244 O H th e Construction of Fire-places, etc. 



necessary to elucidate the descriptions contained in the 

 preceding chapters (which have been admirably exe- 

 cuted by that excellent artist Lowry), could not fail to 

 enhance very considerably the price of this publication, 

 and on that account I was desirous to detach and pub- 

 lish separately all such popular parts of the subjects I 

 have undertaken to treat in this Essay as appeared 

 to me to bid fair to be most read, and to be of most 

 general utility. 



Whether the reader agrees with me or not in respect 

 to the validity of the reasons which have determined 

 my judgment on this occasion, I hope and trust that 

 he will do me the justice to believe that I have no wish 

 so much at my heart as to render my labours of some 

 real and lasting utility to mankind. How happy shall 

 I be when I come to die, if I can then think that I have 

 lived to some useful purpose 1 



