RBFACI-: To THE FIIIST EDITION 



The Knoll, Ambueside, 



March Vlf/i, L855. 



It is now some months since I committed the 

 manuscript of this Lake Guide to the Publisher's 

 hands ; and now that the work is just ready to 

 appear, I am thankful to him for the opportunity 

 of saying-, in this prefatory page, with what pride 

 and pleasure I have looked over the accessories 

 and embellishments with which, bv his zeal and 

 spirit, and by the admirable co-operation he has 

 been so fortunate as to secure, my humble work 

 is elevated to a quality of real importance. When 

 I look at the valuable Maps, Mr. Aspland's 

 beautiful illustrative Views, so finely engraved by 

 Mr. Banks ; and again the Botanical contribu- 

 tions, so essential to the perfect understanding of 

 the Lake District, it seems to me that the book- 

 has become, by all this aid, one which may not 

 only be in every Tourist's hands, but find a place 

 on the library shelves of those who have never 

 visited, and may not contemplate visiting, (his 



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