State of New York, the late Mr. J. Orville Taylor, to prepare a work of didactic instruction—narrative and poetry—adapted to the use of the young of my own sex during their progress in scholastic education. The design was pleasant, but having only a month that I could devote to it, labored both night and day. I half feared that it would be written in my heart's blood, so many interruptions occurred, and so determined was I, if possible, to keep my promise of having it ready at a certain time. Severe application enabled me to redeem my pledge, and seventy sheets of manuscript were ready at the appointed period, to save the publisher from disappointment. His energy brought out seven editions during the first nine months; and I remembered no more my weariness, for the cheering hope that it might impress some good lesson, or hallowed precept, on the hearts of the daughters of my people.
1839.
26. "The Boy's Reading Book."
A counterpart to its feminine companion, naturally and more leisurely followed. It was written with care, aiming to enforce such principles as seemed to me vitally important to the young sons of a republic. Again I seem to hear the melody of a treasured voice, and my sole boy-pupil, my "faded hope," stands by my side, reading from its pages in his clear, deliberate enunciation, or pausing to ask some question, or listen to some
