LIFE OF MUNGO PARK. 
xvii 
1798) that Government, having it in contemplation to 
procure a complete survey of New Holland, made some 
application to Park, with a view of employing hito upon 
that service. The particulars of this transaction are not 
known to Park's family, nor is it now material to enquire ; 
since the proposal, whatever it might be, was declined. 
It was afterwards repeated, and again declined, during the 
following year. 
In June, 1798, he visited his mother, who still resided 
at Fowlshiels, and his other relations in Scotland, and re- 
mained with them the whole of the summer and autumn. 
During all this time he was assiduously employed in com- 
piling and arranging the Account of his Travels. His 
materials for this work are stated to have consisted of short 
notes or memoranda, written on separate pieces of paper, 
forming an imperfect journal of his proceedings. Where 
these were wanting, he supplied the deficiency from his 
memory.* 
His family represent him during this period as leading 
the life of a severe student, employed on his papers during 
the whole of the mornings, and allowing himself little or 
no recreation, except a solitary evening walk on the banks 
of the Yarrow. Occasionally, however, he would indulge 
himself in longer excursions among the wild and romantic 
* Enquiry has been made for the notes here alluded to, with a view to the 
elucidation of several points connected with this narrative, but without success ; 
it being stated by Mr. Dickson, that a number of loose papers were left at his 
house by Park, and remained there for some time ; but being considered of no 
use, were mislaid or destroyed ; and that none of them are now to be found. 
VOL. II. d 
