PREFACE. xi 



While, therefore, we are thus prevented from obtainhig a more 

 complete knowledge of these countries, it is hoped that an attempt 

 to supply the deficiencies of it, according to the plan adopted in the 

 present work, will be favourably received. 



The observations of those whose papers are now published for the 

 first time, are communicated either in the tbrm of journals and letters, 

 or detached essays. There are advantages attending each of these 

 separate modes ; in the former, the remarks of the traveller are 

 given as they presented themselves to his mind on the spot, without 

 any unnecessary amplification or expansion ; and in adopting the 

 latter method, the writer by subsequent reading and enquiry is able 

 to bestow more attention on the subject than is consistent with the 

 form of a mere narrative or journal. 



There are, indeed, many subjects which have not been sufficiently 

 illustrated, either in the present work, or in those already published, 

 relating to the Turkish empire. Yet every information of an original 

 kind, and drawn from authentic sources, is of importance ; and if 

 those Europeans who are settled in the great cities of the East would 

 note down carefully their remarks, and institute enquiries on various 

 subjects, we should soon be in possession of many new documents. 

 A residence on the spot affords excellent opportunities for acquiring 

 or correcting information. Materials for the valuable work of 

 Dr. Russell were prepared in this manner ; and during the twelve 

 years which were passed by D'Arvieux in the Levant, he collected a 

 greater number of facts respecting the Turks, their manners and 

 customs, than Europeans in general have been able to acquire. There 

 are many objects of research which the transient traveller, however 

 inquisitive, cannot investigate fully ; these may fall more properly 

 under the observation of those who are resident in the country. 



It is to be regretted that a plan suggested by the Editor of Russell's 

 Aleppo, in his preface to that work, has never yet been adopted. 



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