IV INTRODUCTORY. 



of less note, while in describing Polar exploration, free use has 

 been made of the works of such distinguished explorers as Sir 

 John Franklin, Capt. McClintock, Dr. Kane, Dr. Hays, Capt. 

 Hall, Lieut. Schwatka, Lieut. DeLong, Lieut. Greely, and 

 others. 



The matter of this book does not pretend to originality, save 

 as an attempt to combine a very large number of books into one 

 volume, so arranged as to give clearly the important adventures 

 and discoveries of all the renowned travelers of the past several 

 centuries. In this it may be properly classed as an original 

 work and one of inestimable value, particularly to the young, 

 since for them :', mast possess such interest as to lead them from 

 the vicious literature of the day and inculcate a desire for whole- 

 some reading, and an ambition to learn more of the wonders of 

 the world, the rounds to that mystic ladder which reaches up- 

 ward from nature unto nature's God. 



This book is intended to occupy a place in the literature of 

 travel, adventure and exploration that is filled by encyclopedias 

 of general knowledge, and its mission is to not only instruct, but 

 also to inspire a lofty courage and generous ambition in the 

 hearts of men, to the end that dark places may become lighted 

 by the lamp of a wise intelligence, and the whole earth be 

 reclaimed and made fruitful with the blessings of a perfect 



civilization. 



J. W. BUEL. 



