INTRODUCTION. 

 By the Rev. F. D. Horner, M.A. 



As the figurehead is to a ship, so perhaps is the 

 introduction to a book. 



In relation to this volume, now committed to 

 its native element the public, I occupy much the 

 same position as one of those graven images which, 

 I fear, since the introduction of iron shipbuilding, 

 have greatly fallen off; being much reduced from 

 former grandeur, and in that air of profound con- 

 fidence in themselves and supreme self-importance 

 which, when a boy, I highly admired in them as 

 they lay awaiting their next voyage in the docks of 

 my native seaport to^vn. 



Figureheads have varied very much in artistic 

 taste and finish ; and, where they were of human 

 aspect, have generally expressed much decision of 

 character, and a wooden-headed firmness of pur- 

 pose. When they did not, they went to the other 

 extreme, and had no character at all. 



If not valiant, they were vapid ; if not intellec- 

 tual, they were grossly ignorant ! 



Sometimes a figurehead would seem to per- 

 sonify the feminine beauty of the tall, fair ship 



