ons the collector is unable to vouch for
their exact locality.

In a few instances the names have been changed, where it was thought
that verbatim copies of the epitaphs might prove invidious to the
relatives or friends of the dead. It is hoped that the division into
localities will prove a convenience to a majority of readers, who
naturally will not care to read such a book through at one sitting, but
rather to pick it up now and then when in the mood for such light
entertainment as it can afford. The spelling has necessarily been
changed at times from the antiquated and almost hieroglyphic forms which
would defy the most careful typography; but in general the orthography
and punctuation are copied verbatim from the originals.

The compiler trusts that it is not an act of unreasonable presumption to
publish a book of epitaphs when so many already exist. In fact it was
partly because of the numerous requests for an examination of her
collection that the plan of publishing it was adopted. Such an ambitious
consummation of her pleasant labor never occurred to her until her
original note-books became badly worn and torn in their travels from
friend to friend, from town to town, and it is hardly an exaggeration to
say that they have been from Portland to Portland, from Augusta to
Augusta, in response to the urgent requests of those who have in some
manner heard of their existence. If her collection is as kindly received
in book form as it has been in its less pretentious condition, the
editor will feel that its publication was not due to an immoderate
confidence in its variety and general interest.

SUSAN DARLING SAFFORD.

BOSTON, MASS., April 6, 1895.

QUAINT EPITAPHS.

* * * * *

MAINE.

WINSLOW.

Here lies the body of Richard Thomas, an Englishman by birth, a Whig
of '76--a Cooper by trade, now food for worms. Like an old rum
puncheon whose staves are all marked and numbered he will be raised
and put together again by his Maker.

Here lies the body of John Mound
Lost at sea and never found.

Here lies one Wood enclosed in wood,
One Wood within another.
The outer wood is very good,
We cannot praise the other.

PORTLAND.

The little hero that lies here
Was conquered by the diarrhoea.

GRIDIWOKAG--1635.

Beneath this stone now dead to grief
Lies Grid the famous Wokag chie