PREFACE. WHEN Ireland seemed devoted to political parties, withheld neither by true wisdom nor by kind feelings; when all interference seemed full of danger and void of hope; the author formed the design of abstracting his thoughts from public transactions, and of bending them on the studies of inanimate nature. In this pursuit, materials were collected for the natural history of his native county; a part of this collection was placed in the hands of a respected member of the Dublin Society; and this, with other accompanying remarks, too hastily thrown together, was published, in 1802, under the title of a " Statistical Survey of the County of London-Derry." The imperfections of this work did not escape the author; and, in consequence, a design was formed that, on some future occasion, if possible, these defects should be redeemed. In 1809 the worshipful Company of Fishmongers sent over, to visit their estate in the county of London-Derry, three gentlemen of excellent judgment and patriotic views: They were pleased to honour the author with a visit, and to favour him with their confidence. In various conversations, it was suggested that if a Chart of Territory could be combined with a Topographical Map, on an extended scale, it would be a most useful acquisition for the proprietors of the county. Having long been desirous of some vehicle, in which his own observations, connected chiefly with geological enquiry, might be permanently enfixed, the author willingly consented to aid in the project of the Deputation; and it was agreed that one and the same Chart and Memoir, should be so constructed as to comprehend the respective views of each party. On this agreement, the author undertook to superintend the whole of the work, and the Deputation engaged to recommend it, to the joint patronage of the Irish Society, and of the twelve chief Companies of London. An accidental meeting with the Right Hon. Sir G. Hill, member for the city of London-Derry, made the author acquainted with the friendly disposition of that gentleman towards the proposed publication; and from him, beyond any other person, the author has received a steady and effectual support.* On the recommendation of • The following Letter furnishes a liberal proof of what has been stated at this place. DEAR SIR, The Grand Jury have examined, with much satisfaction, the specimen of Engraving of part of the Map of the City and County of London-Derry, which has been laid before them at these Assizes. We have granted a further sum towards the execution of the work; and I am directed by the Grand Jury, to express to you their approbation and thanks, for the zeal and dili gence with which you have conducted this useful undertaking. Although this Grand Jury, from their ephemeral nature, cannot by any act bind the next or others in succession, yet have no difficulty in expressing to you, through me, their confidence, that the sum towards completing the County Map will be presented to the extent altogether of one thousand guineas or pounds, and individually they will in future give the measure their most cheerful support. As this work will be accompanied by a Memoir, and embraces already more objects than the Grand Jury of the County for the mere execution of a Road Map can with a view to voting pecuniary aid take legally into their contemplation; I am therefore directed further to express to you, a hope and expectation, that you will explain to the absentee Corporate proprietors on your return to London, the encouragement which this interesting subject has received from the resident Gentlemen; and it is not to be doubted those respectable Bodies will feel a duty, and an interest, in sharing with us the protection and support of this public work. I hope to meet you in London, and shall have, be assured, personal gratification in giving you any assistance in my power. London-Derry, Spring Assizes, Grand Jury Room, 1814. The Rev. G. V. Sampson. I have the honour to be, DEAR SIR, Yours very sincerely, for Self and Fellows, G. F. HILL, Foreman. Sir G. Hill, seconded by Henry Richardson, Esq. of Somerset, the Grand Jury of the county took the work under their especial protection; and most liberally have they discharged their voluntary share of patronage. The worshipful Company of Fishmongers, whose Deputation in a great degree originated the plan, have continued on all occasions the most friendly encouragement. The honourable the Irish Society, with the worshipful Companies of Mercers, Ironmongers, and Grocers, have been contributors in the first class; in the next, are to be comprised the worshipful Companies of Drapers and Salters. The motives from which the undertaking originated at first, and by which it has been actuated ever since, are far from selfish or mercenary; in consequence, no pains nor expenses have been spared, which might contribute to its correctness or embellishment: Nevertheless all human things are full of error; and the author, most deeply conscious of his manifold imperfections, requests from the reader, that he will receive his labours with indulgence," not weighing his merits, but pardoning his offences." MEMOIR. EXPLANATORY OF THE CHART AND SURVEY OF THE COUNTY OF LONDON-DERRY, IRELAND. BY THE REV. GEORGE VAUGHAN SAMPSON, A. B. M. R. I. A. HONORARY MEMBER OF THE GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY, LONDON; Vitam impendere vero.--Juv. LONDON: PRINTED BY W. BULMER AND CO. CLEVELAND-ROW, ST. JAMES'S; AND PUBLISHED BY G. AND W. NICOL, PALL-MALL, BOOKSELLERS |