Editor, &c., of "Devon Weekly Times" and "Evening Express." EXETER: Printed and Published at the Office of the Devon Weekly Times, &c.. 1873. An interest of much sadness attaches to this publication. Undertaken by the Author in what were believed to be the convalescent moments of a long illness, its compilation was nearly ended when his hand and brain failed, and after a brief interval were stilled for ever. December, 1873. PREFACE. The contents of this volume, from the pen of "¡Tickler," (who now drops his nom de plume, and signs his own proper name,) have, for the most part, appeared from time to time in the columns of the Devon Weekly Times and Evening Express. The poems are simple, and doubtless defective enough; but they are expressions of sincere homage and reverence paid to Nature, and to her beautiful and varied manifestations in his dearly-loved native county. Moreover, they are the earnest expressions of principles in which the writer has for many years ardently believed. As to the Devonshire Superstitions and Traditions, they are by no means so complete as they would have been if the writer could have given more time for research. The Traditions of the old county deserve the attention of one who could devote a great deal of leisure, collecting them from various scattered sources, and who is actuated by the feeling that, in view of the advancement of education and knowledge, there are very old things worth preserving and handing down to posterity as interesting and instructive relics of the Past. This little work has been published at the earnest solicitation of friends, and the reader must kindly take it for what it is worth. ELIAS TOZER. |
