PREFACE TO THE SECOND EDITION, WHEN the little Work, now making its second appearance before the Public, was first published, the Author had not the remotest idea of its present popularity. Engaged in a more important work, he considered this as a trifle, scarcely sufficient to excite attention, far less to obtain admiration or applause. But when he considers, that the whole Edition was sold within the course. of a twelvemonth, and that it has received the pointed commendation of those Censors of Literature, whose praise is fame, he cannot but feel a degree of gratitude, which calls upon him for further exertion. Strongly impressed with this idea, it was his intention, to render the present Edition less unworthy such a patronage, by a variety of corrections and additions; but such has been the urgency and demand for its republication, that no time was allowed for alteration; save to rectify a few errors of the former press, and to insert a few corrections of a personal, or otherwise unimportant nature. Had more time been allowed, more of this kind would have been done; as far as consistent with the nature of the subject, and the Author's veneration for the cause of truth. Upon this ground, therefore, he must beg indulgence for any thing that otherwise might appear pointed or unpolite: for while he would studiously avoid the most distant appearance of illiberality, he would as strenuously attend to the duty of information, and adhere to the truth of narration. From the nature of his tour, the Author was often reluctantly obliged to animadvert upon those who had fewer opportunities of observation; and from a determined resolution to stand forward in defence of Loyalty and Religion, then apparently in danger, he was bound to oppose all attacks upon either. The votaries of truth therefore will, if not publickly applaud, yet secretly admire, those who, while they do not neglect the external appear, ance of things, more attentively investigate the reality of their nature. If, however, he has named any Author with less respect, than he may have deserved; or introduced any person with less honour, than he might be entitled to expect; he begs permission not only to apologise, but to retract, As the advocate of truth, he has, without any sinister intention, used what he esteems a becoming freedom with writers whom he in general admires; and whose works would require greater judgment and talents than his justly to appreciate, or properly to commend. He has not obtruded his ideas upon the Public in the spirit of a dictator; but in humility of inquiry, and with liberality of disquisition, proposing them to the consideration of those disposed to enquire, or qualified to judge. So far from being riveted to his own opinions, he has frequently stated both sides of the question; and has been ever tender of the reputation of those, who have inadvertently scattered the seeds of error. In order to explain he was determined to elucidate: and according to the laudable example of antiquity, to add his sober mite for the furtherance of science. Ready to submit to superior information, he still wishes to pay a due respect to his own. In furnishing a small quota to the stock of general knowledge or pleasure, he feels sufficiently gratified; and, sensible that he has given a faithful detail of particulars relative to the country he has attempted to describe, and unconscious that he has in the least derogated from justice, or liberality, he again submits to the candour of the Public. On this occasion it would be unnecessary to say more; and he trusts, that in the opinion of the judicious, Truth would not permit him to less, say May, 1802. CONTENTS. Arrival at Shrewsbury-Buttington; battle fought here between the English and Danes, in which the latter were completely de- feated-Welsh Pool-Spirit of the inhabitants-Reflections on female education-Advantages and disadvantages of canals- Powis Castle; its delightful terrace-Views-Llanfair-Virnwy, Amnis Piscosus-Mode of spearing fish-Pleasing custom of planting the graves of departed friends with flowers and ever- greens, with reflections upon this posthumous attention. Page 1 Effects of a summer morning on the mind-Ruins of Caer- eineon-Berhiw like Auburn in its prosperous state; encomium on its late proprietor, Mr. Blaney-Montgomery; observation on Mr. Pennant's confining the use of the gocking stool to this place; its castle and history-Newtown; its flannel manufactory -Superiority of Welsh flannels to those of England-Caer Sws, a Roman station-Beauties of the vale of Newtown-The beaver and roebuck once inhabitants of Britain-Gyraldus defended-Llanidlos; its church and bridge-Glyn Auren Biga Mountains follow the meanderings of the Severn to its source in Plynlimmon; conjectures on the origin of its name— Sources of the rivers Wye and Rheidiol-Excellence of Evans's Map of North Wales-The Mountain, a station of Glyndwr Ruins of Dolferwyn Castle; a British edifice-Church of Betts Return to Llanfair over the mountains-Reflections on |