[From Cannell's Guide, 1843]

INTRODUCTION.

"MONA ! I Sing, the favourite of heaven
That happy spot, that was of old ordained
To be the seat of modern bliss; where peace
For ever dwells, and fair prosperity,
Enthron'd, sits smiling on her golden shores."

THE rapid sale of four editions of "Jefferson's Guide through the Isle of Man," consisting of 10,000 impressions, is a convincing proof of the estimation in which this little work has been held by the public, and has stimulated the editor to exert his utmost endeavours to render this fresh edition still more worthy of their patronage and support. The letter-press has been considerably augmented, and numerous views, together with a large and correct map of the Island, have been added, at a considerable expense, without any increase of price.

Half a century ago the public mind was misled by erroneous impressions respecting this Island ; but it has emerged from the neglect which undeservedly obscured it ; - has risen into distinction ; - has become a first-rate watering place, and is now annually frequented by crowds of visitors, for whose comfort and accommodation every exertion has been employed. No spot in the British dominions is more covered with fertility, or more beautifully diversified with hill and dale. Possessed of all the comforts and luxuries and elegancies of life in abundance, at a very moderate price, and stocked with an intelligent and happy population, the Island possesses advantages which few watering places can equal, none can excel.

"Avaunt then, cities, courts, where friends betray,
Where malice wounds, and slavery drops the knee,
To him how hateful who can steal away,
To freedom, love, simplicity, and thee."

The climate is more equable in temperature than the opposite coasts of England, Scotland, 'and Ireland. With the exception of some trifling imposts, which the reader will find mentioned in the work, Mona is free from taxation.

To the invalid it is an object peculiarly worthy of regard, the salubrity of the air, and the purity of the water, tend more to the restoration of health than the skill of the physician. Truly may we assert-

" A charming Isle it is, and ever dear,
Rich are its views-salubrious is its air
No place on earth can boast so sweet a scene,
Such far-stretch'd hills-deep vales, and sands between
Its rock-built shores the tidal waters bound
A lovelier spot in Europe can't be found."

It has been the study and anxious desire of the editor of this little work to put the visitor in possession of every object worthy of his notice or consideration.