| PREFACE
The account of the Author which is contained in the following- Introduction supersedes the necessity of any biographical notice in this Preface. For that account the editor is indebted to the kindness of a friend, who does not wish his name to be mentioned, and of whom, therefore, she will say no more, than that his personal knowledge of the subject, and his intimate interest in it, well qualified him for the office which at her request he undertook.
The volumes now submitted to the reader are all which exist of a work begun by ]\Ir. Rich on a very extensive scale. He therefore applied himself diligently to the study of various scientific subjects, by the knowledge of which he hoped to accomplish his design. He felt that a very different book of travels in the East would be expected from one who had enjoyed so many advantages as himself, than could be claimed from the generality of travellers ; for he had spent many years in Asia ; he spoke several Asiatic languages fluently ; and he was intimately acquainted with the character and manners of the people. It will be found, accordingly, that he is evidently at home in the countries which he describes ; that his observations, being in his own mind the result of long experience, are not given as new discoveries, but as well ascertained facts ; and many allusions are made which indicate his intimacy with the feelings and habits of the country, but which will perhaps either appear obscure, or pass unheeded by those who may not be equally well acquainted with the subject. If he had been spared, and had himself published his materials, he would have added alike to their interest as to their bulk, by introducing very full details of his personal narrative, and of his daily intercourse with the people.
As it is, his papers now published record chiefly those particulars which he noted down at once, lest they should escape his memory, and the whole value of which depended upon their accuracy. These he would probably have compressed, after finishing his map, for the purpose of constructing which, he was thus minute in his observations on the face of the country, and other points connected with geography.
However, though these volumes are less filled up with the incidents which occurred in the journey, than would have been the case if they had passed from the author to the press, the Editor hopes that they will not he without their use. They in great part describe a country little visited by Europeans, and never, it is believed, described by any Englishman ; and, in that view, if in nothing else, they will, it is hoped, repay the reader. If it be asked why this work was not published sooner, the Editor can only answer that the delay arose from many circumstances, with the recital of which she need not trouble the world.
Under a deep consciousness of her own inability for such an undertaking, she long shrunk from attempting it, but she has been encouraged and cheered in her task by the sympathy and assistance of many kind friends, among whom she cannot forbear naming Sir R. II. Inglis, who, in the midst of his numerous avocations, spared no pains to make her work easy to her, and was always ready to afford her help and counsel.
Clapham, 5th March, 1836. | 
