WHILE this work does not pretend to be a history, it will yet present
many historical facts. Its object is to show from old newspapers, which
are not accessible to all, such items and comments upon a variety of
subjects as might be supposed to amuse or instruct both old and young.

It is not the easy thing that many imagine to examine, read, and select
from a vast number of newspapers such matter as is believed to be worth
reproducing. Possibly to some it would seem to be a stupid and an
uninteresting work. The Compiler, however, has found it a source of
pleasure to make and arrange these selections; and the value of his work
will be greatly enhanced if these volumes should prove of interest to
any considerable number of persons.

There appears to be from year to year a growing taste among the most
cultivated people for quaint and curious reminiscences of the Olden
Time; and as these volumes will be of a handy size for the pocket or
carpetbag, it is hoped that they will be welcomed by many who would not
undertake to read a more pretentious or cumbersome work on similar
topics.

SALEM, MASS.,
_April, 1885._

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