PREFACE TO THE SECOND EDITION. IX 



spring of this and of the previous year. The aim of my 

 recent journey was to connect the earlier sketches and to 

 unite the whole into a harmonious treatise. My articles on 

 the Riviera, which appeared originally in the "Deutsche 

 Rundschau", were separate impressions, each sketch complete 

 in itself, like different pictures by the same artist. As the 

 number of these sketches increased, I became more and more 

 desirous of connecting them together. Thus I extended my 

 journey this year all along the Riviera, \'isiting those spots 

 which arc worthy of notice on account of their beauty, and 

 Avllich liad reason to complain of being neglected in mv 

 earlier sketches. Nevertheless these "Rambles" are not 

 intended as a substitute for the Guide Book. Their aim is 

 rather to direct attention to the treasures of Nature in this 

 uniquely Ijeautlful district : to describe -some of the objects 

 ^yhich we meet with here, and so to increase the interest 

 of a sojourn in the South. 



Alas! T have not been able to paint my last sketches 

 exclusively in bright colours: I have been compelled to put 

 in many a dark shadow. For the changes which have taken 

 place of late years on the Riviera have not all been for the 

 better; and many disagreeable impressions are beginning to 

 interfere with the pure pursuits of the naturalist. The pleasure 

 of one's walks on the French Riviera is now spoilt by the motor 

 cars which throw up clouds of stifling dust, and often endanger 

 the life of the wayfarer. In Italy this sport-it not pursued to the 

 same extent: nor is such high speed permitted as in France. 

 Vet even on the French Riviera plenty of jilaces are to be 

 found, far from the beaten track, where, without let or hin- 

 drance, one may devote oneself with earnestness to the ennobling 

 study of Nature. Dare I hope that these "Rambles" may often 

 lead the readers to such chosen spots ? 



Bonn, Autumn 1903. 



