A WORD or two seems necessary to authenticate the following record of the career and character of the late Earl of Northbrook. It has been undertaken at the request of the present Lord Northbrook and his sister Lady Emma Crichton. Much as I was honoured by this expression of their confidence I should not, with the limited amount of leisure at my disposal, have felt justified in acceding to it if I had not been assured not only of the utmost indulgence in the matter of time but also of their own active co-operation. This I have received in the fullest measure ; not only has Lord Northbrook placed at my disposal his father's admirably arranged political correspondence and speeches his public and private papers and a series of useful newspaper extracts and appreciations, but both he and Lady Emma Crichton have been unwearied in supplying me with suggestions criticisms notes and recollections. Their cousin Sir Edward Grey, whose advice greatly influenced my decision to accept the task, has allowed me to consult him upon several points and to discuss with him the various aspects of the character I had to portray ; and there is no one among Lord Northbrook's younger contemporaries who can speak on that subject with more insight and appreciation.