Note I — THE EXCURSION
Reading edition
The following note from Wordsworth to Mr. Dyce, shews his estimation of the text of the first octavo edition, as compared with that of the earlier quarto edition.
"MY DEAR SIR,—When you read The Excursion do not read the quarto. It is improved in the 8vo E.:—but I thought the quarto might have its value with you as a collector.—Believe me, faithfully yours, "W. WORDSWORTH."
7th April, my birthday—61, 12 Bryanston Street.
In 1820 there are very few departures from the text of 1814.—ED.