Preface 



somehow. And now that all is finished, and the MSS. out of my 

 hands and in those of the publishers, I begin to wish I could 

 write the book all over again. I feel I have omitted so much 

 and how infinitely better many things could have been expressed. 

 How much more might have been made of the material by a 

 more experienced writer than myself. 



My one joy is that such " impressions " of my brother's 

 character as I have been able to collect — opinions of his 

 contemporaries — from school -fellows, college friends and others, 

 who had known him all his life, will give the outside public a 

 better idea of his true worth than any words of my own could 

 convey, and I thank the writers, one and all, most heartily, for 

 their ready response to my request, and for the manner in which 

 they have recorded their opinions. 



Lord Minto's regretted death just as he had jotted down 

 some notes for his promised " impression" of my brother, his 

 lifelong friend, was naturally a great disappointment. 



To my colleague, Mr. Finch Mason, my warmest thanks 

 are due. The encouragement he gave me when I was in great 

 doubt as to my own powers ; his help in the revision of my work ; 

 and above all, the sympathy which could only come from a true 

 friend of the man — what better word could I choose — whose 

 memory we have done our best to perpetuate. 



In conclusion, I beg to thank the Earl of Yarborough for 

 the information he so kindly gave me with regard to the original 

 planting of the famous Brocklesby Woods, and the building of 

 the Mausoleum. Also for his recommendation of Mr. Sherlock 

 of 3 Old Market Place, Grimsby, who took infinite pains to 

 reproduce with his camera the beauties of the Mausoleum, 

 Limber Village, and the Woods. 



To those who will take the trouble to read this preface, I say 

 a very heartfelt M Thank you." They begin where I leave off, 



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