Vm preface; 
fcrve as data in their reafonings, which are too often rendered 
nugatorya and not feldom ridiculous, by afluming as truths, the 
mifconceptions, or wilful impofitions of travellers. The ftudy 
of their own fpecies is doubtlefs the moft interefting and impor- 
tant that can claim the attention of mankind ; and this fcience, 
like aU others, it is impoflible to improve by abftrad fpeculation 
merely* A regular feries of authenticated fads» is what alone 
can enable us to rife towards a perfefl: knowledge in it. To have 
added one new and firm ftep in this arduous afcent, is a merit I 
fliould be proud to boaflof. 
