HELIOTYPE COPIES OF TWENTY LOCAL MAPS.

Editor:
THE REV. EDMUND F. SLAFTER, A.M.




PREFACE.

Champlain's edition of 1613 contains, in connection with the preliminary
matter, two pieces of poetry, one signed L'ANGE, Paris, the other MOTIN.
They were contributed doubtless by some friend, intended to be
complimentary to the author, to embellish the volume and to give it a
favorable introduction to the reader. This was in conformity to a
prevailing custom of that period. They contain no intrinsic historical
interest or value whatever, and, if introduced, would not serve their
original purpose, but would rather be an incumbrance, and they have
consequently been omitted in the present work.

Champlain also included a summary of chapters, identical with the headings
of chapters in this translation, evidently intended to take the place of an
index, which he did not supply. To repeat these headings would be
superfluous, particularly as this work is furnished with a copious index.

The edition of 1613 was divided into two books. This division has been
omitted here, both as superfluous and confusing.

The maps referred to on Champlain's title-page may be found in Vol. III. of
this work. In France, the needle deflects to the east; and the dial-plate,