shown on the map of the dialects of American English. I am indebted
to Mr. Arnold K. Borden, research librarian at the University of Penn-
sylvania, for bibliographical assistance, and to the Faculty Committee
on Research for two special grants. Several of my friends have had
the kindness to read the book in proof: Professor W. F. Bryan, of
Northwestern University, Professor Miles L. Hanley, of the University
of Wisconsin, and Professor Kemp Malone, of The Johns Hopkins
University. To them all I owe valuable criticism and suggestions. My
colleagues have been helpful in many ways. Professor P. V. D. Shelly
and Professor Roland B. Kent read certain chapters in manuscript,
Professor Harold S. Stine worked with me on the early Latin influ-
ences, and Dr. Ralph B. Allen has checked the proof. But above all
I am indebted to my friend and teacher, Professor Clarence G. Child,
not only for profound criticism of the book in manuscript and proof
but for a great part of my training and interest in things philological.
Finally, I should like to record the debt of gratitude which I owe to
my wife for her assistance so cheerfully given at all stages of the
work.

A. C. B.

-vi-