li INTRODUCTORY NOTE!. 



When asked some years ago by the editor of the 

 Young Canadian to write a sketch of Mrs. Traill's life 

 for its columns, the rider to the request was added that 

 she " wished the sketch to be written with a loving 

 pen — one that would depict the flowers rather than the 

 thorns that had strewn her path," and I have in these 

 few lines kept that kindly wish in view. 



If I have failed to satisfy myself or others with my 

 work, it has not been from lack of love for the honored 

 and valued authoress of " Pearls and Pebbles." 



May we keep her long to bless us with her loving 

 smile and happy, trustful spirit, and enrich our literature 

 still further with the products of her graceful pen. 



Mary Agnes FitzGibbon. 



Toronto, December 4th, 1894. 



