Chap. V.] Geogi^aphy, 53. 



trace the courses of the rivers^ to make exact maps 

 and charts ; to be very distinct and accurate in re- 

 marking and describing the manners and customs 

 of the different people, their dress, languages, an- 

 tiquities, traditions, history, and religion ; and, in 

 a word, to gain every information v/hich might 

 tend to illustrate the real state of the whole em- 

 pire *. 



In this arduous service, Pallas, Gmelin, Lepe- 

 dien, Guldenstaedt, and others, were^ about the 

 same time, employed, and furnished witli every ac- 

 commodation, in the power of their royal patron, 

 which could facilitate their pursuit. It is generally 

 known that they performed the task committed to 

 them with ability and faithfulness ; 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 

 considered 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- 

 burg 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 



* Coxe's Travels into Russia, Sec. vol. ii, p. 350, 351, &c. For 

 the particular account of the different routes &c. of these learned 

 travellers, see Tooke's View of Russia, Tntroductorj/ Discourse. 



