PREFACE. THE lovers of literature, of science, and of art, have to congratulate themselves on the return of Peace, and may at the same time rejoice at the openings afforded by the late War, and its successful termination, for investigations in interesting and unexplored regions. The cessation of hostilities will also permit the public attention, which has lately been almost exclusively concentrated on the stirring topics of the day, to revert in some degree to its accustomed channels, and to bestow upon literary productions of a less ephemeral character some of the favour which has recently been absorbed by "Letters from the Camp," and "Narratives of the Siege." We doubt not that our readers will heartily join us in the hope that the Peace so happily regained may be enduring, and that all rational and Christian men on both sides of the Atlantic will use their utmost endeavours to prevent the ambition or over-sensitiveness of individuals from forcing on an unnatural and mutually destructive contest. It is with mingled feelings of gratitude and of regret, that we announce that, for reasons of a personal nature, the name of NICHOLS will henceforth appear less prominently on our title-page. It is now nearly eighty years since the late Mr. John Nichols became connected with the Gentleman's Magazine; and, aided by a host of literary friends, among whom may be particularly distinguished Richard Gough, conducted it with great success to the period of his death in the year 1826. From that time until the present date |