PHEFACE. ix 



and taken down, from time to time, in a 

 pocket book ; then detailed, as soon after as 

 possible, in the most specific manner; and, 

 before they were entered among these pages, 

 abridged to about a tenth part of their original 

 bulk, through consideration for the patience 

 of the reader. 



Some apology may, perhaps, be requisite 

 for the abrupt style which this very abridg- 

 ment occasions, as well as for the author 

 having been so generally obliged to write 

 in the first person. Dictatorial, however, as 

 may appear the one, and egotistical as may 

 be thought the other, yet it is presumed, that 

 his colloquial style may not be objected to, 

 when all circumstances are considered, by 

 those persons who are most able to criticise, 

 and who are invariably the most liberal 

 judges. 



Some apology too may be necessary for 

 that want of ceremony, which the public 

 have a right to expect from every author. 

 But, while occupied in forming this work, it 



