vi 



r I tic FACE. 



A glnnco at the Contents, which by a process of double 

 pagination havo boon so disposed as to dispense with on index, 

 will at oneo reveal the general arrangement of tho subject 

 iii;T.Lt*'r H Here, cleanies.-* ami uniformity have been the main 

 consideration*, while in tho treatment especially of the physical 

 and biological sections an attempt has been mode to break away 

 from tho crude methods still lingering in our schools, and to 

 bring tho matter more into harmony with tho views of tho 

 liitt-rs, Poschels, Reelus ond the other illustrious exponents 

 of tho true scientific method* Thu* the present conditions are, 

 us far as possible, treated in the light of tho past, eo that a 

 relation between cause and effect takes the place of a bald 

 statement of facts. In this way the slow decay of the marvellous 

 Cainbojan culture becomes intimately associated with tiro slow 

 subsidence of the waters, or tho upheaval of the land, which 

 converted a former mar i no inlet into a mere fishing-pond 

 (p. 102-3)* So also the lo&il phenomenon of the " Sumatras " 

 is brought into direct connection with tho climatic, and thews 

 arpiin with the geological conditions of North Sumatra (p. 141), 

 ami BO on. 



Another feature is tho reference to recent explorers {Forljes, 

 Chalmers, Guillcmard, GUM, &a). in those still little known 

 regions, and even occasional short quotations fiom their writ- 

 ings. This inspires the teacher with confidence in his guide, 

 and pcrhups helps to awaken the interest of his pupil. All the 

 infonuntiun is as recent and correct aa possible, and for Hint 

 reason the book appeals to tmmy besides pupils and teachers, f ■ »r 

 whom it was originally intended. 



The division of the Eastern Archipelago into three instead of 

 natural iNjjfions (an Asiatic, t'leeanie, ami Australian) may 

 possibly challenge criticism* Uut if it teaches teacher and 

 student to think, ita purpose will be served, even though tho 

 theory itself be rejected. 



The orthography was of course a troublesome question, 

 tho solution of which has boon sought in an eclectic system 



