The new North-west. [volume] (Deer Lodge, Mont.) 1869-1897, 1884-05-02
A Remarkable Work.

The opening Of the Darien ship canal re-
directs attention TO one of the richest por-
tions of the globe, which has been unnoticed
for the greater part Of the century. To un.
derstand its capacities we must 60 back to
The records of the first discoveries and con-
quest Of the Isthmus, when 1t paid tribute TO
Spain In thousands Of gold and silver, and
baskets Of the finest pearls. Its great cities
held palaces whose walls were mile square
and fortresses which surpassed those Of
Europe. The ceiba tree and the tropic
creepers have hidden the site Of these grand
ruins, but guided by the light Of history, the
daring explorer will yet find not only these,
but the deserted mines Of gold and beds Of
sacretturqnois and pearls. The history Of
Mexico ana the Isthmus In their early days
Is one Of the most fascinating pages In the
world, whether TO scholars or men Of BUSH
ness, and 1t Is fortunate that the period Of
reviving interest In these countries, also sees
the announcement Of the remarkable literary
work which includes their history. The
wealth of preparation lavished BY Mr.. HUI
bert II. Bancroft Oh his great History Of the
Pacific States, affords . satisfaction TO the
world, OF which the volumes 30 far issued are
rich and surprising foret The story Of
the conquest of new world must have an
absorbing interest, but the splendor Of the
natural resources of the countries reads like
the tales OF Eastern romance. From the
treasures of material at command In his
matchless library of $4,000 volumes on Pa
cifc history, for which be has ransacked
American and continental collections and
government archives, Mr.. Bancroft has drawn
y story OF plain, authentic fact, which wears
the coloring Of romance. Old manuscripts,
unknown TO recent historians, and archives,
supposed lost but brought to light BY intelli-
gent research, have added Of late the missing
links in the wonderful history Of the discov-
cry of America. The archives of Central
American governments, rare Spanish works,
and manuscripts from the collections made
by the Emperor Macmillan, and the emf
nent Mexican, Ramirez, have been sources
Of fresh and extremely interesting material,
to ftly condense and convey which has been
the labor to which Mr.. Bancroft has devoted
his best energies for twenty years, with the
assistance Of from twelve TO twenty sduca-
ted secretaries 10 translation and reference
work.
The history thus produced BY IN author
Of uncommon ability must take place =
standard authority on Western America,
olvinU nnlv An huf fta natural hin-
tory, In accounts Of the scenery, productions
and inhabitants OF the countries flom the
Rocky Mountains TO the Pacific, from Darien
and Sonora TO New Mexico, Arizona, Cali
fofnia, Oregon and their sister States. The
information OF oil the writers that have ever
written about these countries will BE- con-
tanned In Mr.. Bancrofls Pacific History, Q
work 30 interesting that We expect TO zee Il
In every town and school library, II not In
every household--the delight OF the school
boy, for its marvellous stories OF adventure;
Of the politician and the literary man alike,
for It's clear precision and iis rich grasp OF
fact. LII Europe, m order Of nobility would
be the honor assigned . labor Of such value
but the authors best reward will be to see
his work read and beloved By the people for
whom be wrote. The praise Of The great
scholars OF Europe and America; OF Carlyle,
Draper, ha been warmly given 10 l1is work,
which, however, was written with the pur
pose 10 bTiRg the Information Of : peiDcely
library within reach Of American homes. !
The large open priai, 6rm paper and binding
have been selected TO make book welcome
70 the eye and lasting for use; one which
viii take the 6rst rank among standard his-
tories, and equally % 10 the Interest Of gen.
eral readers. isaf 4I.'es