PREFACE. 
Vli 
to affirm, that they are scrupulously exact in their outline, 
showing the character of the country, as far as I have penetrated 
into it. 
I LAY no claim to those qualifications, which are required, if 
the only object of the journey be the improvement of science; 
but, being habitually attentive to subjects connected with geo- 
logy, mineralogy, and botany, some account of them will be found 
in the course of this narrative, though I had frequent occasion 
to regret, that my acquaintance with them was not sufficient, to 
enable me to enter upon scientific description. To my friend, 
J. W. Burcliell, Esq. I am indebted for the scientific names, ad- 
ded to the subjoined list. The best information upon these sub- 
jects may be found in the works of Sparmann, Barrow, Lichten- 
stein, Burchell, and others; nor will the Colony ever want men 
of ability, ready to explore its widely extended regions, while it 
is in possession of a Government, ever attentive, not only to the 
promotion of moral and political good within its own dominion, 
but to the distribution of the benefits of its discoveries to all 
mankind. 
