Xll PREFACE. 



opinions will meet with opposition ; but, provided they are not 

 regarded as prejudiced or unreasonable, I shall feel satisfied, at 

 least, in not having been misunderstood ; for my utmost endea- 

 vours throughout have aimed at being strictly impartial as well 

 as practical. 



In the collection and arrangement of the materials of this 

 work, I have encountered more difficulty, labour, and anxiety 

 than I had anticipated. My resources were confined within the 

 narrow limits of local information, and I had, in addition, to 

 contend with an imperfect knowledge of the tongue in which I 

 ventured to write. 



Also, being unknown, I have thought it necessary to seek 

 support for my opinions from those whose social position or 

 literary reputation may be regarded as an authority ; hence the 

 cause that so many extracts will be found transcribed in these 

 pages. 



