X PREFACE TO THE FIRST EDITION. 



I feel that I stand in the very delicate position 

 that I have described, in venturing to lay the 

 present work before the public : therefore, if ever 

 a book imperiously called on its author for a 

 Preface or Introduction, it is absolutely indis- 

 pensable to " The Pocket and the Stud." 



I trust most of my readers will agree with me, 

 that, supposing, from a particular turn of mind, a 

 man had made the manufacturing of chronometers 

 his study from childhood, and that if circum- 

 stances had compelled him to serve two apprentice- 

 ships to that art, he could not be accused of pre- 

 sumption if, after such experience and practice, 

 he ventured to give advice on the management of 

 a watch to those of far superior attainments in 

 mind in other matters, but who may not have 

 had the same knowledge and practice FORCED on 

 them, as regards the subject on which he ventures 

 to give advice, or, in more modest phrase, the 

 same experience and practice. 



Now, I am precisely in the situation of such 

 a man, and I trust the liberality of my readers 

 will give me credit for acting only on the same 

 principle in offering advice on the subjects of the 

 present work. I have had a great part of the 

 knowledge I possess, and the practice I have had 

 in these matters, FORCED on me by untoward 



