[from Jenkinson's Practical Guide, 1874]

PREFACE.

HAVING written a Guide Book which has been well received by the public, and having been requested by numerous friends and tourists to turn my attention to the Isle of Man, I visited the place, and found that by treating it in the manner adopted in my ‘ Guide to the English Lake District,’ and producing a really practical Guide, a want much felt by the numerous visitors to the island would be supplied. The consequence was I at once undertook the task, and in order to make the book as exhaustive and accurate as possible, I have spared neither time nor labour.

I have endeavoured to produce a work which would be useful to both Manxmen and strangers, above all, striving to make it in every way a practical book for the tourist ; and with that object in view I have travelled on foot over every inch of ground, and made memoranda on the spot.

For the historical facts and legendary lore numerous works have been consulted, and valuable information gleaned from the Manx Society’s excellent publications, from Train’s ‘ History of the Isle of Man,’ and from the works of the late Rev. J. G. Cumming, formerly Vice-Principal of King William’s College, Castletown, Isle of Man.

I have associated as much as possible with the peasantry, all of whom were remarkably kind and hospitable, and have made myself at home in the farmhouses and out of the way districts. Many of the clergy and gentlemen on the island have rendered me assistance, and obligingly glanced over portions of my manuscript, and thus I hope the book may be looked upon as authentic and trustworthy.

Being myself fond of mountains and glens and rugged coast scenery, and observing that the great majority of visitors kept on the beaten highways, leaving entirely unnoticed the most beautiful spots on the island, I have endeavoured to arrange the tours so that the whole may be explored, and in such a manner as to satisfy every variety of taste.

If the traveller will make this manual his constant companion, he will, I trust, obtain a thorough knowledge of the island, and have many a delightful excursion to spots which hitherto have remained almost unnoticed.

I take this opportunity of thanking those who have lent me their aid ; and of expressing a hope that, should readers discover errors, or think of anything which would tend to improve future editions, they will have the goodness to communicate with me.

HENRY IRWIN JENKINSON.

KESWICK, CUMBERLAND,

June 1st, 1874.