v PBEFACE. 



without intense interest and considerable instruction. Aftei 

 feasting on the highly wrought and, it may be said, poetical 

 descriptions, written in the Author's earlier years, he will 

 turn with increased zest to the elaborate illustrations, which, 

 in a separate form, are brought to bear on every subject 

 of the text. This scientific portion, although not at first the 

 most attractive, presents many delightful episodes, which will 

 amply repay the perusal of even those who merely read for 

 amusement. 



HENRY G. BOHN. 



York Street, January, 1850. 



