VI PREFACE. 



that have in that period transpired with a disposition cooled by 

 experience, I have thought that a volume like this might prove 

 acceptable to the hundreds and thousands of those who once 

 "took an interest in the hen trade," — who may have been 

 mortally wounded, or haply who have escaped with only a' 

 broken wing; and who will not object to learn how the thing has 

 been done, and " who threw the bricks " ! 



If my readers shall be edified and amused with the perusal of 

 this work as much as I have been in recalling these past scenes 

 while writing it, I am content that I have not thrown the powder 

 away. I have written it in perfect good-natuTe, with the design 

 to gratify its readers, and to offend no man living. 



And trusting that (dl will be pleased who may devote an hour 



to its pages, while at the same time I indulge the hope that rume 



will feel aggrieved by its tone, or its text, I sutauit this book to 



the public. KespectfuUy, 



Geo. p. Bubnham. 

 BussET House, Melrose, 1855. 



