PREFATORY ADDRESS. 



Many experiments, much labour and thought, a 

 desire to be usefully employed, with the leisure afforded 

 by a retired life, proceeding from the res angus^clomiy 

 have enabled the Author to present the following Trea- 

 tise to the Public. 



The importance of such a Work, and the peculiar 

 fitness of it at this juncture, have induced him of late to 

 dedicate the whole of his time to its compilation and 

 arrangement; accomplished with much personal incon- 

 venience, and to the apparent negleft of some Important 

 duties and l\imily concerns, which otherwise would have 

 claimed his prior regard. 



The 



