PREFACE. THE following compilation is designed to form a handy volume of curious and entertaining selections which do not properly fall within the province of "Popular Readings," "Elegant Extracts," etc.; many of them, indeed, are gleanings from the by-ways of Literature, and are probably known to few general readers. The Editor ventures to hope that the present selection will prove acceptable to a large class who have little or no time. or disposition to devote themselves to a regular course of literary study; and that, to such readers, this little book may furnish some amusement and even instruction. W. A. C. |