PREFATORY NOTE.

Concerning the eight pieces here reprinted from "Old-World Idylls" and "At the Sign of the Lyre," it is only necessary to say that they have been chosen because, being laid in the last Century, they appeared to present a congenial field for the artistic ingenuity of Mr. Hugh Thomson, who, notwithstanding the pressure of other duties, has illustrated them with an ability which I can only admire, and a personal enthusiasm for which I can scarcely be sufficiently grateful.

AUSTIN DOBSON.

September, 1892.