THE POCKET AND THE STUD. 



INTRODUCTION. 



THE author's apology FOR INSTRUCTING HIS READERS.— 



ADVANTAGES OF EXPERIENCE. OBSTACLES IN THE WAY 



OF PROFITING BY IT. NECESSITY OF THEIR REMOVAL. 



" Prologue precedes the piece, in mournful verse, 

 As undertakers walk before the hearse." 



In these words commences the prologue to a 

 play : why should they not serve for an introduc- 

 tion to this volume, — not being so inapt to the 

 subject as they may at first appear? First, then, 

 in commencing a preface, I am an undertaker; 

 and in beginning the work, I am an undertaker 

 still. There is, however, this difference between 

 us ; I endeavour to make my work go on as 

 cheerfully as I possibly can — my brother under- 

 taker makes his proceed as mournfully as possible. 

 He feels it his duty to walk before his work; where- 

 as I see no advantage in my walking before mine, 

 though I shall feel much flattered if others will 

 only be kind enough to walk after it; not that in- 



B 



