e

Vi PREFACE.

look for a stone. Thus the growing up in the right atmosphere,
rather than the receiving of the right instruction, is the condi-
tion which it is most important to secure, in plans for forming
the characters of children.

It is in accordance with this philosophy that these stories,
though written mainly with a view to their moral influence on
the hearts and dispositions of the readers, contain very little
formal cxhortation and instruction. They present quiet and
peaceful pictures of happy domestic life, portraying generally
such conduct, and expressing such sentiments and- feelings, as it
is desirable to exhibit and express in the presence of children.

The books, however, will be found, perhaps, after all, to be
useful mainly in entertaining and amusing the youthful readers
who may peruse them, as the writing of them has been the
amusement and recreation cf the author in the intervals of
more serious pursuits.