TO THE READER. 
ALBEIT WE ARE an avowed enemy of Fashion, yet do we vastly 
approve the fashion that recognises a short Preface. 
All we need say, on issuing a FourtH Vo.iumg, lies in @ nut- 
shell. Our friends are now so numerous—our fair fame is so extensive 
—and our Information, gathered from all parts of the World, is so 
interesting—that we have only to tender our best thanks to those who 
have so bravely supported us; and to express the hope that we shall 
win even more laurels ere we meet again. 
The Contents of this Volume speak for themselves., An 
endeavor has been made to render them amusing as instructive. To 
produce, and arrange the subjects, has been a labor of love; and if our 
readers feel, whilst perusing them, one twentieth part of the pleasure 
WE have experienced whilst preparing them for the public eye,—then 
will our fondest hopes be realised. 
WILLIAM KIDD. 
New Roap, HammMersmitu, 
January 2nd, 1854. 

