their 

 manners, customs, and habits. These 

 have for the most part been very expen- 

 sive ; some of them being printed on hot- 

 pressed paper, and with a fine type, to 

 enhance the profit of the author or pub- 

 lisher ; while others, by their prolixity, and 

 from combining much matter with various 



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