

PREFACE. 



A PREFACE is not necessarily part of the book in 

 front of which it is placed, any more than the bow or 

 the salutation of a stranger upon entering a company 

 is part of the conversation or the business for which 

 he enters it; but each is a civility, the neglect of 

 which is not courteous ; and each, though but a mere 

 demonstration of good manners, tends to make "the 

 parties open their minds to one another. Those who 

 neglect the courtesy have the appearance of rude- 

 ness, and are in a sure road to the reality. This 

 short preface is my salutation, hearty though homely: 

 will the reader permit me to hope for the responsive 

 feeling, " We shall be better acquainted?" 



A general notion of the substance and order of 

 the book may be obtained by glancing over the 

 analysis of the contents. The titles of the chapters 



