INTEODUCTION 



Whether a regular Preface is of any advantage to 

 a book, I am not versed enough in literary matters 

 to be able to decide. Still, I consider that a proper 

 feehng of respect for the Public calls for something 

 in the shape of an Introduction to the Second Volume 

 of Stable Talk and Table Talk ; the more so as it 

 aiFords me the opportunity of expressing my grati- 

 tude for the success of the First. 



I am aAvare that, had I availed myself of the as- 

 sistance of others in revising what I have written, I 

 should have produced a work that, in point of cor- 

 rectness of expression and style of language, would 

 have ranked much higher in public estimation ; but 

 as I in no shape arrogate to myself the character of 

 a literary man, I trust that both Volumes will be 

 received as they truly are, — merely hints, observa- 

 tions, and opinions of a practical man, committed to 

 paper as the ideas suggested themselves. 



Such as the First Volume was, I venture a hope 

 that the Second will not be found its inferior. If 

 the two, taken together, are thought in some parts 

 useful, in others occasionally amusing, they will have 

 realised all I could anticipate, or venture to hope 

 would be awarded to them. 



Harry Hieover. 



