PREFACE TO THE FIRST EDITION. 



The KnolLj Ambleside^ 



March lUh, 1855. 



It is now some months since I committed the 

 manuscript of this Lake Guide to the Publisher's 

 hands ; and now that the work is just ready to 

 appear, I am thankful to him for the opportunity 

 of sayingj in this prefatory page, with what pride 

 and pleasure I have looked over the accessories 

 and embellishments with which, by his zeal and 

 spirit, and by the admirable co-operation he has 

 been so fortunate as to secure, my humble work 

 is elevated to a quality of real importance. When 

 I look at the valuable Maps, Mr. Aspland's 

 beautiful illustrative Views, so finely engraved by 

 Mr. Banks ; and again the Botanical contribu- 

 tions, so essential to the perfect understanding of 

 the Lake District, it seems to me that the book 

 has become, by all this aid, one which may not 

 only be in every Tourist's hands, but find a place 

 on the library shelves of those who have never 

 visited, and may not contemplate visiting, this 



