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PREFACE. 



Happy the man, say the Spaniards, who has 

 written no more than one book. Important 

 remark ! when we consider the frailty of the 

 pen, the toil of composition, the clashing of 

 interests, and the sting of criticism. 



Having been long ago impressed with the 

 truth of the remark above quoted, I had awful 

 fears within me, when the late Mr. Loudon re- 

 quested me to write a few papers which might 

 enable him to make up a little book of Essays ; 

 for I saw the danger of disregarding the whole- 

 some remark of my Spanish monitors, and I 

 felt apprehensive, lest the tiny reputation 

 which I had formerly gained by the Wan- 

 derings might be lost for ever by the pub- 

 lication of his intended undertaking. 



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