VI DEDICATION. 



side. From my having been " young" enough to attempt 

 it previously, for a small sum, without any preparation., 

 and having consequently failed, the opinion of the know- 

 ing ones among the Athletce of the day, was decidedly 

 against me. On that occasion, you were not a disheart- 

 ening doubter. I put myself in training under the ce- 

 lebrated Jackey Smith of Ouseton, near Easing wold in 

 Yorkshire, recommended by you ; and owing much to 

 his skilful management, I easily performed the task of 

 ninety miles in twenty successive hours. 



I have now ventured on a task of quite another 

 kind an endeavour to describe, and to suggest improve- 

 ments in the rural affairs of a distant land. 



In this I may again have been attempting what 

 by some may be thought hazardous ; but again I am en- 

 couraged by your approbation of my purpose, and by that 

 I shall be greatly consoled, even if other opinions prove 

 unfavourable. 



With the greatest regard, I have the honour to be, 



MY DEAR LORD, 



Yours very sincerely, 



R. BARCLAY-ALLARDICE. 

 URY, 5th January 1842. 



