PREFACE 
Tris work is old enough to have undergone a process of evolution, the 
nature of which may be conveniently indicated by extracts from pre- 
faces to previous editions. Its aim is stated in the first edition as 
‘ollows :— 
“ This book is designed to meet a want recognised by all who are 
interested in adapting our education to the needs of the time. 
“Since its commencement several works have appeared which seek 
bo accomplish a similar object by methods different from those adopted 
in the present work. A few words of explanation as to the plan here 
followed are therefore all the more necessary. 
I cannot better explain the aim of the work than by adopting the 
words of Mr. Goschen in the address which he delivered to the students 
of Aberdeen University on his installation as Lord Rector (Jan. 31, 
1888). I have endeavoured to impart an * intellectual interest ” to 
the study of the geographical facts relating to commerce. It will, 
[ imagine, be generally admitted that Mr. Goschen has not overrated 
one whit the importance of this intellectual interest with a view to 
practical success in business ; and it is a consideration by no means to 
be ignored that in following this road to practical success we give to 
life one of the elements that make success valuable. 
‘To say that in the present work I have endeavoured after intellec- 
sual interest is only another way of saying that it has been my aim to 
make the book really educational. In writing the work I have had 
three classes chiefly in view—first, teachers who may wish to Impart 
additional zest to their lessons in geography from the point of view of 
commerce ; secondly, pupils in the higher schools and colleges that are 
now devoting increased attention to commercial education ; and thirdly, 
those entering on commercial life, who take a sufficiently intelligent 
interest in their business to make their private studies bear on their 
daily pursuits. 
" From what has just been said about the aim of the work, it follows 
shat this book is not to be regarded as a general work of reference on 
all that may be included under the head of Commercial Geography. 
It is not a mere repertory of the where and whence of commodities of 
all kinds. My wish has been to throw light on the vicissitudes of 
*ommerce by treating somewhat fully of the trade in the more im-