SACKED ISLES IX THE WEST, SiC. 247 



reluctance, that I gave up the first impression, 

 originating from no unspecious reasons, which 

 however yielded to more soHd proofs. 



The difficulties I have experienced in bringing 

 forward this work, were numerous. Some origi- 

 nated from the nature of the work itself, and of 

 the sources from which I drew my information, 

 whilst others were of a most perplexing and dis- 

 tressing: nature in themselves. 



'O 



My original design was to have published my 

 essay on the Sacred Isles by itself, and this several 

 years ago, when it was ready for tlie press. But 

 in that detached state, if I may be allowed the ex- 

 pression, unaccompanied with the geography of the 

 countiy from which I drew my infoimation re- 

 specting them, and unconnected with the general 

 system of geograph}?- of the Himhis, it would ha\e 

 appeared to great disadvantage. Beside, it was far 

 from being so complete as it now is ; for I have 

 since found many valuable and interesting mate- 

 rials, which have enabled me to form a more ade- 

 quate idea of the subject. 



A fortunate, but at the same time a most dis- 

 tressful discovery contributed to delay its publica- 

 tion. Though I never entertained tlic least doubt 

 concerning the genuineness of my vouchers (hav- 

 ing cursorily collated them with the originals a 

 little before I had completed my essay), yet when 

 I reflected how cautious an author ought to ])e, 

 and how easily mistakes will take place, I resolved 

 once more to make a general collation of my 

 vouchers with the originals, before my essay went 

 out of my hands. This I conceived was a duty 

 which I owed, not only to the public, but to my 

 own character. 



