Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1804-02-29
P R E F A c E.

THE importance of Geography as fc-
ence, and the exuberant variety of know
ledge and amufement, which it exhibits, are
themes too trivial for argument or illuGra-
ton Eagerly attached to this ftudy from
his early years, the author always cherahed
hope that ne might contribute his labors
to ts advancement. Fer much remained tc
be done and many literary men have long
admitted, that CREST advantages might be
derived from new and improved fyRem of
Modern Geography, the la,cG popular
works of this nature not only Astounding
with numerous and grofs INTAKES, but be-
ing 20 Imperfect in their original plans, that
the chief geographical topics. have been ia
crificed to long detaila of hiRory. chrono-
logy, and commercial regulations, wholly
sr-,-lreaus Ia the ry-nstu-e cf fach &c
fgu. When to tha it 10 added that The
mott recent and Important discoveries ave
either omitted. impsrfeGIy iluGrateG, or 70
defedively arranged az 70 embarrals and BAT.
&c the refearch Of the mot patient enquir-
er, there 10 no reafon to be furprifed at the
general confelliou, that fuch compilations
are only uled becaule there is no better ex-
y Nnt.
b The fucceffi7c diGcoveries in the Pacific
Ocean, aud other parts of ihe globe. have,
within thelc few yeara, acquired luch
certainty and confilcncy, that they may
now be admitted & arranged, 10 q regular and
precife di6ributiop of the habitable world
while the recent discoveries of L. Perouse,
Vancouver, and other navigators, nearly COM
pletc the exaa delineation of the coniioent-
al flores. No period OF time could be
more favorable 70 the appearance Of new
fyaem of Geography, than the beginning Of
a new century, after the elapfe of the eigh-
teenth, which will be memorable 10 all ages,
from the gigantic progrefs of every fcience,
a7d in particular of geographical Informal
tom nor le(a from the furpriGng changes
which have taken place in mott countries
of Europe, and which of ,hem(elves render
a new difcription Indispensable Whole
Kingdoms have been annihilated; grand
provinces transferred; and fuch general
alte' alton has taken place in iates and boun-
daries, that geographical work publlbed
five years ago may be pronounced to be all
ready Anticipated.
After general war Of the mott eveutful
delcrip,ion, after revolutions Of the moa a.
1 Goniihing nature, Europe az length repofcs
in universal peace. The new diviGons and
boundaries DO longer AuSsuate with every
campaign. but arc eaablihed by (olcmn trca.
ties, which promife TO be durable, as at no
former period baG war appeared more fam
culinary Or deGruaive, aud at the fame time
more fruitiess even to the Vietors. Thefe
treatieo not only influence the defcriptions
lof European countries, but of many 10 Alta,
a fricz and America.
A new fyaem Of Geography is ALTO fpe-
fcially authorized aud authenticated, by the
GnguIar advantage OF feversl important
books Of travea having appeared within
thsoe few yesrs, which introduce far more
ight and pFccifon into our knowledge Of
insoy religions. The embaifies to China,
Tibet, and Ava, Cor example, present frelh
bad authentic materials, without which re-
eourfe mua have been had to more remote
gd doubtful Information and the Birmsn
Umpire is unknown to oil fyaemo Of geogra-
bly,, The Telesrches Of the Ahstic Socisly,
nd other late works, difFufe new radiance
yer HindoGan, add the adjacent countries.
The labors Of the African Society, the ira.
eIo Of Park, Browne, aud Barrow. have
ven more precihon to our Imperfect know.
dge Of Africa and the iournies OF Hearne