INTRODUCTION.
Reading edition
In offering my early recollections of Chelsea and surrounding neighbourhood, I thought they might be interesting to many of my old friends and neighbours, and while away pleasantly some of their leisure moments. The idea of compiling them from a diary, spasmodically kept, only occurred to me when confined to my room, to pass away some of the weary hours, and I certainly found the task extremely advantageous. Accordingly, I have had them printed, for presentation to my friends, as a souvenir of our old friendship.
Highfield Lodge, Wandsworth Common. June, 1901.