PREFACE. V 



I am aware, that the want of incident and 

 anecdote with which the following diary is 

 chargeable., will be considered as objectionable 

 by those who read purely for amusement ; but 

 to that class of readers who compassionate the 

 unmerited sufferings of mankind, who may be 

 desirous of ascertaining the true character and 

 condition of so large a portion of British popu- 

 lation, who may be not less desirous of be- 

 coming acquainted with their present miserable 

 existence, than feelingly alive and anxiously 

 solicitous for their relief, it is possible the 

 following pages may not be uninteresting. The 

 means for accomplishing so desirable an end 

 are not easily devised ; yet I would fain hope 

 that every information, however trifling, which 

 may tend to a correct knowledge of the pre- 

 sent wretched condition of the people, and 

 the extreme natural fertility of the soil, may 

 prove an excitement to the benevolent and 

 patriotic, and dispose them to consider thai 



