TO
MRS. R.H. DANA (née LONGFELLOW),
OF BOSTON, MASS.,
IN MEMORY OF EARLY AND VALUED FRIENDSHIP, AND OF DAYS
NOT TO BE FORGOTTEN, PASSED AT CRAGIE HOUSE,
THIS LITTLE VOLUME IS INSCRIBED
BY THE AUTHOR.
PREFACE.
That portion of our surnames which dates back to Anglo-Saxon times, and so forms a part of the general system by which Teutonic names are governed, is distinctly a branch of a science, and as such has been treated by the Germans, upon whose lines I have generally endeavoured to follow.
It has been a part of my object to show that this portion of our surnames is a very much larger one than has been generally supposed, and that it includes a very great number of names which have hitherto been otherwise accounted for, as well as of course a great number for which no explanation has been forthcoming.
Nevertheless, while claiming for my subject the dignity of a science, I am very well aware that the question as to how far I have myself succeeded in treating it scientifically is an entirely different one, and one upon which it will be for others than myself to pronounce an opinion.