reader. Nor is this surprise a little augmented, when we consider, that the reprints of our standard authors have, of late, been executed in such a manner, that he who would possess the genuine compositions of an author must procure the original editions, however rare of occurrence or costly of purchase. To supply, therefore, this defect is the design of the present series of publications; of these the second is now offered to the public; the following being the conditions, on which it is proposed to publish the work.

CONDITIONS.

I. The work will be comprised in eight handsome octavo volumes, containing, upon an average, 480 pages each; the first of which will appear on the first of May, 1825, and be followed by another volume, on the first of every succeeding month, until the whole is completed.

II. The work will be printed upon superfine laid paper, in the best style, with an entire new letter, cast expressly for the work.

III. In the course of the work will be given portraits of the Author, Mary queen of Scots, James the sixth, Charles the fifth, and Christopher Columbus, engraved in the first style by Mr. Worthington.

IV. Should any typographical error be pointed out to the publishers, they engage to deliver to the subscribers a cancel leaf, in which the error shall be rectified.

V. Subscribers will be charged 8s. each volume; to be paid for on delivery : after the completion of the work the price will be raised.

VI. Fifty copies only will be printed upon super royal paper; price, to subscribers, £1. 1s. per volume.

To the foregoing conditions, we beg to add a few observations, in order to render our meaning more explicit.

For the mechanical execution of the work we refer to our edition of Johnson's works: the same paper will be used, with a new type; and an attention, yet more scrupulous, will be paid to the neatness and elegance of the volumes.

In order to obtain an accurate text, the following precautions have been taken. The copy, from which the work is to be printed, has been collated with the different editions recommended for their accuracy; but such is the difference of the texts, that discrepancies have been observed in almost every page, and, not unfrequently, errors have

been detected, that have totally destroyed the author's meaning; these have been all corrected by the last edition, published under the eye of the author, which, except in cases of manifest typographical errata, has been followed, throughout, with the most scrupulous attention. Every sheet will be read by three persons accustomed to the task, and will, lastly, be revised, with the greatest care, by a gentleman of known abilities in literature.

We are aware that the utmost vigilance may sometimes be surprised, and, consequently, cannot flatter ourselves that our edition shall be completely immaculate; but, notwithstanding these precautions, should any error be pointed out, after the volume has been printed, we repeat, that the leaf shall be cancelled, in which it occurs.

After the preceding development of our plan, we trust, that, without overstepping the bounds of modesty, or incurring the accusation of invidiousness, we may declare, that this edition of the works of Dr. Robertson shall be produced in such a manner as may challenge comparison, and not discredit the University, by whose name it will be distinguished.

OXFORD, FEBRUARY 10, 1825.

TALBOYS AND WHEELER, PRINTERS, OXFORD.