XYIU 
ACCOUNT OF THE 
scenery of that neighbourhood, to which he was fondly 
and almost enthusiastically attached.* 
He quitted Fowlshiels with great regret towards the 
latter end of 1798, when it was necessary for him to return 
to London, to prepare for his intended publication. He 
carried back with him a great mass of papers, the produce 
of his summer's labour; and after his return to London, 
bestowed considerable pains in the correction and retrench- 
ment of his manuscript before it was sent to the press. It 
was finally published in the Spring of the year 1799. 
The applause with which this work was received, and 
the permanent reputation which it has obtained, are well 
known. Two impressions were rapidly sold off; several 
other editions have since been called for ; and it continues 
even at the present time to be a popular and standard 
book. This distinguished success has been owing, not 
only to the interesting nature of its subject, but in a cer- 
tain degree also to the merits of the work as a com- 
position ; to the clearness of the descriptions, the natural 
and easy flow of the narration, and the general elegance 
of the style. 
But the essential merit of this book, and that which 
has conferred a lasting distinction on the name of its 
author, consists in the authentic and important information 
which it contains. Considered in this point of view, it 
* The situation of Fowlshiels on the banks of the Yarrow is said to be pictu- 
resque and striking. It is in the immediate vicinity of Bow-hill, a beautiful 
summer-residence of the Duke of Buccleugh ; and at no great distance from 
the ruins of Newark Castle, and other scenes celebrated in the Lay of the Last 
Minstrel. 
