In extenuation of those inaccuracies which must necessarily creep into a work like the present, embracing, as it does, so many subjects, the author is conscious that an apology is due to the public. All, however, that he will venture to say on this topic, is what Dr. Goldsmith has said, in his advertisement to the "Vicar of Wakefield,"'—" There are an hundred faults in this thing, and an hundred things might be said to prove them beauties. But it is needless. A book may be amusing with numerous errors, or it may be dull without a single absurdity."