NOTICE TO THE FIRST EDITION.
WITH this, the concluding Part, I feel called upon to express, in the warmest manner,
the sense I entertain of the very flattering encouragement which has been extended to
the Work. To my numerous and highly respectable Subscribers, who, coming forward
in almost every instance unsolicited, have patronised the undertaking by their countenance
and support, I beg to offer my most sincere thanks. From the length of time
which has elapsed since the commencement of the Publication, their patience has no
doubt been fully exercised ; yet I cannot accuse myself of any unnecessary delay in its
progress through the press. The nature of the Work-the almost insurmountable aculty,
in many instances, of obtaining correct information-and the research which its
pages display, will, I trust, be apology sufficient for the protracted period of completion.
It will be observed, however, on referring to the Prospectus, that the engagement
to publish in monthly Parts has not been exceeded ; but that, on the contrary,
several months are anticipated. Such has been my anxiety to have the Biographical
Sketches complete, that the Letterpress has been extended to nearly double of what
was originally stipulated to be given. This, of course, has been accomplished at much
additional expense on my part, without any extra charge to the Subscribers; but
stimulated by the desire to render the Work not less valuable than curious, I feel
gratified by the approval so generally accorded, and the prospect that a still increasing
demand will amply repay my outlay of capital.
To those who have kindly supplied family information, and to the several literary
and antiquarian gentlemen whom I have had occasion to consult, and who have, with
much liberality, contributed to the historical, traditional, and local interest of the
Work, my acknowledgments are due in an especial degree.
It is to be regretted that a few Etchings by Kay have not been inserted in this
Collection. During the life of the Artist some of them were disposed of to the parties
interested, either because, as good likenesses, they wished to possess them-or, if offensive,
that they might be withdrawn from the public. In this way several desirable
productions of his pencil are awanting ; but, from advances made by one or two individuals
on the subject, in whose possession some of the Plates are, I am hopeful that
a few additions may yet be made to the Collection. These, together with B number
