TO THE READER. THIS Volume is, in the main, the result of many intervals, which the Author has employed "rather in deriving instruction and amusement from the works of others than in attempting to afford either by his own.' In this chequer-work he seeks a welcome to the fields and the fireside, the country and the town; and, above all things, he aims to commemorate those seasons of rest and joy which, in neither age of the world, have been more desirable than they are in the present. To show how this is sought to be accomplished, requires a few words of introduction as to the special contents of the following pages. A GARLAND FOR THE YEAR is the fulfilment of a long-cherished design, dating from the time of the Author's first acquaintance with William Hone, when producing his Everyday Book; in which association were fostered the Writer's early indications of love of antiquarian lore, and matters of domestic history. The-Garland is, however, but a précis in comparison with Mr. Hone's two bulky volumes: it gives the history in little of Memorable Days, with such new lights as the archæologist and the observer of Nature have thrown upon doubtful points; while it seeks to add serviceable information to that of curious and recreative character. The rus et urbs range of SOMETHING FOR EVERYBODY is traceable to the Author's start in the world of letters, with a description of one of the most picturesque rural districts of England, and his culminating in the production of the Curiosities of London. Thus, in the present volume, you will find the history of the GAME AND THE STREET OF PALL MALL, in juxtaposition with the economy of the WHITEBAIT, and PERSONAL RECOLLECTIONS of Brambletye, the latter a nook of quiet as rustic as its name implies. * Richard Sharpe; prefixed to his Letters and Essays. A |