[Footnote 57:  Preface to his History of English Poetry.]

[Footnote 58:  This may be disputed, both in point of fact, and on principles of reasoning.  As to the first, the fact, let readers in general enquire as to the comparative degree and frequency of attention bestowed on the different kinds of topics alluded to by the doctor.  What is the conclusion from their observations on the subject?  The writer for one, does not hesitate to assert, that he is convinced, the evidence bears against the opinion of the learned editor.  So far as his notice extends, it appears, that the fooleries of a superstitious age, the lies of legendary fabulists, the incomprehensible relics of long-forgotten delusions, really obtain more regard as objects of curiosity, than whatever of ingenuity or labour is to be found in the history of presently existing savages.  Then again as to the reasons for such a preference.  Is there not a sort of fashionable taste for the productions of antiquity, the want of which is quite unpardonable in our polished and literary circles?  Does not the attainment of this taste, in any meritorious degree, by necessarily requiring much study, operate as preclusive of information to the possession of which no peculiar epithet of a commendatory nature has hitherto been awarded?  Nay, is there not a sort of prejudice allied to a notion of vulgarity, directed against almost any shew of acquaintance with the habits and histories of uncultivated nations?  But it would be unpardonable to imagine, there were not other reasons of a less invidious nature to explain the fact.  We must certainly be allowed to pay higher respect to the particular concerns of those people with whom we stand in the light of offspring or relatives, or whose transactions and fates have rendered the history of the world what it is, almost superlatively important to every intelligent mind.  If time shall witness the triumph of civilization over the savages of the southern hemisphere, then, it is highly probable, a similar enthusiasm will prevail among their literary descendants; and objects regarded by us as mere dust in the high road of nature, will be enshrined with all the partiality and fondness of national idolatry.—­E.]

Many singularities, respecting what may be called the natural history of the human species, in different climates, will, on the authority of our late navigators, open abundant sources for philosophical discussion.  One question of this sort, in particular, which had formerly divided the opinions of the inquisitive, as to the existence, if not of “giants on the earth,” at least of a race, (inhabiting a district bordering on the north side of the strait of Magalhaens,) whose stature considerably exceeds that of the bulk of mankind, will no longer be doubted or disbelieved.  And the ingenious objections of the sceptical author of Recherches sur les Americains,[59] will weigh nothing in the balance against the concurrent and accurate testimony of Byron, Wallis, and Carteret.