The original
edition of my work was submitted to the judgment of the public without
preface, for I must agree with the view of Thomas Hughes, that a
preface is unnecessary if an author is content to have his aim read in
what he has written.
I
do not depart from this view now in desiring to acknowledge the very
kindly appreciation accorded to the first edition by the representative
critics of the press and by the public, and my particular indebtedness
to the many friends who have taken pains to furnish me with desired
information and valuable illustrations.
I
may further note simply that the edition now offered has been
thoroughly revised, enlarged, and brought up to date, with the addition
of a number of new and interesting illustrations.
GARDNER F. WILLIAMS.
Kiujbxrley, South Africa, August, 1904.