Guides and Tours to the Lakes have been and continue to be offered to the Public in various forms and sizes; but they are chiefly devoted to a single object - the picturesque appearance of the Country; to the exclusion of other important considerations.
It is admitted, that the gratification of the eye is a leading motive with many of those who make the Tour of the Lakes; but it is not so with all. The reflecting mind will feel more satisfaction in having gained some knowledge of the structure, the natural history, and productions of the region he has visited.
As a resident among the objects he attempts to describe, the Author of this Manual has possessed many opportunities of making observations, which will escape the notice of the transient visiter - the compiler from the works of others - or even of one who undertakes a tour for the professed purpose of making a book.
Availing himself of these advantages, and a little experience in surveying, he constructed a Map of the District, divested of many errors which had been copied into former maps, and containing some particulars not to be found in any other. This Map has been accompanied with such descriptions, directions, and remarks, as were judged likely to be serviceable to the future Tourist; in conducting him through the most eligible paths for viewing the varied scenery, and at the same time conveying some information on the structure and phenomena of these interesting regions.
