PREPWCE. 13 



Doubtless errors will be found in llu- U'xt ;aul in lla- pruur-i-eadini; \)y 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 Ix'cn written falls 

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

 scientists; and above all, should th(^ ])0()k prove generally useful, the author's 

 ambition will have been attained. 



WILLLUI ALAXSOX BRYAX. 



The Palms, Honolulu, Hawaii, 

 September 13th, 1915. 



