VI PREFACE. 



Tn forming this conclusion, he was not insensible of the 

 obligations, which he has assumed, nor of the essential pre- 

 requisites to an undertaking so arduous, and so important in 

 its kind. Among the latter is the particular knowledge, that 

 ought to be obtained of all local facts, that have any bearing 

 or relation to the subject under consideration. 



To acquire this, no pains have been spared. As early as 

 the year 1814, he endeavoured to interest and engage the at- 

 tention, of a number of resident and travelling gentlemen, 

 of science and information, in collecting and communicat- 

 ing such facts, as were calculated to assist in the investiga- 

 tion of this new and interesting subject. 



In this, however, he was unsuccessful ; since, with the ex- 

 ception of the friendly communications of Professors C leave- 

 land, and Cooper, not the scrip of a pen lias been received 

 in answer to the queries proposed, and which are contained 

 in the Agenda, attached to this work. 



Being thus situated, no other alternative was left, but to 

 trust to his own individual observations and exertions, and to 

 the occasional hints and incidental remarks of historians and 

 travellers who have visited, and written upon the different sec- 

 tions of this continent ; or to relinquish a subject, vast in its 

 extent, important in its nature, and replete with that peculiar 

 kind of interest, which cannot fail to entertain, if not instruct. 



Under such circumstances, and under disadvantages rtot 

 within the limits of control, has the present work been 

 written. 



In presenting it to the publick, he has not the temerity to 

 presume, nor vanity to believe, that it is calculated to please 

 every one ; or that it is free from errours. He is sensible 

 of its imperfections, and particularly so, of the want of sys- 

 tem, or that kind of order in the arrangement of the materials, 

 which the subject strictly requires. Bnt he trusts that these 



