PREFACE.

THE first volume of this series, covering the age of discovery, concluded with the death of Columbus. This volume, designed to cover the period known as the age of conquests, begins with the sailing of Ojeda and Nicuesa to Darien, and concludes with the discovery of the Mississippi. As in the former work, historical events are narrated with great regard for accuracy. There is so much. romance in the Spanish conquests in America, that one has only to select incidents, and, by the exercise of a little skill in weaving them together, an entertaining novel is made. Hernando Estevan, one of the leading characters in "Columbia," appears in the beginning of this volume; but the ro mance centres about his son, Christopher, and the daughter of Vasco Nuñez de Balboa.

JOHN R. MUSICK.

Kirksville, Mo., February 1, 1892.