THE GOSSIP;

OR,

SCRAPS OF MANUSCRIPTS AND FACETIÆ,

Laconica et Lyrica,

BEING THE GLEANINGS OF THE LEISURE HOURS

OF A GENTLEMAN,

AND COMPRISE

HINTS AND SCRAPS GATHERED ON THE ROUGH AND

SMOOTH ROADS THROUGH LIFE.

"Try it, that you may judge: Then

Speak of it as you find :

Nothing extenuate nor aught set down in malice."

BRIGHTON :

C. VERRALL & CO., 8, PRINCE ALBERT STREET,

M. AND S. HIGHAM, 54, CHISWELL STREET, LONDON.

1849.

DEDICATION TO THE PUBLIC.

A former work of mine on Architecture, was inscribed (by command) to his late Majesty George the Fourth, at a time when Public, and private, business, engaged my labours in London, the favourable reception of the book, far exceeded my expectations and its merits. It was my intention to solicit a similar honor from an illustrious individual, now no more. Peace to his mames! and to offer these essays to his notice and patronage. The death of H.R. Highness the duke of Sussex an occasion of sorrow and regret from the nation by whom he was respected, and beloved: the maintenance of liberal sentiments, was honourable to himself: his good name will fill niches in our memory. The Cenotauph will perpetuate it beyond days. No Prince has been more justly lamented for his public virtues, and the endearing social qualities, of kind universal benevolence. His taste and patronage of the arts and sciences shone conspicuous, during his career, in public and private life.

To the public I venture to dedicate these imperfect gleanings from leisure hours, they comprise, hints and scraps gathered on the rough and smooth roads through life, scattered with boon heterogenous varieties of natural and artificial growth, and produce, where we see