i have made no alterations in the text of dr. hartwig’s book beyond changing the orthography of a few geographical and ethnological terms so that they shall conform to the mode of representation usual in our maps and books of travel. for example, i substitute nova zembla for “novaya zemla”, and samoïedes for “samojedes.” here and there throughout the work i have added a sentence or a paragraph. the two chapters on “alaska” and “the innuits” have been supplied by me; and for them dr. hartwig is in no way responsible.

the illustrations have been wholly selected and arranged by me. i found at my disposal an immense number of illustrations which seemed to me better to elucidate the text than those introduced by dr. hartwig. in the list of illustrations the names of the authors to whom i am indebted are supplied.vi the following gives the names of the authors, and the titles of the works from which the illustrations have been taken:

atkinson, thomas witlam: “travels in the regions of the upper amoor;” and “oriental and western siberia.”

browne, j. ross: “the land of thor.”

dufferin, lord: “letters from high latitudes.”

hall, charles francis: “arctic researches, and life among the esquimaux.”

harper’s magazine: the illustrations credited to this periodical have been furnished during many years by more than a score of travellers and voyagers. they are in every case authentic.

lamont, james: “seasons with the sea-horses; or, sporting adventures in the northern seas.”

milton, viscount: “north-west passage by land.”

whymper, frederick: “alaska, and british america.”

wood, rev. j. g.: “natural history;” and “homes without hands.”

i trust that i have throughout wrought in the spirit of the author; and that my labors will enhance the value of his admirable book.