VI PREFACE. 



It is indeed true, that in respect to this, as well as 

 other branches of science, there have been many pro- 

 ductions, which for atime wereapplauded andadmircd, 

 and which, notwithstanding, have served rather to 

 mislead, than to instruct men's minds, by a display 

 of specious falsehoods, highly acceptable to such as 

 read merely for amusement. But these authors of mar- 

 vellous, and very often incredible relations ; of 

 strange and surprizing adventures ; these pompous 

 describers of wonderful curiosities,which men of more 

 penetration, but of sounder judgements, could never 

 afterwards, though pursuing the same routes with 

 their utmost diligence, discover ; quickly lost that 

 credit, which novelty alone gave them ; and, being 

 once exploded by sensible judges, gradually sunk, 

 first into the contempt, and then into the oblivion, 

 they deserved. 



These books, however, are thus far useful, that 

 they serve to give us a clearer idea of our wants, and 

 a more just notion, than perhaps we could otherwise 

 óbtain,of the qualities requisite to render voyages and 

 travels truly worthy of esteem. They demonstrate 

 very fully, that, in the first place, it is of great con- 

 sequence, to know the characters of the authors we 

 peruse, that we may judge of the credit that is due to 

 their reports ; and this as well in point of abilities, 

 as of veracity ; for many v.'riters impose on the world, 

 not through any evil intention of deceiving others, 

 but because they have been deceived themselves. 

 They relate falsehoods, but they believe them: we 

 cannot thereforejustly accuse them of want of candour; 

 the fault properly to be laid to their charge, is cre- 

 dulity. AVe are most in danger of suffering by those 

 authors, who have either lived in, or passed through 

 countries, that are rarely visited, and into which few 

 are permitted to come. This protects their mistakes 

 1 for 



