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. 



