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. Perhaps it would be altogether superfluous to re mind our readers, that the fashion has been for several years; at least since the unlocked-for success Of Uncle Tom's Cabin, to write books about the South. Eng lishmen, Frenchmen, down-eastern men, the Bloomer style Of men, as well as countless numbers Of female scribblers, have not ceased to drum upon the public tympanum (almost to deafness, indeed) in praise or blame - generally the latter - Of Southern peculiarities.