Preface. HE following pages have been compiled, primarily, for the use of visitors to Staffa and Iona, who have frequently expressed a desire for a Guide-Book to the latter island especially, containing fuller information regarding its history and antiquities than has been hitherto embraced in any publication of this description. It is hoped also that it will not be devoid of interest to the general reader. The Chapter occupied with Iona includes several particulars which have not previously appeared, together with others which are only to be found by consulting various historical and descriptive works; and an effort has been made, by means of Illustrations, original and selected, to render the book a pleasing memorial of the visit to both islands. The compiler undertook the task as a labour of love, and in the hope of being useful, in a humble degree, to the inhabitants of Iona, to whom he respectfully inscribes this small Volume, which is in some part the fruit of pilgrimages to their venerable island, exceeding the number prescribed by the ancient Gaelic proverb as evincing a due appreciation of its interest There never yet came man to E, |