Xll 



bringing it under more general notice, might 

 possibly assist in the developement of its vast 

 resources, has led to the construction of a To- 

 pographical Map upon a large scale, and to the 

 publication of the following Book to illustrate 

 the same more fully. The result of several 

 years continued labour is now presented to the 

 world, but not without its author's feeling the 

 greatest diffidence in bringing his work before 

 the tribunal of public opinion, of whose deci- 

 sions even the most scientific and accomplished 

 often feel a dread. The manner and method 

 of the performance must speak for themselves, 

 but of the subject matter it may be worth 

 while to say a few words ; and on this point he 

 may perhaps be pardoned for a little self-gra- 

 tulation, when he notes with confidence the 

 authenticity and correctness of the materials 

 he has had to work upon, which principally 

 consist of the valuable documents and official 

 records, that in his capacity of Surveyor-Ge- 

 neral of the Lower Province, are lodged with 

 his department, and which he has been per- 

 mitted the free use of. These, as accurately 

 descriptive of the date and extent of the feudal 

 tenures, and of all the grants made by the En- 

 glish government, may consequently be relied 

 upon ; beside this source, a long period of pro- 



