Series 1 > Diary of the Reverend John Mill, minister of the parishes of Dunrossness Sandwick and Cunningsburgh in Shetland, 1740-1803. With selections from local records and original documents relating to the district

PREFACE
vi
It abounds throughout in living human interest, and shows
not only a vigorous actor in the little world—a remote and
unique one—which lay around him, but also a keen observer
in the larger sphere of contemporary life and history of which,
as an educated and capable man, he was a warmly interested
spectator.
The extracts from records and original documents given in
the Appendix are of various dates, but are all of strictly
local character, and it is conceived will add materially to the
historical and topographical interest of the volume.
The transcriptions and preparation for the press have been
the work of spare hours amid many pressing activities; and
this may to some extent explain, if it cannot excuse, imper¬
fections in the editing of which I am very sensible.
Acknowledgments are due to the Council of the Society
of Antiquaries of Scotland for woodcuts courteously put by
them at my disposal; and to Mr. Thomas Graves Law for
invaluable hints in the arrangement and preparation of the
work.
G. G.
39 Northumberland Street,
Edinburgh, March i, 1889.