Such terms of explanation, however, scarcely apply to the whole of the desiderata which became obvious on a more mature consideration of the subject. The requisite topics of disquisition in a complete introduction to the study of English and Welsh Topography, were, indeed, found to be so multifarious, that it remained only to make a selection of the classes imperatively demanding notice.

In prosecuting this choice of subjects, the Editor has been guided by an estimate of the objects most frequently occurring in topographical researches, and least illustrated by remarks to be found, in a condensed form, in books easily attainable. He has, therefore, selected, as primary objects of attention, those subjects of antiquarian enquiry which form so large and interesting a portion of the "Beauties;" and concerning which the most satisfactory information is scattered in many weighty, recondite, and very expensive works.

In the execution of his task he has abstained, in general practice, from the delivery of individual opinion; and has considered it his duty to present a digest of the remarks afforded by the most judicious writers upon every subject chosen for discussion. Thus endeavouring to render the Introduction to the Beauties," a brief summary of antiquarian observations on such topics as appeared to be most essential in topographical investigations.

If the reader should deem his pages deficient in that relief which springs from anecdote, and which

has

has been cultivated in our County delineations, he is requested to recollect that the unavoidable limits of the Introduction prevented much attention to incidental remark, or studied ornament; and that the first, great object of the Editor was the conveyance of information. In attempting this office, it has been his endeavour to facilitate as much as possible the study of antiquities, by rendering the approaches easy; and by referring, in the margin, to works of most ready intelligence, while more abstruse authorities are left for notice in the appended list of Books treating on the collective topography and antiquities of this country. bopabung & mi

Anxious to avail himself of the opportunity presented by the Introductory Volume, the Editor, under the direction of the Publisher, has collected from the writers of several counties some additional corrections, together with a few particulars of intelligence obtained since the production of their respective volumes, or calculated to supply omissions almost inevitable to the celerity of periodical publicationbushings and bus gnolegg

It has likewise been judged desirable to insert in this volume, summaries of the population, according to the returns made under the authority of Parliament in the year 1811, for all such counties as were described in "the Beauties before the publication of those returns. Thus, as far as was attainable, the Proprietors have endeavoured to render their work applicable, in every important

point,

point, to the existing state of topographical cir

cumstances. 2) with

A truly pleasing duty remains to be performed. The names of those noblemen and gentlemen who favoured this publication with the contribution of Plates; who honoured the different editors with a correspondence on the subject of topographical information; or otherwise facilitated the execution of these Historical and Descriptive Delineations of England and Wales; have often been noticed, during the progress of the work, only on such supernumerary leaves as were liable to be destroyed on the binding of the volumes in a complete form. -A grateful sense of respect to these liberal patrons of the undertaking, imperatively demands that their names should be now collected, and presented to the remembrance of the Subscribers and the Public, in pages which, from situation, are likely to be as durable as those improved by the intelligence that they afforded. In addition to the tie of gratitude, it cannot fail of being desirable to exhibit the degree of favour obtained in the execution of so extensive a topographical work, as a mark of the superior liberality of the present age, compared with those in which similar investigations were, with greater difficulty, carried into effect, is oft

It is requisite, however, that the editors should place a faithful record in the annals of topography; and it must not be concealed that, in nearly every county,

county, some partial discouragement occurred, from the prejudices or indifference of individuals, whose situation in life should have rendered them superior to misapprehension or literary apathy. Insensible themselves to the pleasures arising from such a pursuit, these persons forgot that their station and opportunities imposed it as a social duty that they should aid in the gratification of others, through the medium of a publication intended for general perusal.-Peace be with the indifferent! and long may their honours of office, or manorial possessions, lend tranquillity to their slumbers! The contumelious are left to the misery inflicted by injurious folly, without one wish for an augmentation of its pangs.

The list of those who favoured the work with local information and graphic contributions, is honourable to the LITERARY SPIRIT of the age, and is justly a subject of gratification and pride with the persons on whom the obligations were more particularly bestowed.

The editor of the INTRODUCTION inserted a request for communications on antiquarian subjects, of as local character, but admitting of a general application, in the Gentleman's Magazine, and other eligible periodical publications. This address was answered, in a solitary but valuable instance, by THOMAS WALFORD, Esq. F. A. S. of Birdbrook, Essex; whose politeness of manner

rendered

rendered additionally pleasing the opinions which he communicated on the subjects of crypts, and the round towers of churches.

But the personal applications of the same editor were attended with a degree of success entitled to his lasting gratitude. It is with sincere pleasure that he acknowledges the assistance of the REV. T. LEMAN, of Bath, since the name of this gentleman must necessarily bestow importance on those pages which underwent his revision. To Mr. Leman this work is indebted for the drawings of the two maps by which it is illustrated. The first exhibiting the situation of the different tribes of Britain, with their towns and trackways, as they existed at the first invasion of Cæsar; and the second containing a display of Roman stations and roads.

It is here necessary to explain that the latter map is formed on one, from a drawing by the Rev. T. Leman, inserted in Mr. Hatcher's edition of Richard of Cirencester; to which are added, in the present publication, numerous discoveries made since the appearance of that work.-The Proprietors are great/ obliged by Mr. Hatcher having permitted them to profit by his engraving, in every particular useful to the artist employed by themselves.

That part of the letter-press which relates to the geography of ancient Britain, is chiefly formed on intelligence conveyed by Mr. Leman; and it

eon

is