INTRODUCTION. 



A HOUGH men congi-egate in cities, it may be pre- 

 sumed, from various circumstances, that they as- 

 semble there more fi'om necessity, than any pre- 

 ference founded on natural love for a town-life. 

 Men do not naturally prefer crowded streets, con- 

 fined alleys, or dusty rooms, to woodland walks, 

 grassy paths, or green arbours. Do not those, 

 whose professions prevent them from getting to 

 the country, endeavour to bring it as much as pos- 

 sible to them ? What are to%vn-gardens, and shrub- 

 beries in squares, but an attempt to ruralize the 

 city ? So strong is the desire in man to participate 



