On the completion of the present volume, the Author begs to observe, that owing to the great distance of the County of Cornwall from the Metropolis, its hilly surface, and other unforeseen circumstances, his endeavours have been greatly retarded; the great interest, however, which is attached to the county in a commercial point of view, much more its importance to the antiquarian and geologist, will, it is presumed, render the work highly interesting. Although much has already been written upon this county, most of the works extant are either calculated as books of reference, or deficient in graphical embellishments. The trouble and expense which has attended the collection of the several views contained in the work, has been very great; for as the Author was desirous of selecting the most picturesque subjects, he has been compelled to visit almost every place in the county.

When the work was first announced, the Author regrets to state that many gentlemen declined to promote his endeavours, from the circumstance of his being a stranger to them; and many unforeseen difficulties have also presented themselves; but perseverance will, it is presumed, overcome most impediments. It is to be regretted that Cornwall contains so few Noblemen and Gentlemens’ Seats, compared with other Counties; but the kind assistance the Author has received from several eminent characters, will always be remembered. To Sir William Lemon, Sir Christopher Hawkins, the late Sir A. Molesworth, Joseph Carne, Esq., J. T. Austin, Esq., Colonel Trevanion, the Rev. George Moore, Jun., and the Rev. John Wallis, of Bodmin, he feels particularly indebted.

Owing to ill health a few years ago, the Author was unfortunately compelled to relinquish the situation of Assistant to the Military Secretary, East India Company; but from the feeling which he has always possessed for the picturesque, and as travelling agrees much better with his health, it is the Author’s intention to endeavour to bring to light many of the hidden Relics of Antiquity, which the several Counties of England contain. Much has already been done; and considering the improved state of the Arts, there is now sufficient talent in this country for the publication of works in any branch. It is also the Author’s intention, with some exceptions, to retrace the steps of the late Francis Grose, the celebrated antiquarian; for since his time, many antient buildings have been considerably altered; and such as were published in his work upon antiquities, were made when the art of engraving was not so generally known. The completion, however, of any work upon a similar plan to the present volume, is certainly most preferable; and will, it is presumed, be found not only useful to the tourist, but valuable to the lovers of the picturesque.

As an Antiquary, few Gentlemen possessed a higher claim to notice than the late Samuel Lysons, Esq., F. A. S.; and the Author cannot but participate in the feelings which exist with every one who knew him; especially in deploring the great loss the country has sustained by his lamented death.

In concluding, the Author begs to return his grateful acknowledgments to those Noblemen and Gentlemen who have been pleased to subscribe to the work; and takes the liberty of stating, that he is now engaged in completing a similar one, relative to the County of Devonshire, which he hopes will also meet their approbation.

LONDON, MAY 1, 1824.