THE LITTLE GIRL'S OWN BOOK, ABY MRS CHILD. WITH ADDITIONAL SPORTS AND GAMES, BY MISS LESLIE. NEW EDITION, CONSIDERABLY ENLARGED AND IMPROVED. EDINBURGH: ROBERT MARTIN. MDCCCXLVI. PREFACE OF THE AMERICAN EDITION. ADDRESSED TO PARENTS. THIS little book has been compiled with an earnest desire to make it useful, in all respects, to its readers; but I have relied on my own indgment and experience; therefore there is little doubt of numerous imperfections. Perhaps I have erred in trying to please all; and may thus, like the old man in the fable, succeed in pleasing none. Some will say there is too large a proportion of games; others will smile at the directions for sewing and knitting; some may complain that the frequent recommendation of active exercises will tend to make their children rude and disorderly; others will think too much is said about gracefulness and elegance; some will call the conundrums old, others will say they are silly, and others that they should have been entirely excluded. I knew I could not avoid numerous criticisms, and therefore I did not write with the fear of them before my eyes. In this land of precarious fortunes, every girl should learn how to be useful; amid the universal dissemination of knowledge, every mind should seek to improve itself to the utmost; and in this land of equality, as much time should be devoted to elegant accomplishments, refined taste, and gracefulness of manner, as can possibly be spared from holier and more important duties. In this country, it is peculiarly necessary that daughters should be so educated as to enable them to fulfil the duties of a humble station, or to dignify and adorn the highest. This is the reason why I have mingled a little of every thing in the GIRL'S OWN Book. If the volume proves attractive, a large proportion of the credit must be ascribed to the generosity of the publishers, and the skill and good taste of the artists, who have been employed. The illustrations of the Games were drawn by Mr. Grater. To those who have been his pupiis, nothing need be said in praise of his spirited and graceful sketching. Whether my share in the formation of this little book is deserving of popular favour, I am extremely doubtful, I am only sure that it contains nothing to corrupt, or mislead. MRS. CHILD. P.S. To all my readers, little ones especially, a merry Christmas and a happy New-Year. |