On the 16th April, 1883, Mr. Justice Day, in charging the Grand Jury at the Manchester Spring Assizes, expressed his disagreement with the opinion of the other Judges in favour of the Commission being so altered that the Judge would have to “_deliver all the prisoners detained in gaol_,” and regarded it as “a waste of the Judge’s time that he should have to try a case in which a woman was indicted for _stealing a shawl worth_ 3_s._ 9_d._; or a prisoner charged with stealing _two mutton pies_ and _two ounces of bacon_.”—_Evening Standard_.
CHAPTER I. Shows the Beauty of a Farm Yard on a Sabbath-Day, and what a 1 difference a single letter will sometimes make in the legal signification of a Sentence CHAPTER II. The Simplicity and Enjoyments of a Country life depicted 11 CHAPTER III. Showing how true it is that it takes at least Two to make a 17 Bargain or a Quarrel CHAPTER IV. On the extreme Simplicity of Going to Law 27 CHAPTER V. In which it appears that the Sting of Slander is not always 35 in the Head CHAPTER VI. Showing how the greatest Wisdom of Parliament may be thrown 45 away on Ungrateful People CHAPTER VII. Showing that Appropriateness of Time and Place should be 55 studied in our Pastimes CHAPTER VIII. The Pleasure of a Country Drive on a Summer Evening described 63 as enhanced by a Pious Mind CHAPTER IX. A Farm-house Winter Fire-side—A morning Drive and a mutual 71 interchange of Ideas between Town and Country, showing how we may all learn something from one another CHAPTER X. The last Night before the first London Expedition, which 87 gives occasion to recall pleasant reminiscences CHAPTER XI. Commencement of London Life and Adventures 97 CHAPTER XII. How the great Don O’Rapley became an Usher of the Court of 105 Queen’s Bench, and explained the Ingenious Invention of the Round Square—How Mr. Bumpkin took the water and studied Character from a Penny Steamboat CHAPTER XIII. An interesting Gentleman—showing how true it is that one half 111 the World does not know how the other half lives CHAPTER XIV. The Old Bailey—Advantages of the New System illustrated 119 CHAPTER XV. Mr. Bumpkin’s Experience of London Life enlarged 133 CHAPTER XVI. The coarse mode of Procedure in Ahab _versus_ Naboth 143 ruthlessly exposed and carefully contrasted with the humane and enlightened form of the Present Day CHAPTER XVII. Showing that Lay Tribunals are not exactly Punch and Judy 151 Shows where the Puppet is moved by the Man underneath CHAPTER XVIII. A comfortable Evening at the “Goose” 165 CHAPTER XIX. The Subject continued 175 CHAPTER XX. Mr. Bumpkin sings a good old Song—The Sergeant becomes quite 179 a convivial Companion and plays Dominoes CHAPTER XXI. Joe electrifies the Company and surprises the Reader 191 CHAPTER XXII. The Sergeant makes a loyal Speech and sings a Song, both of 203 which are well received by the Company CHAPTER XXIII. The famous Don O’Rapley and Mr. Bumpkin spend a social 213 Evening at the “Goose” CHAPTER XXIV. Don O’Rapley expresses his views of the Policy of the 221 Legislature in not permitting Dominoes to be played in Public-houses CHAPTER XXV. In spite of all warnings, Joe takes his own part, not to be 227 persuaded on one side or the other—Affecting Scene between Mr. Bumpkin and his old Servant CHAPTER XXVI. Morning Reflections—Mrs. Oldtimes proves herself to be a 239 great Philosopher—The Departure of the Recruits to be sworn in CHAPTER XXVII. A Letter from Home 245 CHAPTER XXVIII. Mr. Bumpkin determines to maintain a discreet silence about 255 his Case at the Old Bailey—Mr. Prigg confers with him thereon CHAPTER XXIX. The Trial at the Old Bailey of Mr. Simple Simonman for 261 Highway Robbery with violence—Mr. Alibi introduces himself to Mr. Bumpkin CHAPTER XXX. Mr. Alibi is stricken with a Thunderbolt—Interview with 283 Horatio and Mr. Prigg CHAPTER XXXI. Mr. Bumpkin at Home again 295 CHAPTER XXXII. Joe’s Return to Southwood—An Invitation from the Vicar—What 303 the Old Oak saw CHAPTER XXXIII. A Consultation as to new Lodgings—Also a Consultation with 317 Counsel CHAPTER XXXIV. Mr. Bumpkin receives Compliments from distinguished Persons 325 CHAPTER XXXV. The Trial 335 CHAPTER XXXVI. Motion for Rule _Nisi_, in which is displayed much Learning, 351 Ancient and Modern CHAPTER XXXVII. Mr. Bumpkin is congratulated by his Neighbours and Friends in 359 the Market Place and sells his Corn CHAPTER XXXVIII. Farewell 375 THE LAWSUIT 381