informed, and cannot take too deep an interest, considering how materially our means of rapid communication with our Indian possessions, must be influenced by the condition of that country.
A considerable delay, consequent upon the state of the author's health, and numerous avocations, has occurred in carrying the work through the press, which will account to the reader for some of my observations upon the war in India. It remains yet to be seen whether our present successes shall be permanent, or my views be correct. The war now carrying on between the French and Ab-del Kadir is merely what I had foreseen and described in the Chapter on Algiers.
The Appendix contains some disquisitions upon subjects which I trust will interest the Antiquary, and the Student of Natural History, though perhaps too abstruse for the general reader.
Of the many imperfections in style and language, I am but too conscious; but I trust my readers will make some allowance for a first work, written under many disadvantages, and amidst conflicting avocations.
199, GREAT BRUNSWICK STREET,
Dublin, January, 1840.