until it first ascertains, whether the one can be accepted,
or the other is required. This contemptuous neglect
arises from two causes, first because it is out of place,
and secondly because it too often contains a great deal
of twaddle. Unfortunately, one half of what is said in
this world is unmeaning compliment. A man who wishes to
mark his respect for you, among other inconvenient methods
of shewing it, offers to accompany you to the Hall. You
are in consequence arrested in your progress. You are
compelled to turn on your pursuer, and entreat him not
to come to the door. After a good deal of lost time he
is prevailed upon to return. This is not fair. Every man
should be suffered to depart in peace.

Now, it is my intention to adopt the Irish definition.
The word preface is a misnomer. What I have to say I
shall put into my last chapter, and assign to it its
proper place. I shall also adopt another improvement, on
the usual practice. I shall make it as short as possible,
and speak to the point.

My intention then, gentle reader, was when I commenced
this work, to write but one volume, and at some future
time to publish a second. The materials, however, were
so abundant, that selection became very difficult, and
compression much more so. To touch as many topics as I
designed, I was compelled to extend it to its present
size, and I still feel that the work is only half done.
Whether I shall ever be able to supply this deficiency
I cannot say. I do not doubt your kind reception; I have