shorter or longer stay at Malta, some assistance in the knowledge or investigation of these islands. The late facilities offered by steam-navigation to all the curious and the learned, to make researches in the Mediterranean seas, have greatly increased the number of strangers in Malta;—as also, the facilities and conveniences, which the generosity of the truly paternal government of Malta has granted to foreign shipping, have equally augmented the concourse of travellers and strangers in this farfamed port. Here travellers may repose after a long voyage at sea, and even attempt the restoration of their health in the case of unlooked-for indisposition; and during their hours of quiet and solitude, they may perhaps be agree... ably occupied with a cursory examination of the things which this brief history points out. The author has confined himself to objects of utility in general, but has not entirely passed over those of elegance, of science, and of antiquities. And whatever credit he may receive for his labours, he doubts not, that his intentions will be fairly and indulgently construed. At any rate, this being the first book in the English language ever attempted, on so limited and portable a scale, in illustration of Malta, he trusts, that if he does not entirely succeed in his object, he will have the gratification of having pointed out the way to others, who shall follow him in that path which is always noble and philanthropic,- that of making one part of humanity acquainted with another, and of adding to the general stock of the knowledge of the world, by investigating mankind as it exists in its geographical situation, political and social state, and all the peculiarities of its mind and feelings. Settlement of the Phoeni cians Greeks- Carthaginians Romans Goths- Emperors of Constantinople Arabs Defeat of Emperor's Expedition-Count RogerRebellion of the Arabs Emperors of Germany Kings of Arragon and Castile'. -Charles V. of Germany-Arrival of the Knights of St. John Their first acts-Malta besieged by the Turks - Confiscation of several of the Commanderies Arrival of Siege of Malta · Dreadful state of Appearance of the British fleet- The Malta ceded to the British the French the town French capitulate Crown. THE early history of almost every nation is involved in obscurity, and it would be quite foreign to our purpose, to enter into an investigation of the several opinions, which have been advanced by different authors, as to the primitive inhabitants of this island, the origin of its name, its early form and government, and the various natural |