The existence of natural ice-caves at depths varying from 50 to 200 feet below the surface of the earth, unconnected with glaciers or snow mountains, and in latitudes and at altitudes where ice could not under ordinary circumstances be supposed to exist, has attracted some attention on the Continent; but little or nothing seems to be practically known in England on the subject.

These caves are so singular, and many of them so well repay inspection, that a description of the twelve which I have visited can scarcely, as it seems to me, be considered an uncalled-for addition to the numerous books of travel which are constantly appearing.

In order to prevent my narrative from being a mere dry record of natural phenomena, I have interspersed it with such incidents of travel as may be interesting in themselves or useful to those who are inclined to follow my steps.

I have also given, from various sources, accounts of similar caves in different parts of the world.
A pamphlet on _Glacieres Naturelles_ by M.Thury, of Geneva, of the existence of which I was not aware when I commenced my explorations, has been of great service to me.

M.Thury had only visited three glacieres when he published his pamphlet in 1861, but the observations he records are very valuable.