PREFACE. THE close of the second volume of the Pictorial World calls for a renewal of thanks from the Publishers, to those numerous friends who have so kindly supported them in their endeavours to produce a Work of Art, not unworthy of admission into the drawing-room of the wealthy, although published at a price which brings it within the reach of those of humbler means. The numerous publications called into existence by the announcement and signal success of the Universum, were but so many indications that the want of a work of this kind, tending to diffuse a love of the beautiful through all classes of society, had been as generally felt, as its appearance was generously patronized. The Publishers trust, that they will not have been found wanting in their exertions to deserve the favour of the public: their efforts are unceasingly directed to the command of artistic resources in the different quarters of the globe to which, at the present moment, the expectations, the hopes, and the fears of mankind alternately tend. Independently of those nearer, and, comparatively speaking, more familiar scenes which, either from the beauties which nature. has lavished upon them, with no sparing hand, or from the classical associations connected with them, have for ages been the goal of the European traveller, there is scarcely one of the great divisions of the earth which the varying circumstances of the times does not invest with a high and peculiar interest. The vast empire which, for the last two thousand years, has guarded its frontiers with such jealous care against the contaminating influence of the barbarian eye, has now yielded to its destiny, and must undergo a considerable, although gradual, modification, from the overpowering influence of modern civilization. To the west of the Asiatic continent, the bravery and good fortune of the English arms have subdued the haughty spirits of the Punjaub, and added new realms to the wonderful fabric of our Eastern Empire. The bold mountaineers of the Caucasus still continue their heroic, and not unsuccessful efforts against the Leviathan of the north; whilst the expeditions and razzias of our Gallic neighbours have failed to subdue the courage or conciliate the affections of the Arab tribes of Africa. Meanwhile colonization advances across the ocean; the once powerful realm of Mexico, which fell before the cruel valour of Spanish adventurers, is become a theme of daily conversation, from the contest into which it has been impelled by the restless activity of the great American Republic; and even the shores of the Pacific, now barren, but of immense importance to future ages, attract our rational curiosity. Distinguished travellers and able artists, with a liberality for which they beg leave to return their most grateful thanks, have placed the results of their researches at the disposal of the Publishers; whilst the possessors of private galleries kindly enable them to reproduce the works of modern masters in addition to the well-known treasures of public collections. Thus supported, they trust that the forthcoming volume will prove that encouragement and experience of the past will but stimulate them to exertions for the future, and ensure a continuance of that patronage with which they have been so highly honoured. |