It was thought that the insertion of these additions in the text would break up, inconveniently, the broad general statements of the law of which it mainly consists and it was also felt to be desirable that this new matter should be distinctly separated from the original work.

The references to Coke upon Littleton are made to the edition of 1823, by Hargrave and Butler, and those to Blackstone's Commentaries relate to the edition of 1825, by Mr. Justice Coleridge.

INNER TEMPLE, April, 1855.

F. P. M.

PREFACE TO THE AMERICAN EDITION.

THESE lectures are marked by the best characteristics of Mr. Smith's style, combining comprehensiveness, perspicuity and brevity in an admirable manner.

In presenting the American Edition to the public, it has been the aim of the Editor to illustrate the text by reference to the American authorities, keeping always in view the Author's plan of confining the work within reasonable limits. There will be found therefore but little dissertation in the notes, but it is hoped an ample reference to authorities as illustrating principles.

PHILADELPHIA, February, 1856.

P. P. M.