INTRODUCTION. XXV 



In addition to the information to be derived from the charts and from 

 Mr. Gardiner's Memoir on the Maldives, he was kind enough on two occa- 

 sions, after his return from the Maldives, where he preceded me, to give me 

 valuable details regarding many interesting localities. I can only close by 

 expressing my admiration for the amoimt of work Mr. Gardiner was able to 

 accomplish with the facilities at his command, and for the pluck and energy 

 displayed by him and his companion, Mr. Cooper, in meeting, in native 

 boats, the winds and currents which impeded their progress at every point, 

 to say nothing of the constant discomforts to which they were subjected 

 during their stay in the Maldives. 



I have especially to thank Admiral Sir J. W. Wharton for the interest 

 he took in our expedition, and for allowing me access to those of the 

 original charts of Moresby deposited in the London Hydrographic Office of 

 the Admiralty. 



Newport, Rhode Island, July 15tli, 1903. 



Stkket in Male. 



