understood by the Graeco-Asiatic public; and the Figures prove that it was natural and easy for those

readers to understand the symbolism. Most of the subjects are taken from coins of the Imperial period; and

hearty thanks are due to Mr. Head of the British Museum for casts from originals under his care. If the style

of the coins were the subject of study, photographic reproductions would be required. But what we are here

interested in is the method of exp ressing ideas by visible forms; and a line drawing, which brings out the

essential facts, is more useful for our purpose. Examples are very numerous, and this small selection gives

rather the first that came to hand than the best that might be chosen.

Thanks are due to Miss A. Margaret Ramsay for drawing twenty-two of the Figures, to Miss Mary Ramsay

for two, and to Mr. John Hay for twelve.

In several cases it is pointed out that the spirit which is revealed in the natural features of the city was

recognised in ancient times, being expressed by orators in counselling or flattering the citizens, and

becoming a commonplace in popular talk. It is right to point out that in every case the impressions, gained

first of all immediately from scenery, were afterwards detected in the ancient writers (who usually express

them in obscure and elaborately rhetorical style).

The writing of a series of geographical articles in Dr. Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible greatly facilitated the

preparation of the present book, t hough the writer has learned much since, often as a result of writing those

It has not been part of the writer's purpose to describe the Seven Cities as they are at the present day. That

was done in a series of articles by Mrs. Ramsay in the British Monthly, November, 1901, to May, 1902, better

than he could do it. He has in several places used ideas and illustrations expressed in the articles, and some

of the photographs which were used in them are here reproduced afresh.

W.M. RAMSAY