The prolonged delay in the issue of the
second installment of this work has not been wholly the fault of the
publishers or of the writer. It was originally intended to follow up the
local bearings of the subject through the entire Province of Ontario.
Unfortunately the necessary information has been so long in coming to
hand that no course was open to us but to fall back upon the political
aspect of the Scot. In dealing with this, it is hoped that a fair
measure of justice has been meted out to distinguished Scots of both
parties. The purpose of the book is distinctly non-partisan; and,
although pronounced opinions have been expressed, it is hoped that they
have not been put obtrusively forward. To be measurably neutral, without
making the work colourless, has been the aim throughout.
Many names, which might have found a
place here, have been omitted, partly from lack of details concerning
them, but mainly because they will come in appropriately hereafter. In
conclusion, we may state that those who can afford information
concerning Scottish settlements, throughout Ontario, north, east and
west, will confer a great favour by communicating it at an early date,
so that the next volume may be as complete as possible, and reach the
subscribers’ hands within a reasonable time.
May 16th, 1881.
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