Geography. 347 



them with ability and faithfuhiess; and that they 

 collected and communicated rich stores of know- 

 ledge relating to the districts which they respec- 

 tively visited. Indeed, their researches may be con- 

 sidered as the basis of all the best and most au- 

 thentic accounts which have been subsequently 

 given to the world concerning that growing em- 

 pire. The observations made by Professor Pallas, 

 during his laborious and persevering tours, have 

 been regarded as peculiarly instructive and valu- 

 able. 



Since the travels and discoveries of the Peters- 

 burgh academicians above named, a number of 

 other travellers have adventured in the same ample 

 field of observation and inquiry. There is not 

 room in this place to recount their names or 

 achievements. The travels of Mr. Coxe, the well 

 known British tourist, in that country, furnish the 

 reader with much instruction and entertainment. 

 But probably the most complete and satisfactory 

 accounts of Russia now extant, are to be found 

 in the PJ^ijskal, Moral, Civil, and Political History 

 of Russia, ancient and modern, by M. Le Clerc; in 

 the Description of all the Nations in the Russian Em- 

 pire, by M. George; and, lastly, in the View of 

 the Russian Empire, by Mr. Tooke. 



Concerning Turkey in Europe, the progress of 

 our knowledge has been slower and less interesting. 

 It still remains, in a great measure, among the un- 

 known parts of the earth. But there is little ground 

 to regret our ignorance of it, since there seems 

 abundant reason to conclude, that it presents but 

 few grand or pleasing objects to the inquiring 

 mind. Fixed as it were, in a state of intellectual 

 and moral congelation, its inhabitants offer nothing 

 to interest, or to instruct, save an example of evils 

 to be abhorred and avoided. Such, however, as 

 they and their country arc, we have derived sorno 



