When this work was commenced, there were ominous signs that the low price Directories published for this district had not answered the expectations of their proprietors, nor given satisfaction to the public. These and other reasons were indicative of there being a good opening in this important and rising locality for a first-class Directory for 1867. The compilers made a calculation of the probable cost of 5,000 copies, which caused them to come to the conclusion that to publish a book worthy of the name of a Directory, and creditable to themselves, at the charge of One Shilling, would involve a loss of £150.

Now, as they had no desire to injure themselves or their creditors, they resolved to charge 2s. 6d. for each copy; and, with many thanks to the several thousand persons who have subscribed to their work and to advertizing firms—

The West London Directory is a great success.

Be it observed, this work is not a reprint of this or any of last years’ Directories. The inhabitants of the various townships within a radius of several miles can bear testimony that we have faithfully canvassed them for the requisite information. It also contains two-thirds more streets, crescents, terraces, places, &c., &c., than any work that has been published for this district, besides an excellent map drawn and printed by themselves specially for this work.

They would not even insinuate that it is free from error; but they have used every means in their power to make it as correct as possible, and they believe that eventually it will be found to be well worthy of public support.

They much regret that they are a little beyond the time they promised to bring it out, but in order to give it a correct and alphabetical arrangement, the matter required re-writing several times over; this, and other difficulties which they did not foresee, must be their apology. All future editions will not involve more than one-half the labour, and they trust and believe that no complaints will be made against them in this respect any more.