Nor shall I forget that it is your wish I should give not only all the history and biography of this place, and gather up whatever of "tradition and manners can be saved from oblivion," but also (again to quote your own words) state "every thing about a parish that can be made interesting" - "not omitting some of those 'short and simple annals' of domestic life which ought not to be forgotten." Whilst I attempt, therefore, to give to subjects of historical import the serious attention they demand, I shall likewise endeavour to vary and lighten those more grave parts of my letters, by stating, sometimes, even trifling things, in the hope they may not be altogether void of interest or amusement; for a traveller, though he sets out on a serious pursuit, may be pardoned if he now and then stoops to pick up a wild flower to amuse his mind for a moment, as he journeys on his way.