ds of our
continental neighbours. Should they fail of producing this effect, he
requests that it may be attributed rather to his want of power to
conjure up the spirits of past ages, than to any want of capabilities in
the subjects he has chosen to introduce.

To the local and to the general reader--to the antiquary and the
uninitiated--to the admirers of the fine arts and embellishments of our
literature, he hopes his labours will prove acceptable; and should the
plan succeed, not Lancashire alone, but the other counties, may in their
turn become the subject of similar illustrations. The tales are arranged
chronologically, forming a somewhat irregular series from the earliest
records to those of a comparatively modern date. They may in point of
style appear at the commencement stiff and stalwart, like the chiselled
warriors, whose deeds are generally enveloped in a rude narrative, hard
and ponderous as their gaunt and grisly effigies. The events, however,
as the author has found them, gradually assimilate with the familiar
aspects and everyday affections of our nature--subsiding from the stern
and repulsive character of a barbarous age into the usual forms and
modes of feeling incident to humanity--as some cold and barren region,
where one stunted blade of affection can scarce find shelter, gradually
opens Out into the quiet glades and lowly habitudes of ordinary
existence.

The author disclaims all pretensions to superior knowledge. He would not
even arrogate to himself the name of antiquary. Some of the incidents
are perhaps well known, being merely put into a novel and more popular
shape. The spectator is here placed upon an eminence where the scenes
assume a new aspect, new combinations of beauty and grandeur being the
result of the vantage ground he has obtained. Nothing more is attempted
than what others, with the same opportunities, might have done as
well--perhaps better. When Columbus broke the egg--if we may be excused
the arrogance of the simile--all that were present could have done the
same; and some, no doubt, might have performed the operation more
dexterously.

_1st October_ 1829.

* * * * *

PREFACE TO THE SECOND SERIES.

In presenting another and concluding series of Lancashire Traditions to
the public, the author has to express his thanks for the indulgence he
has received, and the spirit of candour and kindness with which this
attempt to illustrate in a