PREFACE. 



My object in writing the following pages has been, first, to give 

 a general answer, to the best' of my ability, to questions which are 

 frequently addressed to me, to which I cannot devote the time to 

 reply to individually ; and second, to prepare the way in some meas- 

 ure for the study of the great writers on the subject, and especially 

 of the late Professor Tuckerman, whose works, in the present state 

 of our knowledge, are the best authority and guide to the American 

 student. If these objects shall in any degree have been accom- 

 plished, my aim will have been reached. 



