TO THE MERCHANTS, MANUFACTURERS, WOOL MERCHANTS, AND OTHERS INTERESTED IN THE WOOLLEN AND WORSTED MANUFACTURES. THE chief part of this work was compiled solely as a record, to be deposited in manuscript in two or three public libraries; but, having been requested, in a manner I could not refuse, to give it publicity, it is sent to make its way in the world. In a book of reference, intended to be useful to you and to your successors, it became important to omit nothing which might be hereafter required; but, by thus dwelling upon details, it is obvious that the book becomes less interesting to the general reader. I have, however, thought it right to run this risk; and in order to make it more acceptable, other matter has been introduced. In carrying out the object in view, I have met with the kindest and most liberal assistance: the names of some friends, to whom I am indebted, are mentioned in the preface; but, in the farther prosecution of this publication, it became necessary to obtain more general information. Desirous of making large extracts from that very able work, "Youatt on Sheep, their Breeds, Management, and Diseases,' I requested permission for that purpose, from the Committee of the Society for the * Published by Baldwin and Cradock, 1838. 99422 iv Diffusion of Useful Knowledge, who, with a liberality in perfect accordance with the great and praiseworthy objects of that valuable and useful institution, left the book in my hands to be used in any way I might think proper, and it will be seen that I have availed myself largely of their kindness. Observing a very excellent and concise article on the Woollen and Worsted Manufactures in the volume of the new edition of the Encyclopædia Britannica, published last September-a work which, in the extent and practical value of its information on all subjects, is certainly the first of its class-I applied to Messrs. Adam and Charles Black, of Edinburgh, for permission to avail myself of information therein given, and which was responded to in the most liberal manner. Considerable interest having lately existed respecting the production of sheep's wool in the East Indies, and particularly in the, at present, most distracted and unhappy districts of Cabool and the Himalayan Mountains, I applied for information to the Right Honourable Sir Alexander Johnstone, Chairman of the Royal Asiatic Society of Literature: by him I was most kindly referred to an able work on the "Productive Resources of India,"* by Dr. Royle, who has allowed me to make extracts; and I was also permitted to have access to the Library and Museum of that Institution, to see the communications made by the much lamented and highly talented Sir Alexander Burnes, who has so lately fallen a victim to treachery, and also the works of Marco Polo, Moorcroft, and others. Published by W. H. Allen and Co., 1840. |