It is said that "Good wine needs no bush," and according to the same rule a good book should require no apology, (as a preface generally appears to be). In this instance, as we are not the author, we intend to devote the small space allowed us, to the praise of this our adopted work; for, of all the English books on this subject, none, according to our ideas, possess half the claims to public approval as this one does. The author, whoever he is, is certainly a proficient in his business; and, although making no pretensions to a literary character, has laid down his rules and precepts in a clear and concise manner.

Very few additions or alterations have been made in this work; in fact none, excepting where circumstances rendered it necessary; it being considered best to send it forth to the American world with all its beauties untouched; at the same time we wish it to be understood that we do so, not because the subject is a barren one; on the contrary, were we to condense all the necessary information we have on this science, we should swell our small book to the dignity of a three-volumed work: but, by so doing, we should place it beyond the reach of that class to whom its precepts will prove most valuable. We hav therefore concluded, after due reflection, to leave such labours alone until we have more time and experience.

The American stomach has too long suffered from the vile concoctions inflicted on it by untutored cooks, guided by senseless and impracticable cook-books; and it is to be hoped, that as this subject is now becoming more important in these days of dyspepsia, indigestion, etc, a really good book will be well patronised, and not only read, but strictly followed; and let it not be said hereafter that "the American kitchen is the worst in the world."

As we have made but few alterations or improvements, we do not consider it at all necessary to offer to the public any apology for our seeming presumption in thus undertaking, at our age, to edit a work which we think requires little improvement, and consequently no great degree of talent on our part. Should we ever undertake anything original, we shall then act with more humility. All that we ask, in the present case, is the wide and extended use of the "Complete Cook."