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Preface.

The following pages are translated from a French narrative of much interest, "Les Naufrages des lies Auckland," which records the adventures of a small company of shipwrecked seamen on one of that little-known group. The story is graphically related, but, apparently, without any attempt at exaggeration; and if it contains no "hair-breadth 'scapes" or "wonderful adventures," it is full of instructive details, while by no means deficient in "wholesome excitement." To the young, its Robinson Crusoe-like character will unquestionably prove attractive; and they will have the satisfaction of knowing, while they read, that their sympathies are not stirred by the consummate skill of a master of romance, but by the force of a true tale plainly told.