xii PREFACE. 



Geography of the whole region ; and the last is a general 

 sketch of the Eaces of Man in the Archipelago and the 

 surrounding countries. With this explanation, and a 

 reference to the Maps which illustrate the work, I trust 

 that my readers will always know where they are, and in 

 what direction they are going. 



I am well aware that my book is far too small for 

 the extent of the subjects it touches upon. It is a mere 

 sketch ; but so far as it goes I have endeavoured to make 

 it an accurate one. Almost the whole of the narrative and 

 descriptive portions were written on the spot, and have 

 had little more than verbal alterations. The chapters on 

 Natural History, as well as many passages in other parts 

 of the work, have been written in the hope of exciting an 

 interest in the various questions connected with the origin 

 of species and their geographical distribution. In some 

 cases I have been able to explain my views in detail ; 

 while in others, owing to the greater complexity of the 

 subject, I have thought it better to confine myself to a 

 statement of the more interesting facts of the problem, 

 whose solution is to be found in the principles developed 

 by Mr. Darwin in his various works. The numerous Illus- 



