iv 
ACCOUNT OF THE 
merit, which is indeed of common occurrence among the 
Scottish farmers and peasantry, but which appears to have 
been exemplary and remarkable in the present instance. 
His family being numerous, he did not content himself 
with personally superintending every part of their edu- 
cation ; but, though far from being in affluent circum- 
stances, engaged a private teacher to reside in his house 
and assist in their early instruction. 
It is most satisfactory to add, that these paternal cares 
were followed by the happiest results, and received their 
appropriate reward. Mr. Park had the gratification of 
seeing the greater part of his children respectably settled 
during " his life, and of witnessing their success and 
prosperity. 
After having received the first rudiments of education 
in his father s family, Mungo Park was in due time re- 
moved to the Grammar School at Selkirk, where he 
remained a considerable number of years. He had shewn 
a great love of reading from his childhood, and was inde- 
fatigable in his application at school, where he was much 
distinguished and always at the head of his class. Even at 
that early age, he was remarked for being silent, studious 
and thoughtful : but some sparks of latent ambition 
occasionally broke forth : and indications might even then 
be discovered of that ardent and adventurous turn of mind, 
which distinguished him in after life, and which often lies 
concealed under a cold and reserved exterior. 
It was the original intention of Park's father to educate 
him for the Scottish church, for which he appeared to be 
well fitted by his studious habits and the serious turn of 
