5 the most celebrated and interesting voyages, travels, shipwrecks, and adventures, arranged in such chronological and geographical order, as to mark the Progress of Discovery, and exhibit a complete DISPLAY OF THE WORLD. He will also divest the original narratives as far as possible of technical phrases and cumbrous minutæ, carefully preserving every circumstance that can entertain the fancy or enlarge the understanding; nor shall any allusion appear offensive to youthful innocence or female delicacy. This work may, therefore, be confidently prescribed to the Teachers of Youth, and the Heads of Families, as one of the best and most agreeable inmates they can possess. The present time has been so eminently distinguished by a successful exhibition of the daring spirit of discovery, as to ensure a favourable reception to a collection like the following; as there can be no doubt, that the interest afforded by scientific expeditions, or important discoveries, is in a great measure proportioned to the nearness to our own times in which they are executed. It is indeed consolatory to reflect, that though the civilized world has long been engaged in wars, the most extensive and terrible ever recorded, yet the boundaries of science and the researches of knowledge have been extended with unparalleled success and rapidity. 6 The Engravings which embellish this interesting work, will, it is hoped, in point of execution, claim general approbation; and the Maps, which are executed after the manner of Arrowsmith, will be found more beautiful and accurate than any that have appeared in similar publications. In short, no expence has been spared, nor shall any labour be avoided to render the work worthy the patronage of the public. Southey's Letters from Spain and Portugal Travels through the North of Europe, by Acerbie History of the Settlements in New South Wales Bligh's Voyage in the South Seas Phipp's Voyage towards the North Pole Missionary Voyage to the South Seas Wood's Travels to Palmyra Dr. Clarke's Travels in Russia A COLLECTION. OF VOYAGES AND TRAVELS, FROM THE DISCOVERY OF AMERICA TO THE PRESENT TIME. THE FIRST VOYAGE OF COLUMBUS. · THE discovery of the mariner's compass has been productive of greater events than any other recorded in the annals of the human race. It opened to them a grand and ample field to display their talents, their enterprize, and courage. It invested them with the dominion both of the sea and the earth, by facilitating the communication between the most distant parts. Navigators gradually abandoned their ancient, timid, and lingering course along the shore, ventured boldly into the ocean, and relying on this new guide, could steer in the darkest nights, and under the most cloudy sky, with a security and precision hitherto unknown. But this beneficial invention did not produce its full effect instantaneously. Sailors, unaccustomed to quit sight of land, durst not launch at once and commit themselves to unknown seas. Accordingly, near half a century elapsed before naviga tors ventured to proceed much beyond the ancient limits of navigation. The first appearance of a bolder spirit may be |