PREFACE 11 



It was suggested to me, that I ought to have 

 put the manuscript iuto abler hands, who would 

 render it less unworthy the Public eye; but as it 

 appeared to me, that by so doing I should arrogate 

 to mvself an honour to which I was not entitled; 

 and also pay such a price as would swallow up the 

 greater part, if not the whole, of the profit arising 

 from the sale of my books, I did not approve of 

 the one, nor could I afford the other. 



The only merit to which I have any pretensions, 

 is that of a faithful Journalist, who prefers the 

 simplicity of plain language and downright truth, 

 to all the specious oiTiaments of modern style and 

 description. I humbly trust, that this apology 

 will satisfv mv friends, and serve to extenuate 

 those errors, which must be too obvious to be over- 

 looked by critical examination. 



