PREFATORY REMARKS. A multitude of things which are here related or described, as they point directly to a superintending power and all-wise contrivance, might be used as subjects for moral and religious reflections, such reflections, being obvious and easy, I have generally left to be made by the reader. If this, however should be thought by some serious and good minds to be a culpable omission, I might plead the example of the Sacred Historians, who briefly recorded facts involving most important moral principles, and left them without comment. I have endeavoured to weave into this work, various traits of the human character; insomuch, that besides numerous sketches of the history of man in civilized societies, it describes, though with the utmost brevity, a greater number of savage tribes, particularly of America and the islands of the Pacific Ocean, than can easily be found described in any other book of an equal size. It was found necessary to reject a considerable number of articles which were prepared for this book, lest it should exceed the intended bounds; and, perhaps, for want of a more correct judgment, some of this discarded class may be better than some which have been admitted. But though I may have erred in judgment, I have not been sparing of my best endeavours; the fruits of which are offered to the public, not without diffidence, nor yet with out hope. Gin-Seng Hebiscus Glaciers Hecla Ichneumon Kelp Ignis Fatuus Kennebeck Hedysarum Indian Rat Kentucky Indulgencies Kilda |