Vlll PREFACE. 



excuse, that it was from a desire of calling attention to par- 

 ticular points which appeared to me of the greatest import- 

 ance ; and as my object is to suggest what I believe to be of 

 use, I hope to be pardoned whenever I have expressed an 

 opinion differing from the conclusions, or the practice, of 

 others. I can respect them while I differ from them ; and as 

 my wish is to direct inquiry towards certain questions most 

 worthy of consideration, I shall be happy if others will point 

 out any erroneous judgment I may have formed on the 

 subject ; and I therefore conclude with the well-known words 

 of the poet — 



" Si quid novisti rectius istis, 

 Candidus imperii; si non, his utere mecum." 



