INTRODUCTIOiV. O 



of my intercourse with the Cuvier family, an 

 introduction to whom took place through our 

 mutually cherished friend, Dr. Leach, of the 

 British Museum. 



Mr. Bowdich had returned from his second, 

 and I from my first, voyage to Africa, in the 

 year 1818, and shortly after Mr. Bowdich pro- 

 ceeded to Paris, where his reputation, as the 

 successful African traveller, was already known. 

 The letter of Dr. Leach was scarcely necessary 

 with the Baron Cuvier, who received him 

 with that warmth and encouragement which 

 always marked his conduct towards men of 

 talents younger than himself, that interest which, 

 he extended to all who were devoted to science. 

 Struck with the facilities afforded for study in 

 the French capital, Mr. Bowdich determined to 

 remain there some time, in order to qualify him- 

 self for the principal object of his ambition, a 

 second travel in Africa. We both accordingly 

 went to Paris in 1819; and from that moment 

 the vast library of the Baron Cuvier, his draw- 

 ings, his collections, were open to our purposes. 

 We became the intimates of the family, with 

 whom, for nearly four years, we were in daily 

 intercourse. We left France with their blessings ; 

 and on returning alone to Europe, I was re- 



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