PRIVATE THEATRICALS: BEING PRACTICAL GUIDE FOR THE HOME STAGE. BY AN OLD STAGER. WITH PICTORIAL SUGGESTIONS FOR SCENES, AFTER DESIGNS BY SHIRLEY HODSON. WAY 1882 LONDON OR W. H. ALLEN & CO., 13 WATERLOO PLACE, S.W. 1881. All rights reserved.] 268. b. 264 PREFACE. THE purport of the writer in compiling this little book is probably sufficiently indicated in the title and introductory chapter; but he may be expected to give the reasons-always supposed to be weighty-for undertaking the work. To begin with an exhibition of candour, somewhat rare, it may be distinctly stated that the compiler has not been urged to write the following pages "in order to supply a want generally felt!" On the contrary, he has written because he liked the subject, and, like other veterans, enjoys fighting his battles o'er again. Having been in early life smitten with the dramatic mania, which over-discreet parents |