The Isthmus of Tehuantepec : being the results of a survey for a railroad to connect the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, made by the scientific commission under the direction of Major J.G. Barnard ... : with a résumé of the geology, climate, local geography, productive industry, fauna and flora, of that region : illustrated with numerous maps and engravings /

Abstract

PREFACE. more closely together as a nation, promise likewise to give us in return for their opening all the varied treasures of the Eastern World. A few years only will elapse ere we shall witness every part of the Pacific whitened by the sails of our ships, and every wave in its broad expanse bearing to distant lands, hitherto unknown to us, except by name, the people and the commodities of our country. That this publication, setting forth as it does the advantages of one of those great inter-oceanic routes, must contribute in no small degree to such results, I cannot doubt ; and in returning the work to you after a careful examination, it affords me pleasure to lighten, if I can, the burden of your responsibility, by giving it my unqualified approval as a faithful record of operations, to which all of us, I am sure, must look back with feelings of pride and mutual congratulation.