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longs ſquare. A burgage in Wilton pays to the manor 3l. 7s. 6d. The whole manor is worth annually 675l."
Having hinted, at the beginning of this preface, that the purport of the following publication was intended as an introductory prelude to a Hiſtory of this County; I am induced, though with the greateſt diffidence, to offer a ſketch, or general outline, for the completion of ſuch a work.
It is well known, that Provincial Hiſtories have been, often times, checked or retarded by the conſideration of the great labour, and of the heavy expence, that would neceſſarily attend them. Few people can be expected to engage in an operation, the trouble and expences of which would be certain, and the termination of which could ſcarcely be hoped for, during the exiſtence of a ſingle life. And where ſhall we find a man, whoſe abilities and circumſtances might enable him, ſingly, to perſevere in ſo complicated an under-taking? If a man of proper abilities ſhould venture upon the work, and depend upon a common ſubſcription to ſupport it's expences, it is much to be apprehended, that few people would riſque their ſubſcriptions, on the precarious uncertainty of ever ſeeing the Hiſtory; particularly, as it would not only depend
