Principally, I am indebted to the kindness and generosity of Mr. Francis Barker, of Clerkenwell, for his most valuable and interesting chapter upon the setting of the sundial, and also for the loan of numerous photographs and illustrations of various dials and gnomons. Mr. Barker’s kindly help and interest has more than encouraged me in my undertaking, and his wide and valuable knowledge on gnomonics is well known. My most sincere thanks are also due to the following firms who have so very kindly assisted me by permitting me to use in my book some beautiful illustrations of sundials designed and made for existing and future gardens:—Messrs. John P. White, Messrs. Pulham, Messrs. Joseph Cheal & Son, Messrs. William Wood & Son, Messrs. Knowltons, Messrs. H. W. Cashmore & Co. It is not possible to mention the names of all those who have so kindly assisted me in securing photographs of dials, or who have furnished me from time to time with any required information; I will, therefore, but express my great gratitude for every kindness, and venture to hope that my book will meet with the approval of all. If any reader finds it incumbent upon him to criticise adversely my verses or mottoes, let me here plead a generous consideration. SIX HUNDRED VERSES on one subject is a very big effort at any time, but how much more so when each verse is intended of itself to be a separate poem. Also, nearly all these verses have been written under the most trying conditions—during the stress of arduous undertakings, and hours devoid of comfort and surroundings congenial to a work of this description. If, then, any verse or verses appear to be weak, let the reader remember that there has been no picking and choosing; for I have boldly published all that I have written, well knowing that no two people see alike, and that what may displease one may also find favour with another. Let, then, those verses which do commend themselves to the reader be in his or her eyes sufficient warranty for my book. T. G. W. H. The History of the Sundial. CHAPTER I. Who shall discover the age of the sundial, or fix with certainty the year in which ye horologe was first invented to record the passing of the day or perchance the hour? The archives of time will never reveal to us the first dial that was invented to aid mortal man to regulate his life and so fulfil his daily task. We can only at the best surmise what the date may have been, and record existing information for the benefit of posterity, trusting that new discoveries may throw fresh light upon this most engrossing subject.