TO 



THOMAS WILLIAM COKE, ESQ., M.P. 



SIR, 



THE original edition in folio of the present Work having 

 been inscribed to the illustrious Nobleman who insti- 

 tuted these experiments, no encouragement could be 

 more cheering to me, than the permission you have so 

 kindly given, to dedicate to you the present, enlarged 

 as it is with the faithful results of the numerous experi- 

 ments made since that publication. 



In laying before you the fruit of many years' patient 

 and laborious investigation, I am conscious that I offer 

 to you a work still imperfect; and I am only supported 

 by the hope, that amidst the homeliness of style, natu- 

 rally incident to one whose pursuits have compelled him 

 to be more sedulous about his matter than his expres- 

 sion, and amidst the inaccuracies both of diction and 

 typography, which, notwithstanding the author's best 

 efforts, will be found in these sheets, your candour will 

 discern and appreciate the sincere care and painful 

 industry wherewith the author has pursued the discovery 

 of truth, making it his sole aim to amass and record 

 facts, and cautiously to prevent his perceptions of the 

 actual appearances of nature from being distorted by 

 the desire of supporting any pre-established theory. 



To no individual could I more appropriately inscribe 

 these researches than to yourself, whose enlightened 

 and extensive views, vigorous and persevering industry, 

 generous patronage, and liberal policy, have converted 

 an immense tract of barren waste into a highly produc- 



b 



667756 



