PREFACE. 
THE flattering requisitions of those readers 
who found amusement in the narrative of my 
former voyage, independently of its scientific 
details, form an incentive to my present publi- 
cation. All mere nautical minutize, which might 
be deemed tedious, with the exception of such 
as were indispensable, have been omitted. Va- 
rious contingencies have delayed the appearance 
of these Volumes; but I still hope they will 
not have altogether lost the charm of novelty. 
With respect to my style, I rely upon the 
favour formerly shewn me, Devoted from my 
earliest youth to the sea-service, I have had no 
leisure for cultivating the art of authorship. 
