The headings of the several chapters will show, pretty much, the intent of these volumes, in which, if the advice of Corinna to Pindar has not been entirely followed - "... (Greek alphabet) ..." - the Reader will, nevertheless, readily pick out what the Author has intended to lay before him at this period of transition - fusion, - or, confusion, - as it may be; for he will find very plain truths expressed in very plain words, by one who is not ashamed to call himself a CHURCHMAN, - not only a thoroughly independent member, but a devout lover, of that pure and Apostolical Branch of Christ's Holy Church, established in these Realms, - to be maintained, defended, and stood up for, by all who wish well to their native land; albeit Tinkers and Tailors, Millers and Sailors, Undertakers and Regraters, Oyster-wives and Coal-heavers' Daughters, may think the contrary, and endeavour to undermine even the Fabrics which good men of old took so much pains to build up.

Preface.

It was a very dull day, - curious that for three or four days before the end of December, 1858, and up to the sixth of January, 1859, the Barometer should have risen under a heavy fog, and the wind not to the eastward, - I never remember so dense a fog on our sea-board as on the third, -

"Bless the maker of this Windsor-chair
(Of polished cherry, elbowed, saddle-seated)
This is the throne of comfort," -

well, that was the chair in which I was sitting; (the arm-chair and sofa in the study were covered with a wheel-barrowfull of books, sent to be read, but for the most part unread still;) it was given me by my dear old friend departed W. P. W......d, a thorough Christian Gentleman, - one of the last of the Manorial Gentry, - one whose name and hospitality I never call to mind but with a tear; my children spent the happiest of their childhood days at the Old House, and the Soldier Boy who has gone through much of the Indian Mutiny, and is now fighting his way in Oude, used to grind the organ at the stair's-head, - and the good man's nieces (bless them for ever!) wondered at his perseverant assiduity, and kissed the child ... [and on and on and on, one long sentence].

Introductory chapter.

My parish is locked in on the one side by the sea, - "The sea! The beautiful sea!" - and on the other by that sweet variety of hill and dale which peculiarly attaches to the South Down.

Chapter I. The locality of my parish. A sketch, &c.