PREFACE.

THE Editor has much pleasure in sitting down to write his Preface, although he scarcely knows what he has to say-however, it is the custom to write a Preface.

PLEASANT PAGES is now connected with the past and the future; and the Editor may look back on old pleasures, and forward for new ones. The past is a matter of congratulation. Oh, truly it is a great pleasure, to have been assured of pleasant thoughts, and pleasant looks, which have been read in the pleasant faces of thousands of young people! For, are not the faces of our dear children truly "pleasant pages"? To have suggested bright thoughts, and to have lit up bright intelligent smiles on any of these fair countenances, is indeed a reward for the labour of love in writing this book.

So, the past is a matter of congratulation, for Volume II. is now complete! May it meet with a reception as extensive as that of Volume I., and may it go forth and light up more and more smiles, and train to habits of thought, and convey useful knowledge; and, more still, may it be blessed from above to arouse in young hearts that easily-kindled enthusiasm for the cause of truth and justice, honesty and love, which cannot be too early or too earnestly fostered.

With a sincere belief in the necessity for such a work, however imperfect the assistance which these humble volumes may hitherto have afforded, the Editor will still reach forward to their main object, "The foundation of moral and intellectual HABITS in the rising generation."

One more word for the future. In carrying out the design of PLEASANT PAGES, it is intended, as has been stated, to supply elementary courses, according to the principles of education of Locke and Pestalozzi, in each of the essential branches of Mental Training and Knowledge. In the next volume it is intended to supply twelve supplements, containing OBJECT LESSONS FROM THE GREAT EXHIBITION. In consequence of the attention necessary in getting up the drawings and wood-cuts for such a course, the Editor has resolved on suspending the course of Drawing for the next six months; but he cannot say whether after then it will be continued in PLEASANT PAGES, or whether, in order to supply more appropriate Drawing-copies, it will not be carried out separately in a book of larger size. It is intended in the next volume to proceed with increased vigour in the courses of BRITISH AND FOREIGN GEOGRAPHY, as the present time gives a peculiar interest to the knowledge of the countries of "all nations." It is also intended, before the close of the volume, to begin a course either on ENGLISH GRAMMAR, or ARITHMETIC, both of which subjects have too long been considered dry, when they may really become sources of the most pleasing excitement.

THE PRIORY HOUSE, CLAPTON,

June, 1851.