If this were not enough, an inducement of another kind is to be found in
the circumstances of the lady in whose behalf the contents of this volume
have been so freely contributed. A few years since, she was a teacher in
our schools, active, useful, and esteemed for her skillful communication
of knowledge. At that time it was one of her favorite occupations to make
sketches and drawings from nature, an art in which she instructed her
pupils. A severe illness interrupted her duties, during which her sight
became impaired, and finally lost. A kind of twilight came over it, which
gradually darkened into utter night, shutting out the face of nature in
which she had so much delighted, and leaving her, without occupation, in
ill health. In this condition she has already remained for five years.

To this statement of her misfortunes, which I trust will commend her to
the sympathies of all who are made acquainted with them, as one who was
useful to society while Providence permitted, I have only to add the
expression of her warmest thanks to those who have generously furnished
the contents of the volume she now lays before the public.

W.C. BRYANT.

NEW YORK, _June, 1859_.




INTRODUCTORY.


This volume speaks so well for itself that it does not need many words of