But as mankind rise in the scale of intelligence, a growing solicitude is felt in regard to circumstances and events beyond the present moment the necessity of making provision for future exigencies becomes ;

more and more apparent, and leads to untiring exertion to accomplish so important an end. It is reserved, however, for a still higher degree of progress to develope any considerable interest respecting the past. It is an old utilitarian maxim that makes a dead lion of less claim to consideration than a living ass and the mind requires to be raised above the ;

ordinary calculations of mere thrift to appreciate the value of what no longer possesses actual power or influence in the esteem of the busy world. The monuments of history, standing aside in the seclusion of by-places and deserted spots, or buried beneath what is generally regarded as the useless rubbish of the remains of antiquity, are passed by with indillerence

GENERAL INTRODUCTION. xxxvii

Tinlil an enlightened desire is awakened to know something of the early foundations of society, or to explore the sources of national greatness. " It has been made a subject of reproach to this country, by the enemies of republican institutions, thatno care is taken among us to preserve our ancient records a charge -- implying a semi-barbarous condition of society, and far from complimentary to our national character. But admitting its truth, to a considerable extent, there is good reason to believe it will not be long deserved ; for public attention is beginning to be more and more directed to the importance of rescuing from destruction whatever may tend to illustrate the rise and progress of our institutions, and exhibit, in bolder relief, the character and labors of the pioneers of civilization upon the shores of the New World.