vi PREFACE. 



We have endeavored to make our little work thorough and re- 

 liable, so far as it goes, and to give the largest possible amount 

 of useful information that can be condensed into so small a num- 

 ber of pages. We have occupied a large field, we are aware, and 

 can not hope to have been so full on all points as many readers 

 will desire. We have not aimed, of course, to render the larger 

 works on the special topics to which our chapters are devoted un- 

 necessary. We hope rather to create a demand for them ; but 

 there are thousands whom this little manual will furnish with all 

 the information they desire on the subjects on which it treats, 

 and on whom the details with which the larger and more expen- 

 sive works are filled would be thrown away. To such, in an es- 

 pecial manner, we commend it, hoping that it will not wholly fail 

 to meet their expectations. 



