60 INTRODUCTION TO THE 



would argue a most culpable want of rational curiosity, 

 if we did not use our best endeavours to arrive 

 at a full acquaintance with the contents of our own 

 planet ; of that little spot in the immense universe, on 

 which we have been placed, and the utmost limits of 

 which, at least its habitable parts, we possess the 

 means of ascertaining, and describing, by actual exam- 

 ination. 



So naturally doth this reflection present itself, that 

 to know something of the terraqueous globe is a 

 favourite object with every one who can taste the 

 lowest rudiments of learning. Let us not, therefore, 

 think so meanly of the times in which we live, as to 

 suppose it possible, that full justice will not be done 

 to the noble plan of discovery so steadily and so 

 successfully carried on since the accession of his 

 Majesty; which cannot fail to be considered, in every 

 succeeding age, as a splendid period in the history 

 of our country, and to add to our national glory, by 

 distinguishing Great Britain as taking the lead in 

 the most arduous undertakings for the common be- 

 nefit of the human race. Before these voyages took 

 place, nearly half the surface of the globe we inhabit 

 was hid in obscurity and confusion. What is still 

 wanting to complete our geography, may justlv be 

 termed the rmnutice of that science. 



4. Let us now carry our thoughts somewhat far- 

 ther. It is fortunate for the interests of knowledge; 

 that acquisitions in any one branch generally, and 

 indeed unavoidably, lead to acquisitions in other 

 branches, perhaps of still greater consequence; and 

 that we cannot even gratify mere curiosity, without 

 being rewarded with valuable instruction. This ob- 

 servation applies to the subject before us. Voyages, 

 in which new oceans have been traversed, and in 

 which new countries have been visited, can scarcely 

 ever be performed, without bringing forward to our 

 view fresh objects of science. Even when we are to 

 take our report of what was discovered, from the 



