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PREFACE.
THE KNOLL, AMBLESIDE,
March 12, 1855.
It is now some months since I committed the manuscript of
this Lake Guide to the publisher's hands; and now that the
work is just ready to appear, I am thankful to him for the
opportunity of saying, in this prefatory page, with what
pride and pleasure I have looked over the accessories and
embellishments with which, by his zeal and spirit, and by
the admirable cooperation he has been so fortunate as to
secure, my humble work is elevated to a quality of real
importance.
Preface page ii:-
When I look at Mr. RUTHVEN's valuable geological Map, Mr.
ASPLAND'S beautiful illustrative Views, so finely engraved
by Mr. BANKS; and, again, the Botanical contributions, so
essential to the perfect understanding of the Lake District,
it seems to me that the book has become, by all this aid,
one which may not only be in every tourist's hands, but find
a place on the library shelves of those who have never
visited, and may not contemplate visiting, this district of
England. At the same time, the Directories, (a new feature
in a Guide Book) are likely to make it valuable to
residents, who need no guide to the scenery near their
homes. If my gratitude to my coadjutors causes me to
overrate the product of our labours, I shall not at least be
mistaken in saying that we have all done our best to set
forth a true presentment of a land we love, in the hope of
inducing and enabling those
Preface page iii:-
who live in town or plain to know and love it as we do. If
any think that we have painted it too fair, and that we love
it fanatically, let them come and see.
H. MARTINEAU.
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