MY DEAR DOCTOR: 



ALTHOUGH we have never flushed the covey, started the 

 woodcock, or winged the wild duck, in company, yet I know 

 full well your partiality for the country, as also your early 

 fondness for field and rural sports ; and, if you had not been 

 so early engrossed by professional duties, I doubt not that 

 you would have been the foremost among those who derive 

 so much enjoyment and healthful recreation from the dog 

 and gun. 



Be not surprised, therefore, my dear sir, that, without any 

 previous intimation, I should dedicate this volume to you; 

 and at the time rest assured that, in so doing, I am not alone 

 influenced by those early feelings of friendship naturally 

 engendered by your many kindnesses to me while a student 

 in your office, but I beg rather to present it as a slight token 

 of tHe high appreciation I entertain of your varied talents and 

 distinguished worth in the profession of which you are so 

 successful a teacher and practitioner. 



Accept, then, dear sir, this little tribute of esteem from one 



who has ever regarded the period of his association with you 



when a pupil as a bright spot in the vista of life, to which he 



ever refers with peculiar feelings of pleasure ; and, in conclusion, 



Believe me, my dear doctor, 



Very faithfully yours, 



ELISHA J. LEWIS. 

 To PROFESSOR J. K. MITCHELL. 



xix 



