PEEFAOE. 



nnHE essays contained in this volume relate to 

 the science of home life, and the every-day 

 affairs of individuals and families. It has been the 

 aim of the author to present some of the facts of 

 science in their bearings upon hygiene, the arts, 

 agriculture, etc., in a way to interest and instruct 

 those who gather by the fireside, and those who 

 labor in the workshop and the field. In order 

 not to weary and confuse the minds of readers, the 

 essays have been made as brief as possible. It 

 is certain that the general reader cannot be held to 

 the perusal of scientific treatises, if they abound 

 in extended discussions, or are presented with 

 much minuteness of detail. Science can only be 

 attractive to the busy men and women of our 

 time when its facts and instructions are unincum- 

 bered with abstract reasonings and technicalities; 

 and also it is needful, if the popular mind is to be 

 interested, that the facts bear upon some definite 

 point or topic. It will not do to skirmish over a 

 wide field, and attempt to bring under one head a 

 dozen branches of a subject. It is manifestly better 



