It is gratifying to find that several of the speculations on which I ventured with regard to the social or political condition of some of the countries we visited, have since turned out true; and of these, the French possession (so-called) of Algiers, affords a striking proof; and the war now carrying on by France with Abd-el Kadir, and the emperor of Morocco, is merely what I had foreseen and anticipated in the chapters on Algiers. My opinions on Greece and its government have been likewise confirmed in almost every particular.
Many of the tombs and monuments upon the coast of Asia Minor, which I have examined and described, appear to have been comparatively overlooked by others.
Though much has lately been written about the change now taking place in Egypt, it is a subject upon which the British public can never be too well 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.
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.
I have again to acknowledge the many facilities afforded me in my investigations in other lands, and the many, many kind attentions of my esteemed friend and fellow-traveller, Mr. Robert Meiklam.
Throughout the revision of this work, I have had recourse to the original notes, and while retracing my steps through scenes that must ever live in my recollection, I feel that I cannot again appear before the public, without acknowledging the flattering reception which, with all its imperfections, this my first book met with.
15, WESTLAND ROW, DUBLIN,