14 PBEFACE. 



The volume now presented to the public has been put together from materials 

 which have accumulated during many years. At sea, when not occupied with 

 official duties, amid calms and storms, I have devoted myself to its preparation ; 

 and it is hoped that the public may find in these results of prolonged labor some- 

 thing of the profit and pleasure with which the author has been rewarded while 



occupied in their collection and elaboration. 



Chaeles M. Scammon. 



San Francisco, May, 1874. 



