heir nature, could contain but little
information on subjects of natural history, and many other points, concerning
which the curiosity of every reader would naturally be excited. The efforts
of the publisher to give satisfaction to the public in these respects produced
a gradual influx of materials; and the successive arrival of different vessels
from the Indian seas, occasioned additions to the work, which made it
necessary to engrave new plates. While, therefore, the completion
of the book was anxiously pressed by many who were eager to possess it,
that desirable point has constantly been deferred by the communications of
those who were studious to render it more valuable; and the word Finis, has
seemed to fly from us, like Italy before the wandering Trojans. From the
combination of these circumstances it has arisen, that every separate part
has been hurried on in the execution; and yet, in the finishing of the
whole, more time has elapsed, than would have been necessary to complete
a much more ample volume. The defects that proceed from these causes, it
is hoped, the reader will forgive, and accept with complacency a volume
in which, it is confidently hoped, nothing material has been omitted that
is connected with its principal object, the formation of a settlement
promising both glory and advantage to this country; in which several
important discoveries are announced; no small accession is made to the
stores of natural history; and interesting notices are communicated of
countries visited before, and persons in whose fate the public has long
felt an interest.

The publisher thinks it his duty, in this place, to return thanks to the
following noblemen and gentlemen, for their kind assistance and free
communications. The Marquis of Salisbury, Viscount Sydney, Lord Hood,
Sir Joseph Banks, Bart. Mr. Rose, Mr. Nepean, Mr. Stephens, Sir Charles
Middleton, Sir Andrew Snape Hammond, Mr. Dalrymple, and Mr. Chalmers: but,
to Mr. Latham particularly, the most grateful acknowledgements are due,
for having furnished many drawings and accurate descriptions, which stamp
a value on the natural history contained in this work, and must for ever
render it an object of attention to all lovers of that science: and to
Lieutenant Shortland, Lieutenant Watts, and Captain Marshall, of the
Scarborough transport, the public owe whatever important discoveries and
useful knowledge may be found in their journals, which they communicated
with a d