Upon delivering this account into the hands of my readers, as the events that marked my journey and the efforts that accompanied it pass together before my eyes, so many names, things, sensations flock to my mind! Among the memories, both pleasant and painful, that this instant evokes, there is one—of an infinite sweetness—a single one before which all the others fade away: the memory of the men in whom I found kindness, friendship, fellow feeling; those who encouraged, protected, and helped me in preparing my journey as in accomplishing it, and in the occupations following it. Some are French, others Moroccan; some Christian, some Muslim. I pray they will allow me to unite them into a single group to thank them all together and assure them of a gratitude that is too keen for me to express all I feel.

May he whose erudite lessons prepared me for this journey, whose advice guided it, whose care organized its undertaking, receive first of all the homage of my profound gratitude. I speak of Mr. O. Mac Carthy, president of the Société de Géographie of Algiers, the natural protector of whomsoever works toward knowledge or for the greatness of our colony.

The Sires Maunoir and Duveyrier encouraged me before my departure, and greeted me upon my return. The brilliant recognition awarded to me by the Société de Géographie, when I had only just returned, is all due to them. I cannot thank them enough for their kindness.

Hajj Bou Rhim, Bel Qasem el Hamouzi, who, at risk to yourself, protected me in times of danger, to whom I owe my life itself, whose distant memory fills me with emotion and distress, where are you today? Are you still alive? Will I ever see you again? How can I express my gratitude—and my regret at not being able to prove it to you?

Finally, let all those whom I have not mentioned—not through forgetfulness but because the list is too long—receive my recognition and thankful homage.

Paris, October 1887.