WILLIAM AND MARY HOWITT. WILLIAM HOWITT was born in Heanor, Der- | byshire, in 1795. MARY BOTHAM was born in Uttoxeter in 1804. They were members of the Society of Friends, and married in 1823. After a tour through Great Britain on foot, they devoted themselves to literature, and they have produced a large number of books, many of them being written jointly. The first of these was "The Forest Minstrel, and other Poems," published in 1823. In 1840 they went to Germany for the education of their children. In 1852-54 Mr. Howitt was a gold-miner in Australia. Mrs. Howitt has written many books for the young, which have enjoyed great popularity, and has made translations from the German, Swedish, and Danish. Two of their daughters also have embarked in authorship. Of the following poems, "A June Day" and "The Departure of the Swallow," are by William Howitt; the others are by Mary. A JUNE DAY. WHO has not dreamed a world of bliss While all around them seemed to be Just as in joyous infancy? Who has not loved at such an hour, The sun's gay tribes have lightly strayed; THE DEPARTURE OF THE SWALLOW. Who beheld it? No mortal saw it go; But who doth hear So the freed spirit flies! Like the swallow from the skies. Whither? wherefore doth it go? 'Tis all unknown; We feel alone That avoid is left below. SUMMER WOODS. COME ye into the summer woods; I cannot tell you half the sights |