PREFACE. VII 



for a f^reat length of time ; and we know that pre- 

 scription is a fortress in which error often holds 

 -out a k)ng siege. There cannot therefore be a more 

 acceptable tribute offered to the repubhc of letters, 

 than voyages or travels, composed by persons of es- 

 tablished reputation for learning, and in equal esteem 

 for their probity. But the value of the present is 

 much enhanced, if these voyages or travels respect 

 countries little known, the coasts of which only, 

 perhaps, have been accidentally visited by seamen, 

 or harassed and plundered by privateers, persons often 

 of suspected faith, and almost always of very limited 

 capacities. Some few exceptions indeed there may be 

 to this general rule ; but even in regard to these, there 

 will be necessarily great defects ; and allowing them 

 their highest merit, they can only report truly the lit- 

 tle they liave seen : and what idea can we form of a 

 Turkey carpet, if we look only at the border, or, it 

 may be, at the selvage ? 



The authors, whose writings are now offered to the 

 public in an English dress,aremen of the most respect- 

 able characters, men distinguished for their parts and 

 learning, and yet more for their candour and integri- 

 ty : men who did not travel through accident, but 

 by choice ; and this not barely their own, but ap- 

 proved by authority, and approved because they were 

 known to be equal to the task they undertook ; and 

 that task was, the examining every thing they went 

 to see, with all possible care and scrupulous attention, 

 in order to furnish the public with such lights as 

 might be entirely and safely depended on. This was 

 the design which they undertook : this design they 

 executed with the circumspection it deserved ; and 

 the punctuality with which they discharged it, has 

 procured them the just returns of favour from their 

 t'oyal master, and the applause and rip probation of 



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