tiful and picturesque scenery around it, all presented subjects well deserving both of historical and graphic description , though, heretofore, for the most part, unnoticed and untouched. For the little that has appeared respecting a place so worthy of notice, may be said to have been given in the short and trivial mention made of it in " Guides ; " which not only want the consequence of regular connected histories, but are materially deficient in embellishment, both as regards the choice of subjects and fidelity of
representation. The Guides to watering -places are, in general , trifling. They neither contain , nor indeed are expected to contain, any thing beyond subjects of mere fashionable or domestic information , such as rides, walks, libraries, public exhibitions, and amusements, with other minor details; which , though unquestionably pleasing as well as useful to the visitants, are still in themselves, as to subject, insignificant and uninteresting. From this remark, it is but justice to except the work, called " The Guide to HASTINGS," published a few years since ; which possesses, in style, matter, and arrangement, every claim to be regarded as of a superior order to the generality of these productions.
To supply the want of authentic and correct views, with a slight descriptive account, was all I originally intended ; but finding, on issuing a prospectus, my design highly supported, I was induced, from a grateful sense of such patronage, to make the work as complete as possible, though, in doing so, I have very materially augmented my expenses, particularly in giving six plates more than mentioned in the first prospectus, without making any additional charge; and in this, and other points respecting the execution of the work , have spared neither pains nor expense to render it as worthy of my subscribers as their encouragement of me deserves.
In the manner of arranging and classifying the different portions of the history, it appeared the best mode of rendering the several subjects mentioned, perspicuous, was to treat of them separately. In doing this , it is hoped what is recorded will be found free from -
