arrangement is, that if only one important word of a proverb be remembered, that word can be turned to in the Dictionary, and, if not found there, will certainly be in the Index. Nearly two thousand of the leading words are thus indexed—enough to make it almost impossible to miss finding what is wanted. This plan has also the effect

of bringing together the proverbs on kindred subjects, which is often a matter of importance to writers, and is, moreover, most amusing to those who only read the book to while away a leisure hour. Ready reference is further facilitated in the Index by the addition of associated words. If one word only had been given, the reader might have had to refer to eleven proverbs before he found the one he required; as, for example, in the case of Dog.

It may be convenient to state that the Dictionary has been compiled principally from Ray's collection, first published in 1670. The remainder of the proverbs have been collected from ancient and modern literature; but some few of them will not be found in any other published collection.

It only remains to remind the reader that this is a collection of English Proverbs only; and we may appropriately conclude our Preface with a further extract from Disraeli's essay, wherein he very justly remarks that "The experience of life will throw a perpetual freshness over these short and simple texts; every day may furnish a new commentary; and we may grow old and still find novelty in proverbs by their perpetual application."

A Dictionary of English Proverbs.

A

1. Absence. Absence cools moderate passions, and inflames violent ones.

2. Absent. The absent are always at fault.

3. Absent. Long absent, soon forgotten.

4. Aching teeth. Who hath aching teeth, hath ill tenants.

5. Adversity. Adversity makes a man wise, not rich.

6. Adversity. Adversity tries friends.

7. Adversity. Adversity flattereth no man.

8. Advice. Give neither advice nor salt until you are asked for it.

9. Advice. What every one asks, what every one gives, but what very few take—advice.

10. Advice. In vain he craves advice who will not follow it.

11. Advice. Advice comes too late when a thing is done.

12. Afraid of wounds. He that's afraid of wounds must not come nigh a battle.

13. Afraid. More afraid than hurt.

14. Age. Age before honesty.

15. Age (old). Old age is honourable.

16. Agree. Two of a trade seldom agree.

17.