TO THE READER. HIS little Sketch of THE LAST OF THE OLD TH SQUIRES will speak for itself. It is only requifite to remark that, although a Fiction in its Form, there is yet a good deal of Reality in its Subftance. It, in Fact, contains the Reminiscences of Years gone by, of several high-bred Country Squires,—and of one excellent Country Gentleman in particular. Poffibly, too, there are those living who may give to the Description of the Old Church "a local Habitation and a Name;" and they may do this without committing any very grave Error. It may be added, that all the little Anecdotes and Converfations are real, more or less; as are the Facts in the Chapter on NATURAL HISTORY, each and every of which may not have been noted and obferved by THE LAST OF THE OLD SQUIRES, though most of them were. When the Sound and Din of War, and the Fray of Battle is ringing in our Ears, fuch a Publication as this may fuggeft a peaceful Refting-place for peaceable Souls, and give rise to Thoughts of Peace and Prayers for Peace. Gentle and patient Readers all, CONTENTS CHAP. II.-Attachment of the People to the Old Squires CHAP. VI.-The Laft of the Old Squires amongst his Tenantry-Freedom and Respect of those Days CHAP. VII.-The Laft of the Old Squires at Church -His Religious Views-The Parish Church CHAP. X.-The Respect in which the Laft of the Old Squires held the Clergyman of the Parish-How |