CHARACTER OF OUR DESCRIPTIONS. 
349 
at the maps, woodcuts and scenic sketches which are annexed, we hope that the 
following explanations may be considered adequate to the sole object we have in 
view, a general acquaintance with the age and relations of the masses composing 
these mountains, and the mutations they have undergone. M/e beg, therefore, that 
our efforts may simply be viewed, as a continuation and extension of the important 
researches of Humboldt, Rose and Helmersen, to whose views of metamorphism 
and mineral structure we seek to add a few clear, general geological results. 
We were for some time undecided as to the plan we should adopt in describing 
the Uial. If, indeed, we had simply transcribed and enlarged our notes made upon 
the spot, we might have rendered the work more lively and palatable to most 
readers, but this was felt to be inconsistent with the method pursued in other parts 
of the volume, though after all we have imparted much more of the character of 
a personal narrative to the chapters upon the Ural, than to those which relate 
to Russia in Europe. In one respect we regret that our journals have not been 
fully printed ; for they are replete with heartfelt expressions of gratitude to our 
kind friends of these mountains, of whom we may truly say, that they generously 
and hospitably carried out the wishes of their Emperor, in His Majesty’s desire 
to foster and advance geological science. 
