REMARKS ON THE PRESENT WORK. » 
It only remains for me to refer the reader to the conclud- 
ing chapter of the preceding volume, for such general infor- 
mation as I have been enabled to furnish upon the nature, 
of the services on which I was employed, and on the manner 
of conducting similar expeditions. Indeed, I trust that 
this book (whatever be its defects) will be found to contain 
much valuable information of a practical character, and I 
may venture to affirm, that it will give a true description 
of the country, and of the various other subjects of which it 
treats. 
Notwithstanding that I have in my dedication alluded to 
the causes that prevented the earlier appearance of this 
work, I feel it due both to myself and the public here to state, 
that during these expeditions my health had suffered so much , 
that I was unable to bear up against the effects of exposure, 
bodily labour, poverty of diet, and the anxiety of mind to 
which I was subjected. A residence on Norfolk Island, 
under peculiarly harassing circumstances, completed that 
which the above causes had commenced ; and, after a suc- 
cession of attacks, I became totally blind, and am still 
unable either to read what I pen, or to venture abroad with- 
out an attendant. When it is recollected, that I have been 
unassisted in this work in any one particular, I hope some 
excuse will be found for its imperfections. A wish to con- 
tribute to the public good led me to undertake those jour- 
neys which have cost me so much. The same feeling ac- 
tuates me in recording their results ; and I have the satis- 
faction to know, that my path among a large and savage 
