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viii he traces the origin of the movement to the year 1769, and gives a picture of a steam coach which ran daily from Paddington to Harrow as long ago as 1833. It is only within the last two or three years, however, that any sustained attempt has been made to introduce motor-cars into this country, and to employ them extensively as pleasure vehicles and for practical purposes.

The movement was exhibiting such vigour that a Badminton book became inevitable; but it could scarcely have appeared so soon had it not been for the initiative and energy of an enthusiast, Mr. Alfred Harmsworth, one of the leading pioneers of automobilism in England, for whose invaluable assistance the Editor and Publishers cannot make sufficient acknowledgment. He is to a great extent responsible for the present volume, of the completeness of which it is not for us to speak, though we confidently anticipate the verdict of critics and of readers. The heartiest recognition must also be given to the untiring aid of Mr. Claude Johnson, Secretary of the Automobile Club, who has probably done more than any other man towards helping to rescue what must assuredly become a great British industry from foreign hands. Mr. Harmsworth and Mr. Johnson were fortunately able to secure the hearty co-operation of the Automobile Club. The