(4) [vii]

                                                           PREFACE.

this work, it may be presumed, will prove of considerable use; namely, to such as pursue the arts either
as a profession or an amusement.

Highly finished Etchings from original sketches have ever been reckoned infinitely more useful to the
student in drawing than any other style of engraving whatever. There is always that precision and
strength, as well as care and delicacy of outline, in this sort of drawing and engraving, which is so seldom
apparent, at least to that degree in any other. And there remains that original spirit, which we so fre-
quently find wanting in more laboured performances. From hence the student may catch those beauties,
and acquire those excellences of drawing, which so often escape him in his progress. How far this work
has attained the advantages and excellences, which it has been the aim of its authors to give it, must be
left to the judgment of the Public; but they hope and trust, that the accuracy, if not the executive merit,
of the views, will render it both useful and valuable to those, who are fond of publications of this nature.

Long antiquarian and topographical details, or connected dissertations, cannot be expected in works
like the present; but, as far as they go, it is hoped that the descriptions will be found faithful and correct.
Every work of authority has been consulted for the purpose, and the information also, arising from per-
sonal investigation, has likewise been diligently sought for, and fortunately obtained. Grose, Pennant,
Cordiner, and that valuable mass of materials comprehended in the "Statistical Account of Scotland," have
been carefully examined, as well as numerous other records. Among works of a more modern date it is
incumbent to particularise one, from which the greatest assistance has been frequently derived, entitled
"Remarks on local Scenery and Manners in Scotland, by Dr. Stoddart," a work of very considerable merit,
in which the author has united great depth of research with a correct and enlightened taste for the pictu-
resque, the beautiful, and the sublime. It was indeed in company with this gentleman that Mr. Nattes
made most of the drawings. To these works therefore the reader is referred for more detailed accounts
upon the subjects, embraced by the present publication.

    LONDON, JANUARY 1804.