PREFATORY NOTICE. Xlll 



A glance at the table of contents will show the 

 leading subjects and the order in which they are 

 placed ; but as the book is intended to be one of 

 excitement and not of reference, the reader must 

 not be surprised if upon any, or all of the sub- 

 jects, the impression left on his mind is merely the 

 desire of knowing more. Having said thus much, 

 I leave the volume to its fate, anxious to meet with 

 commendation, but not unprepared to bear cen- 

 sure, if that shall be the way in which the chances 

 turn. 



ROBERT MUDIE. 



Grove Cottage, King's Road, Chelsea, 

 Nov. 1832. 



