The history and antiquities of Boston, and the villages of Skirbeck, Fishtoft, Freiston, Butterwick, Benington, Leverton, Leake, and Wrangle; comprising the hundred of Skirbeck, in the county of Lincoln. Including also a history of the East, West, and Wildmore fens, and copious notices of the Holland or Haut-Huntre fen ... sketches of the geology, natural history, botany, and agriculture of the district; a very extensive collection of archaisms and provincial words, local dialect, phrases, proverbs, omens, superstitions, etc. By Pishey Thompson. Illustrated with one hundred engravings.

Xll - PREFACE.
striking illustration in the fact, that of the 350 persons, who favoured the
Publisher with their names as subscribers to the volume which was published in 1820, and which may, in some degree, be regarded as the first
edition of this work, only 30 are known to be living at this time; and of
these, 22 are subscribers to the present volume. This latter circumstance
is gratifying to the Author, as indicating that the confidence of his old
friends towards him has not been impaired. May he venture to hope that
the subscribers to the new book, —the work of his old age,-will evince
equal satisfaction.
In taking leave of this volume, the Author feels he is bidding farewell
to an old friend, a pleasing labour, a resource against ennui and weariness,
a companion in solitude and privation. Almost every page is impressed on
his mind by the circumstances under which it was written, and the whole
forms one of the few accomplished objects of his life. May it be acceptable
and serviceable, and stimulate other individuals to take a part in supplying
that great literary want-a History of the County of Lincoln.
Most truly could the Author have said during every portion of his long
and arduous employment, now about to be closed,"The ways through which my weary steps I guide
In this research of old Antiquity,
Are so exceeding rich, and long, and wide,
And sprinkled with such sweet variety
Of all which pleasant is to ear or eye;
That I, nigh ravish'd with rare Thought's delight,
M/y tedious travel quite forget thereby."
Fairy Queen, Liber VI., Prologue.
BoSTON, 8th July, 1856.