Vili PARSE ASCE.

Before I conclude, I muft beg leave to inform my readers, that they
are not to expeét the charms of embellifhed narrative, or animated de-
fcription; the approbation due to fimplicity and to truth is all I prefume
to claim; and I am not without the hope that this claim will be allowed
me. I have defcribed whatever I faw with the impreffions of the moment
which prefented it tome. The fucceffive circumftances of my progrefs
are related without exaggeration or difplay. I have feldom allowed my-
{elf to wander into conje€ture; and whenever conjecture has been in
dulged, it will be found, I truft, to be accompanied with the temper of a
man who is not difpofed to think too highly of himfelf: and if at any
time I have delivered myfelf with confidence, it will appear, I hope, to
be on thofe fubjeéts which, from the habits and experience of my life,
will juftify an unreferved communication of my opinions. I am
not a candidate for literary fame: at the fame time, I cannot but in-
dulge the hope that this volume, with all its imperfections, will
not be thought unworthy the attention of the f{cientific geographer;
and that, by unfolding countries hitherto unexplored, and which, I pre-
fume, may now be confidered as a part of the Britifh dominions, it will

be received as a faithful tribute to the profperity of my country.

ALEXANDER MACKENZIE,

Lonbon,

November go, 1801.