VI PREFACE. 
to present formidable obstacles against the success of a foreigner in 
every literary attempt. I have therefore submitted my manuscript to 
the revision of a gentleman who has taken a warm interest in assisting 
the prosecution of my inquiries. He has, however, in every instance, 
advised me to retain my own expressions unaltered, as conveying with 
the greatest fidelity and precision the ideas of my own mind, unless 
where, from the very different genius of the German language, they 
would have presented a meaning obscure, or liable to be mistaken by 
the English reader. These observations will at once account for, and 
it is trusted also plead for an indulgent allowance in behalf of, that 
occasional harshness of construction and style, which it is felt must 
still adhere to a work composed under such circumstances. 
T have finally to acknowledge my obligations to the Very Rev. the’ 
Dean of Bristot; Ricuarp Brieurt, Esq. of Ham-Green ; the 
Rev. W. D. Conyzerare, of Brislington; the Rev. Professor W. 
Bucxuanp, of Oxford ; the Rev. Professor A. SepGrwicx, of Cam- 
bridge ; the Rev. R. Hatrrax, of Standish; the Rev. Dr. Coox, of 
Tortworth ; C. Sroxrs, Esq. of London; Joun Hawxer, Esq. of 
Dudbridge ; and toall the Gentlemen in Bristol and its neighbourhood 
possessing collections of organic remains, the richest perhaps in this 
department which England contains, for their liberality in furnishing 
me with specimens, and in giving every aid to my inquiries which a 
free access to their cabinets and the assistance of their valuable 
information could afford. 
13, Hillsbridge-Parade, 
Bristol, — September, 1821. 
