Here we are with our Nineteenth Volume complete. We do not carry it to
Court to gain patronage, neither do we preface it with a costly dedication
to a purse-proud patron; but we present it at the levee of the people, as
a production in which the information and amusement of one and all are
equally kept in view. We know that instances have occurred of authors
tiring out their patrons. A pleasant story is told of Spencer, who sent
the manuscript of his Faery Queen to the Earl of Southampton, the Mecaenas
of those days; when the earl reading a few pages, ordered the poet to be
paid twenty pounds; reading further, another twenty pounds; and proceeding
still, twenty pounds more; till losing all patience, his lordship cried,
"Go turn that fellow out of the house, for if I read on I shall be ruined."
We have no fear this will be our fate; especially as we strive to effect
all that can be accomplished in our economical form to follow as well as
direct the public taste.
Experience has taught us in the conduct of nineteen volumes of
this Miscellany, that the most effectual method of conveying instruction,
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 Spain.
Among the Architectural novelties are the Law Institution, in Chancery
Lane; the Lowther Arcade, in the Strand; Staines New Bridge; and two
scenes of the picturesque wonders of the Colosseum, in the Regent's Park.
In Zoology, the most popular study of the day, there are upwards of a
score of novelties. Among them are a dozen Vignettes from the Zoological
Gardens in the Regent's Park, and in Surrey; and illustrations of Rare
Arctic Birds observed during the last overland expedition to the Polar Sea,
by Captain Sir John Franklin.
In the ensuing volume, we have determined upon enlarging our letter-press
page; whilst a new and handsome type has been cast expressly for this work.
By these improvements, as well as by the renewed vigour of our artists,
and a like zeal on our own part, THE MIRROR will be found still worthy of
its old friends, and attractive to new patrons. Its economy need not be
again enforced, although in this respect, our contemplated alterations
cannot but be received as additional points for the encouragement of a
discerning public.
_London, June 28, 1832._
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