As unsatisfactory, however, as the fruits of my researches have generally been to myself, I must content myself for the present with the reflection of having been one of the first scientific pioneers through a great part of that country; and as the log cabin of the pioneer of the west disappears in coming years before the more imposing residences of advancing civilization, so will my little work have fulfilled its purpose, when, in later years, scientific men, under more favorable circumstances, shall explore thoroughly that country, and open its treasures as well as its deserts to the knowledge of the whole civilized world.
In one particular I have to ask the indulgence of the public. I am a German by birth and an American by choice; and though well aware that by study and daily practice one may acquire the use of many languages, there are few who can express their thoughts as freely and distinctly in one language as in another. The usual language of our youth generally leaves the deepest impression on our mind, and unconsciously influences the more extensive knowledge of later years. If the reader should, therefore–I have no doubt he will–discover some Germanism in my English style, I hope he will not judge me with the severe criticism of an English grammarian, but with the philanthropic liberality of a citizen of the world.
Finally, it affords me great pleasure to acknowledge the co-operation of many scientific men in the furtherance of this publication. Among them I am mostly indebted to my friend and former partner in medical practice, Dr. G. Engelmann, of St. Louis, for the arrangement of my botanical collection; to Professor Goebel, for the most exact calculation of my astronomical and barometrical observations; to W. Palm, esq., for the skillful drawing of the maps; to Dr. I. Gregg, for an exchange of his astronomical observations from Chihuahua to Matamoras, against my barometrical ones; to Lieutenant C. Kribben, of the artillery, for his aid in sketching the road from Chihuahua to Monterey; to Dr. H. King, of St. Louis, and to Dr. S. G. Morton, of Philadelphia, for their assistance in the geological department.
Last, though not least, I am indebted to the distinguished and learned Senator from Missouri, Thomas H. Benton, for the favor of laying my little work before the Senate of the United States, and of having given it publicity under the auspices of that eminent body.
This generous protection does not relieve me, of course, of the responsibility for the individual opinions and conclusions formed and expressed by me in the work. As they emanate only from my own observation and judgment, I am alone to be blamed for them when incorrect; but however erroneous they may be considered by some, the impartial reader will concede, at least, that they are based upon facts, and apparently intended to promote the best interests of my adopted country.
