CHARLES WATERTON, ESQ. XXV 



Scarcely a book of theirs is handed from the 

 press, that does not contain some unbecoming 

 sneer or unfounded calumny against the faith of 

 our ancestors. Hence it follows that I inva- 

 riably take up books of travels with suspicion, and 

 too often have to discard them with marks of 

 disgust. I could name writers whose self- 

 sufficiency on this topic can only be surpassed 

 by their arrogance, and their arrogance by their 

 ignorance. Indeed, it is a difficult task to 

 decide whether their real want of information, 

 or their aversion to obtain it, is most to be com- 

 plained of. But should individuals professing 

 our faith, engage in a work intimately connected 

 with it, their literary labours experience very 

 little kindness and attention at the hands of our 

 dissenting brethren. Thus, on the appearance 

 of Lord Shrewsbury's pamphlet, after he had 

 undertaken a journey into the Tyrol purposely 

 to see the two holy virgins, the fame of whose 

 sanctity had spread far and near, his little 

 work was received with abundant scoffs, whilst 

 those who gave vent to them, neglected to 

 advance one single proof condemnatory, either 

 of inaccuracy or of falsehood. Now I am forced 

 to agree with Lord Shrewsbury in every part of 



