I AM not aware that the western shores of Africa have yet been visited by any travellers for the avowed purpose of making discoveries, at least in those parts situated between Cape Palmas and the River Congo; and the few works published relative to these countries, have been written by men (whatever their education or powers of discrimination may have been) who had Oduties of a higher personal interest to perform, and which left them but little time to make scientific researches. In 012-6-3402 this part of Africa, therefore, as well as in the interior, there is a wide field for the enlightened traveller to explore; and should these sketches be found serviceable to him, in the pursuit of objects valuable to science, part of the author's intention of laying them before the public, will be answered. In the selection of a place for coIonization in Africa, the members composing the African Institution, it is too well known, have been peculiarly unfortunate. The insalubrity of the air of Sierra Leone is almost become proverbial, and those going there are considered by many as embarking for the next world; it is therefore much to be apprehended, that one of the benevolent purposes for which that settlement was originally founded, will |