xxii ADVERTISEMENT. 



copied on the spot, may be depended on as genuine ; and, 

 never having been made public before, may gratify the 

 curiosity of the antiquary, as well as establish the credit of 

 the history. 



If the writer should at all appear to have induced any of 

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

 the creation,, too frequently overlooked as common occur- 

 rences ; 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 Provi- 

 dence, contributed to much health and cheerfulness of spirits, 

 even to old age ; and, what still adds to his happiness, have 

 led him to the knowledge of a circle of gentlemen whose 

 intelligent communications, as they have afforded him much 

 pleasing information, so, could he natter himself with a con- 

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

 singular satisfaction and improvement. 



Selborne. 

 January 1st, 1783. 



