PREFACE.

As much for his own recreation, as for that of his immediate circle, the Author has whiled leisure hours in reproducing the scenes which were traced on his memory during the most impressible years of life. So vivid is his recollection of them, that the transcript has been a pure pleasure. He ventures to He ventures to give them a wider circulation, in the belief that they will at least entertain many who have kindly listened to him when he has addressed them more seriously.

He begs that they may be taken for what they profess to be-mere sketches

of the salient points of American Farm life-the "bits of Nature" which fastened themselves on a youthful imagination.

For obvious reasons some of the names are fictitious, but the narratives are truthful, both in their sunshine and their shadows.

May they carry sunshine, and help to clear away shadows, wherever they go!

LONDON,

May, 1859.