PREFACE. ix 



in applying it to useful economical purposes, are well known to 

 the public. 



The Views are engraved by that excellent artist Mr, W. 

 Daniell, from the drawings of my friend Samuel Davis, Esq. 

 They are most faithful representations, and are peculiarly valu- 

 able, as illustrations of the geological and military observations. 



The Plan and Elevation of the Island are compiled from the 

 Survey, and the measurement of heights, taken by Major 

 Rennell ; and from some other documents. 



In a book entitled " Tracts," I did not deem it necessary to 

 touch upon the history of St. Helena : I wished also to preserve 

 uniformity, by confining this work ^thollij to subjects that have 

 never yet appeared before the public ; and to prevent enlarging 

 it beyond the bounds I had prescribed. To those who are 

 desirous of information upon the localities of the island, from 

 the period of its discovery to the year 1807, I beg to recommend 

 to their perusal Mr. Brooke's History of St. Helena, published in 

 1808 ; which is drawn from the most authentic sources, and is 

 replete with accurate information. 



In attempting to introduce improvements upon an island 

 where the arts of agriculture were little understood ; where lands 

 were cultivated by manual labour, without the aid of animals ; 

 and where prejudices in favour of old customs were strong, it 

 was obvious there could be no hope of amendment without the 

 evidence of successful examples. 



It was therefore necessary to have recourse to experiments. 

 Ploughs, and other implements were introduced ; the labouring- 

 population was increased by the introduction of about three hun- 

 dred Chinese ; and an improved system of husbandry was carried 



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