ADVERTISEMENT

TO THE THIRD EDITION.

THE object and plan of this work having been fully explained in the preface to the former editions (which is here subjoined), all that can now be expected of the author is to say how this edition differs from those.

The former editions were designed chiefly for the use of STUDENTS in conveyancing; whilst this has been adapted more especially to the use of SOLICITORS. Hence (amongst other additions) Practical Observations, under the title of DIRECTIONS TO THE SOLICITOR, are now for the first time introduced, for the purpose of instructing the YOUNG PRAC

TITIONER as to what it will belong to him to do on the part of his client, in whatever may relate to the particular transaction before him; but although these are designed more expressly for the young practitioner, yet they will not, it is presumed, be found wholly useless to the solicitor of more experience, as they may possibly serve to remind him of what, however well known to him on reflection, might not immediately occur to him on every requisite occasion.

A variety of new precedents arising out of late acts of Parliament* and judicial decisions has also been inserted into this edition, and many of the precedents in the former editions have been altered in conformity to the same statutes and decisions; many of them also have been greatly simplified by omitting from the text, and throwing into the form of a

* See in particular the late annuity, bankrupt, land tax, inclosure, copyhold, attestation, and insolvent acts.

variation, all such provisions as appeared adapted rather to special than to ordinary transactions.

A great many additional notes have likewise been subjoined; which are so framed as not merely to bring the law down to the present time, but also to show and familiarize its application in practice.

And that no assurance might be omitted which the solicitor could possibly have occasion for, all the printed collections of acknowledged reputation have been consulted, and such of the forms contained in them, as were thought applicable, made subservient, under a more simple or efficient shape, to the ends of the present work*.

* Those to which allusion is here made are Bridgman, Lilly, Horseman, Williams, and Powell. In this enumeration it will probably be noticed, that the well known collection of Wood has been omitted. The profession will not,

In short, nothing has been intentionally neglected which the industry or experience of the author could supply, to render the present edition as useful and as perfect as possible; and when combined with the Supplement of MISCELLANIES, so ably prepared by Mr. WILDE (and which forms a component part of the

it is hoped, attribute this omission to the circumstance of that work being about to be published by the booksellers with a view of opposing the present.-The author scorns to suffer himself to be actuated by such unworthy motives. -Indeed his opinion of that collection was in the possession of the public long before the present work was in contemplation, and it appears to be by no means singular to himself. See the case of Seymour v. Barker, 2 Taunt. Rep. 202, where Per Heath, Justice," Wood is a book of no authority; it is a very indifferent collection of precedents." An observation which, the author trusts, is a sufficient sanction for his own opinion.

The author is however bound in candour to add, that the gentleman to whose care the announced edition is committed is competent to give to it every amendment of which it is susceptible; it is too radically faulty, however, he thinks, ever to be made a work of much value.