The publishers acknowledge the generous courtesy of the following houses in granting the use of their publications: Messrs. Houghton, Mifflin & Co.; J. R. Osgood & Co.; Harper & Brothers; Charles Scribner's Sons; J. B. Lippincott & Co.; G. P. Putnam's Sons; Lee & Shepard; D. Appleton & Co.; The Century Company; E. P. Dutton & Co.; and R. Worthington.

The editor also recognizes the private courtesy of many, among whom are EDMUND CLARENCE STEDMAN, RICHARD WATSON GILDER, JOHN BOYLE O'REILLY, JOHN TOWNSEND TROWBRIDGE, WILLIAM WINTER, EDGAR FAWCETT, EDNA DEAN PROCTOR, MARY MAPES DODGE, LOUISE CHANDLER MOULTON, HARRIET PRESCOTT SPOFFORD, JULIA C. R. DORR, and LOUISA PARSONS HOPKINS.

Justice requires the statement that this compilation has occupied the leisure intervals of a busy life for but fifteen months; also that it has been prepared entirely without aid; and that a thorough examination of the authors' works, where accessible as in the majority of cases they were -- made the selections, as largely as possible, independent of those prepared by others, though of necessity, choice has often proved coincident.

C. F. B.