PREFATORY NOTE.

NE does not see that much preface is needed now to a life of Dr. Livingstone, for his name

has become a household word; but perhaps a few sentences, by way of justification, may be allowed for adding one more to the already numerous biographies which we have. And undoubtedly the great reason is, the perennial human interest there is for all-young and old, learned and unlearned-in the record of his eventful life. Other explorers we have had whose fame rose as high, but it lasted only for a few years. The influences of Dr. Livingstone's life-work, on the other hand, are so far-reaching that his fame is above the passing feelings of the times. Although ten years have nearly passed since he died, his memory is as green and fresh to-day as ever. Indeed, no one can read his life without admiring and loving the man. Above his greatness as an explorer rises the massiveness of his character; and his large-hearted love for the poor negro, his deep hatred of the accursed slave trade, his sturdy