points exist, a little altered by civilization, but so nearly answering to the descriptions, as to be easily recognised by all who are familiar with the scenery of the particular region in question. As to the accuracy of the incidents, of this Tale, in whole or in part, it is the intention of the author to stand on his rights, and say no more than he deems to be necessary. In the great struggle for veracity, that is carrying on between History and Fiction, the latter has so often the best of it, that he is quite willing to refer the reader to his own researches, by way of settling this particular point. Should it appear on inquiry, that any professed historian, the public documents, or even the local traditions, contradict the statements of this book, the writer is ready to admit that the circumstance has entirely escaped his observation, and to confess his ignorance. On the other hand, should it be found that the annals of America do not contain a syllable, in opposition to what has been now laid before the world, as he firmly believes investigation will show to be the case, he shall claim for his legend just as much authority as it deserves. There is a respectable class of novel-readers - respectable for numbers, quite as much as for every thing else - who have often been likened to the man that sings when he reads, and reads when he sings. These persons are exceedingly imaginative in all matters of fact, and as literal as a school boy's translation, in every thing that relates to poetry. For the benefit of all such persons, it is explicitly stated, that Judith Hutter is Judith Hutter, and not Judith any one else; and, generally, that wherever a coincidence may occur in a christian name, or in the colour of hair, nothing more is meant than can properly be inferred from a coincidence in a christian name, or in the colour of hair. Long experience has taught the writer, that this portion of his readers is much the most difficult to please, and he would respectfully suggest, for the benefit of both parties, that they try the experiment of reading works of the imagination as if they were intended for matters of fact. Such a plan might possibly enable them to believe in the possibility of fiction. There is another class of readers - less important certainly, in a republican country, inasmuch as it is materially in the minority - which is addicted to taking things as they are offered, and of understanding them as they are meant. These persons are advised to