If this kind of composition, of which the two years' product is now laid before the public, fail in art, as it constantly does and must, it at least has the advantage of a certain truth and honesty, which a work more elaborate might lose.

In his constant communication with the reader, the writer is forced into frankness of expression, and to speak out his own mind and feelings as they urge him.

Many a slip of the pen and the printer, many a word spoken in haste, he sees and would recall as he looks over his volume.

It is a sort of confidential talk between writer and reader, which must often be dull, must often flag.

In the course of his volubility, the perpetual speaker must of necessity lay bare his own weaknesses, vanities, peculiarities.