With the conclusion of the present series of GUSTAVE AIMARD'S tales, itmay be advisable to inform the readers in what succession the elevenvolumes already published should be read. It is as follows;—
First Series.
1. BORDER RIFLES.
2. FREEBOOTERS.
3. WHITE SCALPER.
Second Series.
1. TRAIL HUNTER.
2. PIRATES OF THE PRAIRIES.
3. TRAPPER'S DAUGHTER.
4. TIGER-SLAYER.
5. GOLD-SEEKERS.
6. INDIAN CHIEF.
Third Series.
1. PRAIRIE FLOWER.
2. INDIAN SCOUT.
These, three Series are now complete, and in the ensuing volumes theAuthor intends to introduce an entirely fresh set of characters.
Encouraged by the unexpectedly favourable reception these volumes havemet with, the Publishers have determined on producing a MagnificentIllustrated edition. Each volume will contain twelve page Engravings,drawn and Engraved by the First Artists of the Day, and be published ata price which will place the series within reach of all classes.
These engravings will necessarily enhance the pleasure of the reader; asthe most careful attention has been paid to correctness of costume andscenery, and a perfect idea can be at once formed from them of thepeculiarities of the country in which the scene is laid. In all Indiannovels that have hitherto been published with illustrations, thisimportant point has been neglected; but the purchasers of theIllustrated Edition of GUSTAVE AIMARD'S works may feel assured thatwhatever is offered them in the way of elucidating the text is strictlytrue to Nature. When it is stated, for instance, that the Indian dresseshave been obtained from CATLIN'S elaborate work, and the distinctivecostumes of each tribe faithfully adhered to, the Publishers trust thiswill prove a sufficient guarantee that no idle boast is intended. At thesame time, artistic value has not been neglected. The engraving has beenintrusted to Mr. EDMUND EVANS, who has surpassed all his former effortsin the elaboration of these, the most perfect specimens which have yetissued from his studio.
The Publishers, therefore, confidently anticipate that this enterprisewill render GUSTAVE AIMARD'S works of Indian life the universalfavourites they deserve to be, for the volumes will be appropriate asgift books at all seasons of the year. For it should not be left out ofsight that, although the Author has thought proper to write his tales indifferent series, each volume can be read with equal interestseparately. As he only records the incidents of his own life underassumed characters, it is but natural that the same Individuals shouldappear on the scene in a succession of volumes. But in this GUSTAVEAIMARD merely follows the example of his master, FENIMORE COOPER, and nocomplaint was ever, to our knowledge, raised to his introduction of thesame hero through a lengthened series of volumes. On the contrary, thereaders were pleased at it