XV. INTRODUCTION. 



maintain their ground in this country, as is proved by the 

 regular demand for new editions. Croxall's Fables, which 

 were first published in 1722, with cuts on metal, in the 

 manner of wood, have also had a most extensive sale; and 

 Sir Brooke Boothby's elegant little volumes, in verse, pub- 

 lished in 1809, are now making their way into the public 

 esteem. The Editor of the present volume, in attempting 

 to continue the same pleasing mode of conveying instruc- 

 tion, long since laid down as a guide to virtue, has quoted 

 and compiled from other Fabulists, whatever seemed best 

 suited to his purpose. His sole object is utility, and he is 

 not altogether without hope, that in attempting to embellish 

 and perpetuate a fabric, which has its foundation laid in 

 religion and morality, his efforts may not be wholly in- 

 effectual to induce the young to keep steadily in view those 

 great truths, which form the sure land-mark to the haven, 

 where only they can attain peace and happiness. 



