xliii 



amidst dry discussions on meteorology, 

 contains many charming descriptions ; such 

 as those of the modes of life of the inha- 

 bitants of the mountains, the dangers of 

 hunting the chamois, and the sensations 

 felt on the summit of the higher Alps. 



These are details of ordinary life, which 

 it might be useful to note in an itinerary, 

 because they serve to regulate the conduct 

 of those, who afterwards journey through 

 the same countries. I have preserved a 

 few, but have suppressed the greater part 

 of those personal incidents, which offer no 

 interesting situations, and which can be 

 rendered amusing only by the perfection 

 of style. 



With respect to the country which has 

 been the object of my investigations, I do 

 not dissemble the great advantages, which 

 those who travel to Greece, Egypt, the 

 banks of the Euphrates, and the islands 

 of the Pacific Ocean, enjoy over those who 

 traverse America. In the ancient world* 

 nations, and the distinctions of their civiliz- 

 ation, formed the principal figures on the 

 canvass; in the new, man and his produc- 



