is a duty we owe to the bountiful Giver, as well as to those laborious men, who by their observations and researches have unlocked the treasures. The importance of preserving the distinctive characteristics of Professor Von Cotta’s work has, in a measure, necessitated the sacrifice of any attempt at style. My absence, while the book was in press, prevented a personal examination of the proof-sheets. I have great pleasure in acknowledging the kind and con tinued assistance of the Rev. Rt. Wells Whitford, British and American Chaplain at Leipsic (grandson of Robert Wells, of Charleston, So. Carolina), during the progress of the impression. I am much indebted to my friend, Professor Von Cotta, for the encouragement and attention he gave me, until he was obliged to be absent from Freiberg, in the Altai Mountains, in his official employment by the Russian Government. FREDERICK PRIME, Jr. I'