IV 
PREFACE* 
escaped our notice, on the coasts of which we have 
taken a survey, and that we have, in addition to 
this, been enabled to rectify the mistakes of former 
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navigators. 
During the eight years of our absence I had 
made it my daily practice to note down in my jour¬ 
nal every thing that appeared to me worthy of ob¬ 
servation, without any intention, however remote, of 
committing my remarks to the press; but the urgent 
persuasions of my friends, combined with the gracious 
commands of his Imperial Majesty, have at length 
over-ruled my disinclination to give them publicity. I 
now submit this my humble effort at contributing 
to the general good, with the fullest reliance on the 
indulgence of a candid public. 
s 
