Page:Heroines of freethought (IA cu31924031228699).pdf/191

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HARRIET MARTINEAU
183

later books have been written. Among these is her "Complete Guide to the Lakes,” published in 1854. Whenever her health will permit, she takes pride and pleasure in those out-of-door pursuits which bring her face to face with Nature; and a tourist, writing some years ago, when her health was better than it now is, says: "She manages her little farm of two acres with the skill of a practical agriculturist, and is esteemed as an affectionate friend and good neighbor.”

Since 1860, I think, she has published but two books: one a compilation from her contributions to "Once a Week,” entitled “Health, Husbandry, and Handicraft”; the other, a series of brilliant "Biographical Sketches,” of which a reviewer in “Old and New” speaks thus:

“If there be any irreverent doubters left among us as to the intellectual pretensions of woman, or her claims to fill any office whatever in Church or State, or in the halls of art or learning, let them read this vol-