a constant wish to alleviate the sufferings of others.* To prevent future inconvenience, and to assist those who may hereafter visit this place, I have been induced, indeed requested, to publish the memorandums I made. To these I have added extracts from those writers who have described Lancashire; particularly Camden, Dr. Aikin, Cooke, &c. &c. as well as from other authors illustrative of the subject. The difficulty of procuring correct information, more especially where there is a scarcity of authorities, can only be accurately judged of by those who have attempted to collect matèrials for information. Oral tradition is frequently vague and uncertain, but this I have not to plead, as the erection of the principal dwellings with their attendant circumstances, is in the * The lamented death of Mr. Hargreaves which took place in the month of June 1814, obliges me to alter the original passage, and to speak of him, as of one-who is now no more. It appears singular that in a new and enlarged edition of this work there is no description either of Southport or Ormskirk. memory of many.-With the scenery, all may be acquainted. Few persons have noticed Southport in their topographical descriptions. Indeed so short a period has elapsed since its becoming noted as a watering place, that an opportunity has scarcely been afforded. The account Cooke gives in his 66 Topographical and Statistical description" of this country, was written, I am informed, by the Rev. Mr. Shuttleworth a few years ago. Since then, many alterations have taken place, although a Liverpool paper has lately inserted the whole paragraph. Towns and villages have no doubt arisen, in consequence of the situation being supposed to possess, or actually possessing, some advantages beyond the neighbouring ones; and have generally increased in proportion to the reality of those advantages. Were not the man of business to select the situation adapted to his pursuit, it would be justly considered an instance of unwarrantable neglect, and would eventually prove the source of its own punishment. Hence we see opulent commercial towns in a few years rivalling ancient cities both in extent and population, though the latter may possess greater conveniences derived from nature. Other places arise into consequence from the salubrity of the air, the medicinal properties of their springs, or the grandeur and superiority of their shores. This is peculiarly the case at Southport, and as Ormskirk is the principal neighbouring town (besides being the point at which the turnpike roads from Liverpool and Wigan meet), I have thought it best to commence my journal there, adding such an account as I was enabled to procure. Amidst the variety of matter which presented itself, I hope I have selected such as will prove both amusing and instructive. For this purpose I have endeavoured to translate the Latin Epitaphs I met with, as many of my readers may probably not understand the language. Translations seldom equal the original, and though I own myself inadequate to this task, yet I am not without hopes that mine, deficient as they are, will prove acceptable. It is difficult during a short period, even assisted with every advantage, to investigate the Natural History of any place:-I should however consider myself highly culpable, were I to pass over without notice the most obvious productions of this part of North Meols, so far as I have been able to trace them in a short residence. But to do the subject justice, would require a greater degree of knowledge than I can either boast of, or hope to arrive at, besides swelling this essay to an immoderate size. My object will be more than gained if this description be productive of information to the inquiring mind, or, what is still more desirable, will induce some one else to amend what I have compiled. It certainly cannot be expected, that a few observations collected during a visit of sixteen days, and written under all the disadvantages that attend this species of composition, should be free from inaccuracies, and therefore I humbly hope "THE GUIDE" will not be severely critieised. A wish to be of service, in an attempt to convey that information to others I so much needed myself, has been my sole motive, and |