THE HISTORY, CIVIL AND COMMERCIAL, OF THE BRITISH WEST INDIES. BY BRYAN EDWARDS, ESQ. F.R.S. S.A. WITH A CONTINUATION TO THE PRESENT TIME. FIFTH EDITION. WITH MAPS AND PLATES. IN FIVE VOLUMES. VOL. I. LONDON: Printed by T. Miller, Noble Street, Cheapside; FOR G. AND W. B. WHITTAKER; W. H. REID; J. NUNN; J. M. RICHARDSON; J. CUTHELL; T. BOONE; T. PREFATORY ADVERTISEMENT TO THE CONTINUATION OF THE HISTORY OF THE WEST INDIES. To make additions to a building which has been erected by another architect, however able may be the person by whom those additions are made, is a task from the performance of which but little reputation is likely to be acquired. There is, almost always, in the different parts, a want of harmony and connection, which is highly prejudicial to the general effect. It is the same with respect to works of literature. The original author takes a full view of his subject, in all its bearings and relations, forms a regular plan, and assigns to each branch its proper order and space. Every thing that is subsequently added, by another writer, disturbs the symmetry of the composition, and appears, therefore, at best, rather as an inartificial appendage than as a portion of one great whole. Should this fault be discovered in the continuation of the History of the West Indies, it is hoped that the candour of the reader will attribute it to its real |