They Are Written
In Swedish, But German Translations Have Appeared Of Most Of Them.
There
are also valuable travels by Germans, especially Huelfer and Gilberg,
which give full and accurate details of the copper mines, and the
processes pursued in them; but these also we omit for a similar reason.
RUSSIA AND POLAND.
Whatever object has once been pursued by a Russian sovereign, seems to
descend as a hereditary pursuit to his successors. This is true, not
only of their plans of conquest, but also of their means of improving
their country; but it is evident of all countries, and especially of
such a vast extent of country as Russia exhibits, where new districts
are from time to time added, the very limits of which are scarcely
known, that no sure and regular means of improvement can be adopted,
until the actual state and the capabilities of each district are fully
known. The Empress Catherine gave great attention and encouragement to
these enquiries: a number of men, well qualified for the undertaking,
were sent to investigate the state of each district, especially its
natural history, and the addition to the national strength and wealth
which might be drawn from it. When the name of Pallas is mentioned as
one of the scientific men employed for this purpose, and empowered to
direct the enquiries of his associates, and to revise them, in it a
sufficient pledge is given of the accuracy and value of their labours.
249. Michalonis Lithuani de Moribus Tartarorum, Lithuanorum et Moschorum
Fragmenta. Basle, 1615. 4to. - We notice this work as exhibiting a lively
picture of the manners of these nations at this period. The same reason
induces us to notice the following. Indeed, the chief interest of these old
works, and it is no languid one, is derived from being introduced into the
midst of ancient manners and people.
250. Ulfedii Legatio Moscovitica. Franck. 1617. 4to. - This work, which
particularly notices the Tartar tribes at that time subject to Russia,
proves, by a comparison with what Pallas relates of them, that their
manners, customs, and acquirements had been quite stationary for nearly 150
years.
251. State of Russia. By Captain Perry. London, 1716. 8vo. - Captain Perry,
who visited Russia in 1706-12, at the request of Peter the Great, to assist
in the formation of a fleet, navigable canals, &c., has in this work given
an accurate account of this vast empire; the first indeed that may be said
to have introduced a knowledge of it into England.
252. View of the Russian Empire during the reign of Catherine II. By the
Rev. W. Tooke. 3 vols. 8vo. - As this work is drawn up from a personal
knowledge of the country, and aided by access to the best authorities, we
have admitted it into the Catalogue, though not exactly falling within the
description of travels. It is full of matter, physical, statistical,
political, commercial, &c.; but heavily written, and displaying rather
extent and accuracy of research, than a perspicuous and profound mind.
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