better recommendation could be offered to those who have not had the privilege of knowing Mr Thurston personally.
The Author has had the willing help of several friends, among whom might specially be mentioned Mr J. S. Gamble, C.I.E., F.R.S., who, as an old official of the Indian Forest Department, has dealt authoritatively with the chapter on the Flora and Forests. Mr E. B. Havell, who is well known by his charming books on Indian Art, has contributed the chapter on Architecture, a subject which he had an opportunity of specially studying when for many years he was Principal of the Madras School of Art, while Mr George Romilly, who, as the representative for many years of the planters' community on the Legislative Council, has given the benefit of his personal knowledge of, and successful commercial experience with, the planting industries. For the shortcomings of the chapter on Geology I am mainly responsible.
We are indebted to various friends, official and private, for permission to use photographs and maps, and the source of each illustration is acknowledged in the list.
