PREFACE. To become intelligently acquainted with the physical phenomena of Switzerland and Italy; the spots distinguished for their historical interest—the most remarkable men who have figured on them-and the arts, customs, and general condition of their people-requires no ordinary extent of travel, a careful and sometimes repeated observation of extraordinary objects, which demand familiarity for their just appreciation, and a solicitous application to various sources of knowledge, in converse alike with the living and the dead. To aid such acquisitions, in the prospect of foreign travel through a most interesting part of the globe, this volume has been prepared. It will be found, in addition to its historical details, greatly enriched by the accounts of a large number of visitors, whose pens have faithfully and graphically recorded what they have actually seen, and the thoughts or emotions to which observation gave rise; a result which could not be secured by any solitary traveller. And then, though facilities for travel are absolutely unprecedented, and the thirst to render them available was never so intense, the number of intelligent persons is still large whom circumstances compel to remain at home. They can only follow their sons and daughters, and other endeared relatives, by the aid of imagination; the materials of whose pictures such works as the present aim to supply; while this volume may serve also as a nemorial of travels always remembered with pleasure and gratitude. The numerous engravings which are interspersed through the work, will add greatly, it is believed, to its interest and value. HARVARD UNIVERSITY LIBRARY APR 6 1989 |