Whilst the greatest effort has been made to ensure the quality of this text, due to the historical nature of this content, in some rare cases there may be minor issues with legibility. 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.
