PREFACE. 



Prefaces are written for various purposes. Sometimes they are 

 introductory, — they explain the raison cVetre of the book, they 

 define its scope, and perhaps outhne the treatment of the subject ; 

 at other times they are self -laudatory, and impress upon the reader 

 that the work fills a long-felt want, and that its statements are 

 much more accurate than those of any other writer ; again, in an 

 humble tone they are apologetic, beseeching that the work be not 

 harshly criticised. Should I make the last request in regard to the 

 following work, I am afraid that I would be but calling attention 

 to its failings. I am reminded of the story of the little boy who, 

 visiting an art gallery where there was a statue bearing the placard, 

 " Do not touch with canes or umbrellas," took out his pencil and 

 added the words, " take a axe." 



In a Preface it is proper and usual to return thanks to the vari- 

 ous persons who have assisted the writer in the preparation of his 

 work, and I should feel that I had been negligent in this respect 

 did I fail to acknowledge the help that the officials of our National 

 Museum have with great kindness extended to me. 



It would be manifestly absurd should I attempt to criticise the 

 countries that I visited, seeing what a short time I spent in them. 

 My remarks must therefore be taken simply as observations of 

 individual occurrences, not necessarily universal. I will say that 



