Unfortunately, the materials of this kind which recent explorations have brought to light are very unequally spread among the several nations of which it is proposed to treat, and even where they are most copious, fall short of the abundance of Egypt.

Still in every case there is some illustration possible; and in one--Assyria--both the "Arts" and the "Manners" of the people admit of being illustrated very largely from the remains still extant .-- [See Chapters VI.

and VII.

of the Second Monarchy] The Author is bound to express his obligations to the following writers, from whose published works he has drawn freely: MM.

Botta and Flandin, Mr.Layard, Mr.James Fergusson, Mr.Loftus, Mr.Cullimore, and Mr.
Birch.