THESE chapters form a series of sketches, each of which is complete
in itself. In compiling them I have been obliged continually to go
over ground already occupied by myself or others. I have endea¬
voured, nevertheless, to-include the results of the latest researches
and discoveries; and although it is not easy to say anything
absolutely new about such a well-worn theme, I hope I have been
able to put some facts in a new light, and to strengthen the position
of others which may hitherto have appeared obscure.