FOREWORD. 



It is with considerable diffidence on the part of the Author 

 that this Book is laid before the general public. The 

 notes and observations contained in it were made for private 

 use only, but owing to the persuasion of a friend, the Author 

 has decided to give them a wider circulation. 



If the reader obtains useful information from these 

 pages, or finds matter of interest therein, he has to thank 

 J. Unsworth, Esq. (M.B. London), of St. Helens, entirely, 

 for without his persuasion and kind assistance, the 

 Sketches would have remained as entries only, in a private 

 note book. 



To other friends who have given assistance, I will take 

 this opportunity of tendering hearty thanks ; whatever has 

 been required, either in the way of materials, information, 

 or advice, has been freely and ungrudgingly given. 



