Preface.
The Translation into English of Ar-Rauzat-uz-Zakiah, the text book laid down for the Higher Standard Examination in Arabic was undertaken by me with the permission of the Government of India, and has been completed at the cost of much time and labour. It is published in the hope that it may prove useful to those who are desirous of studying the Arabic language and for those who are working with a view to passing the above examination.
It can be equally used however, in conjunction with the text book by Arabic-speaking students wishing to learn English as throughout it follows the text very closely.
In translating I have endeavoured to be neither too free nor too literal but have adopted a middle course.
Where necessary literal meanings and references in the footnotes have been given, as a further help to students. The words between brackets thus () in the body of the translation are extraneous to the text and are inserted to elucidate the meaning of the passage.
Wherever possible, as for example in the description of Syria by Abil Fida, brackets have been used to show the English names of places; viz. Ariha (Jericho) etc.
The numbers in the margin indicate the pages of the Arabic text.
I regret the necessity for the list of errata. In spite of the careful reading of proofs several errors in spelling and printing have crept in. I have considered it advisable to include in this list even those mistakes which are obviously only clerical errors. In future editions, it is hoped to eliminate such errors.
The translator will be glad of any suggestions which may add to the attraction and usefulness of the present work.
