INTRODUCTION.

between Tripoly and Bengazi, and remains of several ancient towns

(besides Cyrene) w'ere known to exist in the Pentapolis, of which no plans had hitherto been made. Under all these circumstances it appeared to Captain Smyth that, as he was himself about to sail in

the Adventure to finish his survey of the northern coast of Africa, it

might so be arranged that a party on shore should proceed simulta-

neously along the tract of country mentioned, communicating from time to time with his vessel as occasions might offer in the course of

their route. The views of His Majesty’s Government were at this period favorable to the cause of research ; and the labours of many

skilful and enterprising men had been, since the peace, advantage-

ously directed to various points of interest, from the sultry plains of Fezzan to the borders of the Frozen Ocean. It was therefore not long

after the plan in question had been submitted to the Admiralty and the Colonial Department, that it was acceded to by Earl Bathurst and Lord Melville ; and the means of carrying it into effect were referred to the consideration of one of the heads of the Admiralty, whose well-directed ability had often been manifested in the promotion and arrangement of similar undertakings, and whose exertions in the cause of science and discovery are well known and highly

appreciated *.

* A little before this period, an expedition undertaken by the Bashaw of Tripoly against his eldest son Mahommed, now Bey of Derna, afforded to Signor Della Celia,

an Italian gentleman residing in Tripoly, the opportunity of visiting the Syrtis and

Cyrenaica in the capacity of physician to the Bashaw’s second son, who at that time com-

manded the expedition against his brother.

The account of this journey was published at Genoa soon after the return of Dr.

Della Celia ; and the Interest which uncertainty had given to the country through which

he passed was increased by his animated description of its remains. But the opportu-

nities which were afforded to the Doctor were not sufficient for the accomplishment of

his object ; and although his pen described the extensive ruins which he witnessed, the

reader had to regret that the shortness of his stay prevented him from examining them with attention.