34 MEMOIR OF 



I derive from the thoughts of being useful/' Again, 

 " I have already forgotten all my sufferings in the 

 forests ; and I shall be abundantly recompensed, if 

 these sufferings can be rendered subservient to the 

 information of the public." And once more. u I 

 have invariably endeavoured to avoid every thing 

 approaching to romance, that is, to be occupied 

 more with words than things. I have been careful 

 to exaggerate alike neither the largeness, nor the 

 smallness, nor the scarcity of objects ; and always 

 to employ the most suitable expression, according 

 to the real character, such as I myself have seen, 

 and such as I verily believe it to be." ( Voy. i. xlix. 

 Iv. 27.) Many instances, we may add, of this 

 integrity and simplicity of purpose occur through- 

 out every part of our author's works. It is an easy 

 matter for a hasty and popular writer to throw out 

 disparaging insinuations ; which, from their loose- 

 ness and generality, it is somewhat difficult to rebut. 

 This is not the place to undertake a formal de- 

 fence of our author ; but other occasions, and other 

 champions, will probably not be wanting ; and we 

 conclude by remarking, that in no instance have we 

 noticed that our author belies his explicit profes- 

 sions of fairness and sincerity ; and we therefore trust 

 that none will be misled by these hasty charges, but 

 will judge for themselves, from the original docu- 

 ments, and will repudiate insinuations which filch 

 from Azara his fair fame, in a manner which is not 

 more injurious than unjust. 



We consider that Azara has conducted the whole 



