INTRODUCTION 



I HAD always cherished a strong desire in my younger 

 days to visit America, and had more than once con- 

 templated a trip to the " other side " on my own 

 account when circumstances permitted. I little 

 thought, however, that it would ultimately fall to 

 my lot to see both the United States and Canada 

 under such favourable auspices as befell me in the 

 autumn of 1887. This book claims to be no more 

 than a faithful record of a little over four agreeable 

 months spent with Mr. Joseph Chamberlain, to 

 whom I am indebted for much kindness, considera- 

 tion, and hospitality in the past. I can only hope 

 that some account of a Mission, which afforded to 

 me such a pleasant break in the daily routine of 

 official life, may not be wholly devoid of interest 

 to ** those to whom these presents shall come." 



WILLOUGHBY MAYCOCK. 



Mayy 19 14. 



P.5. — The foregoing note was written, and the 

 book practically settled for press, two months ago. 



