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casionally introduced may require some apology; they are, however, generally either of the most popular kind, or else they are explained. It has frequently been found expedient to use Latin or Italian words; but any thing that might have the appearance of being too learned for an ordinary reader has been kept as clear of the text as possible, and will stand apart for the use of those only who may wish to study the ruins of Rome more critically.

The numerous notes are not written with any view to make a display of learning; but in a subject of this nature the authorities of ancient authors are indispensable, and many of them are found in writings which do not come within the usual routine of classical reading. The public libraries of Rome, Florence, and Geneva have furnished the editions of the authors from which the quotations are taken; and this will explain why the same editions are not always cited; but where the change occurs, it is marked by a special reference. The author has no wish to assume the credit for labour which does not belong to him; for although he has seldom taken an authority at second-hand, yet most of them were already collected by the antiquaries above mentioned; and if he has sometimes indulged in a few reflections, they were suggested on the very spot, in those moments when the mind is glad to moralise upon the result of its enquiries, and to take refuge in its own sentiments.

The Plans which accompany the Dissertations and some of the smaller sketches, are made by Signor Pardini, of Lucca, architect. It will suffice to examine the restorations of the Temple of Venus and Rome to judge of the talents and ingenuity of that gentleman, to whom the author is so far indebted, that, without his obliging assistance, perhaps, the following Dissertations would never have been accomplished. The kindness and friendship of Mr. Engelhart is also to be gratefully acknowledged, in supplying several of the sketches and impressions of the medals.

If the author has succeeded in his undertaking, he may, perhaps, lay some claim to the merit of industry; but the success must be attributed to the advantages he has had of a residence of several winters in Rome, and, consequently, of access to the best sources of information. He might appeal to the indulgence of his readers on the score of this work being but the production of his leisure hours, and frequently liable to long interruptions ; — he might plead his more important occupations, to which the topography and antiquities were at all times subordinate; but with things like these the

public have little concern. In the present day, when both men and their works stand or fall by their own merit, it would be equally superfluous in an author to magnify the difficulties and importance of his subject, or to attempt to extenuate the faults which appear in the execution. If the following Dissertations be found to answer the design,

and to justify their pretensions, they are of a nature to be permanently useful, and will be appreciated; if not, they will share the fate of many other productions, which appear for a day, but to be consigned to oblivion.

ROME, April 11. 1831. No. 85. Piazza di Spagna.

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