iv ADVERTISEMENT TO ORIGINAL EDITION. 



readers to pay a more ready attention to the wonders of the 

 Creation, too frequently overlooked as common occurrences ; or 

 if he should by any means, through his researches, have lent an 

 helping hand towards the enlargement of the boundaries of 

 historical and topographical knowledge ; or if he should have 

 thrown some small light upon ancient customs and manners, and 

 especially on those that were monastic ; his purpose will be fully 

 answered. But if he should not have been successful in any of 

 these his intentions, yet there remains this consolation behind 

 that these his pursuits, by keeping the body and mind employed, 

 have, under Providence, contributed to much health and cheer- 

 fulness of spirits, even to old age : and, what still adds to his 

 happiness, have led him to the knowledge of a circle of gentle- 

 men whose intelligent communications, as they have afforded 

 him much pleasing information, so, could he flatter himself with 

 a continuation of them, would they ever be deemed a matter of 

 singular satisfaction and improvement. 



SELBORNE, 

 January 1st, 1788. 



