INTRODUCTORY REMARKS

Summary

In submitting to the members of the Hakluyt Society the following “Geography of Hudson's Bay”, —being the “Remarks of Captain William Coats in many voyages to that locality”,—I could wish that it had fallen into the hands of some one who, with greater ability and more leisure, would do greater justice in editing the work, and seeing the manuscript through the press.

I cannot, however, feel otherwise than flattered at being invited to edit this Journal, and the more so, as I consider it a mark of respect to the memory of my lamented father, who was the fountain-head of all modern arctic discovery, and whose name is inseparably connected with everything that relates to that interesting subject. On this account principally the task has been undertaken.

I do not know that it is the bounden duty of an editor to explain why he considers that the work he undertakes to edit should be submitted to his readers, but he may at least crave the indulgence of the Hakluyt Society, in hoping that a subject which affords him great delight, may not be altogether without amusement or instruction to them; and the remarks of Captain Coats seem to be, generally speaking, so judicious throughout, and contain so much valuable information, and such good sound sense, that I trust the members of our Society will hold me excused for submitting them to their perusal.