or aiding the progress of knowledge, is by combining it with amusement;
or, in other words by at once aiming at the head and heart.
The world is already too full of precept upon precept; and a smattering
of principles is too often found in the place of practice. How can
this order of things be improved but by setting forth duties as innocent
pleasures, sweetening utility with entertainment, and garnishing fact
with fancy. A man need not study Adam Smith's Wealth of Nations
to become rich, nor seek the glories of nature in artificial Systems.
But the contrary notion has probably given rise to the observation, that,
"what the present generation have gained in head, they have lost in
heart." It should not, however, be so, with the abundance of materials
we have for social improvement.

We hope the reader has recognised the influence of these feelings in the
many illustrations of men, manners, and times, which it has ever been our
object to garner into the pages of THE MIRROR. Hence the traits of
domestic life in all ages, and the tales and traditions of the family
hearth, when pointed with a moral, receive our special attention. In this
department, as well as in the playful fancies of poetry, in embellishing
the softer sympathies of nature,--we have been materially aided by our
Correspondents; to all of whom we proffer our best thanks.

In the present volume, the Public Journals of the day have not been
disregarded; while sterling literature, of the _utile cum dulce_ character,
has been studied; and new books have been consulted, not so much for the
purpose of exposing their defects, as exhibiting their perfections. Art
has contributed its novelties; and the progress of Natural Science has
developed many new beauties appreciable by every reader.

The ENGRAVINGS are somewhat more numerous than usual; in all numbering
sixty-three; and they are accompanied by illustrative letter-press of
concise, but we trust, entertaining character.

In Popular Antiquities we may mention Old Fishmongers' Hall, which has
disappeared since the date of our last volume; the Castles of Pontefract,
Wilton, and Dunheved, with traits of their historic lore; the Lady Chapel,
in Southwark, and its changing history; Brighton about a hundred years
since; the Arbalest, or Cross-bow explained with Cuts; Old Bankside, and
the First Theatres; the venerable Melrose on the Tweed; St. Pancras (Old)
Church; and the castellated palace of the Alhambra, in Spai