viii PEEFACB. 



'' state secrets" on the subject. I have a poor opinion of the 

 man whose narrow mind and heart would prompt him to with- 

 hold any knowledge that would benefit those who should 

 engage in the business. The proprietors of a similar periodi- 

 cal, who offered to pay liberally for like contributions, and 

 who must be aware of the small remuneration I shall receive 

 for the labor bestowed on this book, I hope, will allow that 

 such reward has been but a small inducement ; and that the 

 reason assigned, that I could not treat the subject properly 

 in the space allowed in their columns, is a substantial one. 

 In conclusion of this preface, I can truly say that I have un- 

 dertaken the task from a love of it, and a desire to diffuse a 

 knowledge of the art. 



THADDEUS NORRIS. 

 Philadelphia, July 1868 



