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TOC
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visited on the continent, by means of
which I hope to be furnished from time to
time with the newest intelligence concern-
ing modern music, as well as with further
particulars, relative to the ancient; and
as I am certain that no place abounds
more with men of sound learning, or
with collectors of curious compositions
and valuable materials necessary to my
intended work, than my own country;
I humbly hope that I shall also be
honoured with their counsel and commu-
nications.
But with all these requisites, respect
for the public, for the art about which I
write, and even for myself, will prevent
precipitate publication: a history of the
kind I propose, must inevitably be a
work of time; for after consulting the
most scarce and valuable books and MSS.
and conferring with the most eminent
artists and theorists; to select, digest, and
consolidate materials so various and dif-
fused, will not only require leisure and
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