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I CANNOT clofe this addrefs to the reader without 

 embracing with pecuHar latisfadtion the jvift occafion, 

 which the enruing trcatifes upon the Pvuflian difcoveries 

 and commerce afford me, of joining with every friend 

 of fcience in the warmeit admiration of that en- 

 larged and Hberal fpirit, which fo ftrikingly marks the 

 ■chara<Ster of the prefent Emprefs of Ruflia. Since 

 her acceffion to the throne, the invefligation and difco- 

 very of ufeful knowledge has been the conftant obje<5l of 

 her generous encouragement. The authentic records of 

 the Ruffian Hiftory have, by her exprefs orders, been pro- 

 perly arranged ; and permiffion is readily granted of in- 

 fpedting them. The moftdiftant parts of her vaft dominions 

 have, at her expence, been explored and defcribed by per- 

 fons of great abilities and extenfive learning ; by which 

 means new and important lights have been thrown upon 

 the geography and natural hiftory of thofe remote re- 

 gions. In a word, this truly great princefs has contri- 

 buted more, in the compals of only a few years, towards 

 civilizing and informing the minds of her fubjetfts, than 

 had been effected by all the fovereigns her predeceflbrs 

 fince the glorious aera of Peter the Great. 



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