PR E F A CЕ. THE science which treats of human nature as diversified in appearances and conditions, among the various countries of the world, is eminently important both in its origin and tendency. It arises from an affectionate curiosity respecting our species, and prompts to enterprizes the most noble and beneficial. In this sublime feeling, man recognizes the dignity of his nature, and the means of consummating his greatest glory-for the most glorious actions are likewise the most useful; and nothing contributes so materially to human happiness, as those enquiries and pursuits that extend the boundaries of knowledge, and thus unite the far separated inhabitants of the earth, by a reciprocal exchange of the blessings of different climates. In the narratives of the adventurous voyager and the curious traveller, the reader finds novelty com 4 bined with information. He enters into their views with a relish proportioned to the dangers they have encountered, or the diligence and resolution they have displayed. He attends a COLUMBUS, a COOK, a PARK, or a BRUCE, through their noble and hazardous enterprizes, and reaps the benefit of the acquisition and the pleasure of the description, without the danger and the toil. This study is also incomparably more fascinating than the extravagant fictions of certain novels, which are made the vehicle for spreading the contagion of erroneous sentiments and vicious principles. The perusal of VOYAGES AND TRAVELS may, therefore, be recommended to Youth with peculiar propriety, as the safest and most pleasant mode of expanding the mind and humanizing the heart. Several writers of great celebrity have published splendid and voluminous collections of voyages and travels. But the expence attending the purchase of these extensive works, and the dry, stale digressions with which they are frequently interlarded, render them unfit for general use; and indicate the propriety and utility of such a selection as might amuse without fatiguing, and convey the most requisite information at a price convenient even to the humblest class of society. To accomplish this object, the Editor proposes to give a brief, connected, and lively account of |