PREFACE. 
to interrupt the text, short descriptions of them are added in the 
notes. These descriptions, however, are not intended as specific 
characters, but are given merely as the more obvious or striking 
features, in order to convey to the zoologist or botanist some idea 
of the more remarkable objects. Neither was it thought requisite, in 
the present work at least, to adopt every innovation in nomenclature 
which, since the travels were commenced, these sciences have from 
time to time undergone. These collections consist of above sixty 
three thousand objects, inclusive of the duplicates, in every depart- 
ment of the science. Out of two hundred and eighty nine quadrupeds 
shot on the journey, a hundred and twenty skins, comprising eighty 
species, were preserved. The collection of birds contains two hundred 
and sixty-five different kinds. In addition to these results of the 
expedition, are about five hundred drawings, the subjects of which 
are landscapes, portraits, costume, zoology, botany, and a variety 
of other objects. 
The author's views in travelling, were not confined to any par- 
ticular class of observation. As it was general knowledge which he 
sought, so he has endeavoured to extend his researches to whatever 
appeared likely to afford interesting information ; but in a country 
still in a state of nature, and where art has done so little, the works 
of the creation, ever delightful to all but those of a corrupt and 
depraved mind, necessarily present themselves the most frequently 
to notice. In the second volume, however, the investigation of 
man in an uncivilized state of society, will be found to offer to the 
contemplation of the philosopher, a picture not altogether unde- 
serving of attention, if the writer should be able by words to com- 
municate to others those feelings which he himself experienced, and 
those impressions which his abode among the natives of the interior 
of Africa, has made upon his own mind. 
London, 
February, 1822. 
