PREFACE. 



The material of which this little volume is com- 

 posed furnishes the apology which its author would 

 make for its appearance. 



It was begun in the summer of 1873, at Penikese 

 Island; and has been retouched, constantly, since 

 then, in the hope that it might, at sometime, be suit- 

 able for publication. 



As it seems best no longer to withold its pages 

 from the public imperfect though they may be 

 they are now presented to you by 



The Author. 



