PREFACE. xxiii 



fuch a detail of thofe fubjects, as has not 

 hitherto been laid before the public. I 

 may without exaggeration afTert, that all 

 thefe objects for want of induftry in 

 thofe who have written concerning Ire- 

 land, have bven treated in the way of 

 guefs, conjecture, and declamation, to 

 anfwer particular purpofes, inftead of 

 any detail of facts. Part of thefe en- 

 quiries may be uninterefting to thofe 

 who do not refide in the country, but I 

 am neverthelefs fo much convinced of 

 their importance to England, as well as 

 to Ireland, that I have determined to ex- 

 plain them as fully as I was able, tedious 

 as they may appear to thofe, who read 

 rather for amufement, than information. 

 Perhaps there would be no impropriety 

 in prefixing to all the productions I 

 venture before the public, this caution : 

 I have been reproached for being tedious, 

 but I profefs, to treat that fubje£t which 

 I think (vainly perhaps) I underftand, 

 in fo detailed a manner, that if my pieces 

 were not unentertaining, they would ve- 

 ry indifferently anfwer the end, to ac- 

 complifli which, i have travelled, prac- 

 tifed and written. Hui- 



