INTRODUCTION. 



X3Y dedicating the following pages to one 

 so far better able than myself to judge of 

 their merit or their incompetence in the 

 harmless celebration of a theme on which 

 so much might have been offered with 

 propriety, though, comparatively speaking, 

 so little has been lately said, I think not to 

 obtrude myself on the public as an author, 

 or stand forth a candidate for literary fame ; 

 especially, having chosen a topic of lighter 

 interest, connected neither with the policy 

 of governments, the sectaries of religion, 

 or the immediate welfare of mankind. But 

 may we not sometimes be allowed to treat 

 of the recreations, as well as the business of 



