Legends, Superstitions, and Sketches of Devonshire

Whilst the greatest effort has been made to ensure the quality of this text, due to the historical nature of this content, in some rare cases there may be minor issues with legibility. 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.