INTRODUCTION.

"Among the many places of public resort which the prevailing taste for sea-bathing has of late years drawn from obscurity into distinction, no one has more rapidly, or more deservedly risen into celebrity than Southport: a picturesque Hamlet situated on the Lancashire coast (about eighteen miles from Liverpool), and exhibiting in the most pleasing variety, all that charms the eye of taste, or awakens enthusiastic admiration in the lover of nature.”

Thus wrote one who having received great benefit from a temporary residence here, was induced to repeat the visit. And certainly, no one can fully appreciate the value of health, or the benefit arising from change of air, and scene

till the lamented loss of the one, makes the trial of the other requisite. That situation then becomes peculiarly dear which has tended to promote the desired end; and humanity prompts our encomiums, in hopes that others may experience similar results. Totally unacquainted with SOUTHPORT and its immediate neighbourhood, I was anxious to acquire every information in my power, and therefore was obliged to apply to those whose local knowledge enabled them to satisfy my inquiries,

And here I cannot help expressing myself particularly indebted to Mr. Hargreaves, who most readily assisted me, and whose constant residence on the spot, enabled him to speak with accuracy. Friendly, obliging, and intelligent, I considered his observations valuable, whilst his willingness in communicating them has rendered the obligation still more lasting. Attached to Southport from having proved the beneficial effects of its clime, and personally skilled in the school of Providence, he knew how