This is very astute practice .-- Then again there is the PUFFER AND CONDENSER, wherein, if matter be wanting in the work, a prefacial waggon is put before the chapteral pony, the former acting the part of pemican, or concentrated essence, the latter representing the liquid necessary for cooking it; the whole forming a _potage au lecteur_, known among professional men as "soldier's broth." My own opinion on this important point is, that a book is nothing more nor less than a traveller; he is born in Fact or Fancy; he travels along a goose-quill; then takes a cruise to a printer's.

On his return thence his health is discovered to be very bad; strong drastics are applied; he is gradually cooked up; and when convalescent, he puts on his Sunday clothes, and struts before the public.

At this critical juncture up comes the typish master of the ceremonies, Mr.Preface, and commences introducing him to them; but knowing that both man and woman are essentially inquisitive, he follows the example of that ancient and shrewd traveller who, by way of saving time and trouble, opened his address to every stranger he accosted, in some such manner as the following:--"Sir, I am Mr .-- --, the son of Mr .-- --, by -- --, his wife and my mother.

I left -- -- two days ago.

I have got -- -- in my carpet-bag.