That the native genius and artistic faculties of those men whose work is referred to in this book should receive a due meed of praise has been the chief object of my efi'orts. In the course of this work which has pleasantly occupied my leisure hours during many years, I have been indebted to the following friends for valuable help and encouragement-sir Arthur Church, k.c. V.0.; Mr. William Burton, m.a.; Dr. Sidebotham of Bowdon; the late Mr. John Baddeley Wood of Henley Hall, Ludlow; Mr. Arthur H. E. Wood of Browhead, Windermere; Captain R. B. Wood; Mr. J. M. Wood; Mr. Josiah Wedgwood, mr; Mr. George Hammersley; Mr. Percy W'. L. Adams; Mr. George Stoner; Mr. P. Entwistle; Mr. Edward Sheldon; Mr. Ben H. Mullen, ma; Mr. Charles Falkner; Mr. George F. Falkner; and to the authorities of the British and the Victoria and Albert Museums. For this assistance so willingly rendered I desire to accord my grateful thanks.