PREFACE. 



xi 



of the Picturesque Atlas, and the Personal 

 Narrative of his voyage, I have been en- 

 couraged by the care with which he has 

 read most of my pages, and corrected 

 many of my errors. My scanty knowledge 

 of the first principles of science seemed in- 

 deed to preclude the full comprehension of 

 many of the subjects of which he treats ; 

 but a short experience convinced me, that 

 what is clearly expressed may be clearly 

 understood ; and I shall perhaps be par- 

 doned, if, from the novelty of the subject, 

 neologisms sometimes occur, Long a 

 stranger to my country, I have indeed no 

 critical favor to expect; I mean that 

 species of favor, w hich arises from personal 

 acquaintance, and, perhaps even unknow- 

 ing to the critic himself, softens the stern 

 brow of reproof, and leads him unconsci- 

 ously to be indulgent, when he only meant 

 to be just. I have nothing to hope from 

 such predilection. My literary patrons 

 belonged to w T hat Ossian calls " the days 



