require to prepare an account in detail, as it now appears; and being desirous of gratifying, as speedily as possible, the curiosity which many of the members were pleased to express concerning my discoveries, determined that an epitome, or abridgment of my travels, should be forthwith prepared from such materials and oral communications as I could furnish, and printed for the use of the Association; and also) that an engraved Map of my route should accompany it. A memoir, thus supplied and improved, was accordingly drawn up in two parts, by Members of the Association, and distributed among the Society : the first part consisting of a narrative, in abstract, of my travels, by Bryafi Edwards, Esq. ; the second, of Geographical Illustrations of my progress, by Major James Rennell, F. R. S. Major Rennell was pleased also to add, not only a Map of my route, constructed in conformity to my own observations and sketches (when freed from those errors, which the Majors superior knowledge, and distinguished accuracy in geographical researches, enabled him to discover and correct); but alsoa General Map, shewing the progress of discovery, and improvement in the Geography of North Africa ; together with a Chart of the Royal So ciety; Andrew Stuart, Esq. and Bryan Edwards, Esq* F* R . S. Concerning the original institution o f the Society itself, and the progress o f discovery, previous to my expedition, the fullest .information has already been given in the various^publications which the,Society have caused to he made. l i n e s c f magnetic variation,, iff the seas around that immense continent. . Availing myself therefore, on the present occasion, of assistance. like this, it is impossible, that I can present myself before the Public, withoutexpressing how deeply and gratefully sensible I am of the honour and advantage which I derive from the labours of those Gentlemen ,; for Mr. Edwards has kindly permitted me to incorporate, as occasion offered, the whole of his narrative into different parts of my work ; and Major Rennell, with equal good will, allows me not only to embellish and elucidate my Travels, with the Maps beforementioned, but also to subjoin his Geographical Illustrations entire. Thus aided and encouraged, I should deliver this volume to the world, with that confidence of a favourable reception, which no merits of my own could authorize me to claim ; were I not apprehensive that expectations have been formed, by some o f my subscribers, of discoveries to be unfolded, which I have not made, and of wonders to be related, of which I am utterly ignorant. There is danger that those who feel a disappointment of this nature, finding less to astonish and amuse in my book, than they had promised to themselves beforehand, will not even allow me the little merit which I really possess. Painful as this circumstance may prove to my feelings, I shall console myself under it, if the distinguished persons, under whose auspices I
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