TRAVELS 



IN 



BRAZIL, 



INTRODUCTION. 



During a long series of eventful years, an almost uninterrupted 

 succession of wars, unparalleled in the modern history of Europe, had 

 thrown numerous obstacles in the way of every attempt to extend 

 the domain of Natural Science and Geography, by travels into remote 

 quarters of the globe. England, which was less affected by these 

 obstacles, furnished us, almost exclusively, with some additions to 

 this branch of scientific research. Among the many other pleasing 

 prospects now opened to us by the happy restoration of peace to the 

 nations of the world, is that of seeing men, animated by an ardent 

 desire for new discoveries in the various kingdoms of Nature, suc- 

 cessfully undertake extensive voyages and travels, and communicate 

 those ample treasures, which they cannot fail to collect, to their coun- 

 trymen, whom circumstances, inclination, or necessity, confine to their 

 native soil. May a long continuance of this peace, so ardently wished, 

 and so dearly earned, insure to us these cheering prospects ! 



