Note 1 — PART I—PREVIOUS TO THE DISCOVERY OF AMERICA

This is related by the Greek historian Herodotus, and has often been denied, especially by the older writers; but the “Encyclopædia Britannica” gives it credence, and tells us that the latest and best critic of the geography of Herodotus, Major Rennel, maintains the possibility of such a voyage, and believes it was made. He argues that the construction of their ships, with flat bottoms and low masts, enabled these hardy voyagers to keep close to the land, and to enter all the rivers and harbors for food and water. I think, therefore, that we may believe that Herodotus recorded what really happened, even if we reject some details.