With vision which needs no miracle to make it prophetic, they see the destinies which nations are all-unconsciously shaping for themselves, and note the deep meaning of passing events which only make others wonder.

Beneath the mask of mere externals, their eyes discern the character of those whom they meet, and, refusing to accept popular judgment in place of truth, they see often the real relation which men bear to their race and age, and observe the facts by which to determine whether such men are great only because of circumstances, or by the irresistible power of their own minds.

When such narrate their journeyings, we have what is valuable not for a few years only, but, because of its philosophic and suggestive spirit, what must always be useful.
The reader of the following pages, it is believed, will decide that Margaret Fuller deserves to rank with the latter class of travellers, while not neglectful of those details which it is well to learn and remember.
Twelve years ago she journeyed, in company with several friends, on the Lakes, and through some of the Western States.

Returning, she published a volume describing this journey, which seems worthy of republication.

It seems so because it rather gives an idea of Western scenery and character, than enters into guide-book statements which would be all erroneous now.
Beside this, it is much a record of thoughts as well as things, and those thoughts have lost none of their significance now.