Travels in Central America, including Accounts of some Regions unexplored since the Conquest; from the French of the Chevalier Arthur Morelet

Abstract

IN that portion of Central America which lies between A Yucatan on the north and the city of Guatemala to the south, and bounded on the east by British Honduras, is a considerable tract of country which has remained almost unknown to Europeans since the Spanish conquest, and in which the traditions of the neighbouring States place vast aboriginal cities and wonderful enchanted lakes. To explore this region was the object of the adventurous expedition of M. Arthur Morelet, a French gentleman of leisure and extensive scientific acquirements. M. Morelet's natural history collections were deposited in the Museum of Paris, and described in the Comptes Rendus of the Institute; a new crocodile was named after him (which he pathetically declares to be the only result of the journey as far as fame to himself is concerned), and an account of his travels was printed for private circulation in his own country. In the volume before us a portion of this is now translated for the benefit of the American and English public. Although the work records no important or striking discoveries, it is a valuable and interesting contribution to the geography and natural history of an almost unknown district.

Travels in Central America, including Accounts of some Regions unexplored since the Conquest; from the French of the Chevalier Arthur Morelet.

By Mrs. M. F. Squier. Introduction and Notes by E. G. Squier. (London: Trübner and Co., 1871.)