I am going to -- -- to see Mr .-- --, and to try and purchase some -- --." Then followed the simple question for which an answer was wanted, "Will you lend me half-a-crown ?" "Tell me the road;" "Give me a pinch of snuff;" or "Buy my book," as the case might be.

The stranger, gratified with his candour, became immediately prepossessed in his favour.

I will endeavour to follow the example of that 'cute traveller, and forestall those questions which I imagine the reader--if there be one--might wish to ask.
1.

Why do I select a subject on which so many abler pens have been frequently and lately employed ?--Because it involves so many important questions, both socially and politically, in a field where the changes are scarcely less rapid than the ever-varying hues on the dying dolphin; and because the eyes of mankind, whether mental or visual, are as different as their physiognomies; and thus those who are interested in the subject are enabled to survey it from different points of view.
2.

Do I belong to any of those homoeopathic communities called political parties ?--I belong to none of them; I look upon all of them as so many drugs in a national apothecary's shop.