PREFACE.

THE following sheets were written for the Author's own amusement, without any reference to publication; which circumstance, however, is not mentioned as any excuse for faults that may be apparent, or for omissions, perhaps too readily to be perceived; but, on the contrary, in order that the Reader may be aware that the observations therein contained were not lightly or heedlessly thrown together; for if it be true that self generally engrosses our chief care and solicitude, this will go far to prove, that any thing done with a view to the gratification of self, will be executed as well as the abilities of the performer will admit.

This avowal is contrary to the one in general use when any work is submitted to the consideration of the public, but it is not the less true. Neither has the Writer been induced by the solicitation of friends to alter his first resolution, or by them been tempted to give publicity to that which was originally

meant for himself; but he has done it of his own mere act and motion and for the following reason; namely, That, though there are many very excellent works on the same subject, they are too bulky and expensive for general use, and are by these means rendered of no utility to those, who, incited by the descriptions therein contained to follow in the same track, and desirous of a guide to instruct them on their way, whom they may consult at all times and in all places, turn with grievous disappointment from the heavy tomes lying before them. If, then, the present little volume should at all remedy this defect, or tend in the least degree to the instruction, pleasure, or amusement of the reader, all that the Author hopes to accomplish will be effected, and the work not written in vain.

Islington, 1834.

A TOUR

FROM

LONDON TO OXFORD.

THERE are few subjects more frequently treated of than those of one's country; there are few subjects, in a natural point of view, that are less understood. Is it travel that will inform? There are not many who will give themselves that trouble in their own land; but, satisfied that it possesses beauties (which by the bye they never saw) and can afford gratifications they never felt, fly to foreign shores in search of those amusements and pleasures which could more easily have been had, and as certainly as pleasantly, enjoyed at home.

But if any succeed in divesting themselves of the prejudices they may have entertained against wandering o'er their own green isle, they would hardly have had the hardihood to publish an account of such wanderings; for they would be looked upon as doing a very foolish thing, even

B

if their own amusement, or the gratification of a little personal vanity were all that they had in view. But if it were done to instruct, or in expectation of profit, they would be set down as madmen at once. Nothing of the sort now goes down: even an Italian tour, once all the rage, is rapidly getting into disrepute, and people need not wonder if the two Americas were shortly to become the favoured spot, where English folly and dandyism were hereafter to hold full sway.

As for myself, I am an old-fashioned fellow, and

"Love the green fields of my dear native land;"

and to roam therein, or to follow the windings of some one of its many streams, inquiring into the history, and searching out the antiquities, of the towns upon its banks, in the pursuit of which much pleasure is afforded, not to mention the information gained.

With some such view the present tour was undertaken, in company with a friend, (for, according to the Italian proverb, "good company maketh the way seem shorter,") who, by his excellent companionable qualities, would have made pleasant a walk in a desert, much more so one by the side of the Thames.

The distance from London to Oxford by water is about 115 miles, and along this great extent is presented every description of scenery the mind is capable of desiring, or the eye willing to behold.