Published for the Use of Children and

Young People.

By J. AIKIN, M.D.

I. The Calendar of Nature. Price Is.
II. The Arts of Life.

1. Of Providing Food.
2. Of Providing Clothing.

3. Of Providing Shelter. Price 2s. III. Letters from a Father to his Son, on various Topics

relative to Literature and the Conduct of Life.

2 Vols. 12s. in boards. IV. England Delineated; or, a Geographical Description of

England and Wales, with outline Maps of the

Counties. 8s. bound. V. Letters to a Young Lady on reading a Course of English

Poetry. 6s. boards.

By Mrs. BARBAULD.

I. Lessons for Children. Four Parts. 2s. II. Hymns for Children. Is.

By ARTHUR AIKIN.
The Calendar of Nature enlarged. 3s. bound.

By R. L. and MARIA EDGEWORTH. 1. Early Lessons for Children. Ten Parts. 5s. II. The Parent's Assistant; or, Stories for Children.

6 Vols. 12s. III. Moral Tales for Young People. 3 Vols. 12s. bound. IV. Poetry explained, for the same. 2s. 6d.

7

1 .

INTRODUCTION.

The mansion-house of the pleasant.
village of Beechgrove was inhabited by
the family of FAIRBORNE, consisting of
the master and mistress, and a nume-
rous progeny of children of both sexes.
Of these, part were educated at home
under their parents' care, and part were
sent out to school. The house was sel-
dom unprovided with visitors, the inti-
mate friends or relations of the owners,
who were entertained with cheerfulness
and hospitality, free from ceremony

and
parade. They formed, during their
stay, part of the family; and were
ready to concur with Mr. and Mrs.
Fairborne in any little domestic plan
for varying their amusements, and par- :
ticularly for promoting the instruction
and entertainment of the younger part

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of the household. As some of them were accustomed to writing, they would frequently produce a fable, a story, or dialogue, adapted to the age and understanding of the young people. It was always considered as a high favour when they would so employ themselves; and when the pieces were once read over, they were carefully deposited by Mrs. Fairborne in a box, of which she kept the key. None of these were allowed to be taken out again till all the children were assembled in the holidays. It was then made one of the evening amusements of the family to rummage the budget, as their phrase was. One of the least children was sent to the box, who putting in its little hand, drew out the paper that came next, and brought it into the parlour. This was then read distinctly by one of the older ones; and after it had undergone sufficient consi. deration, another little messenger was

a

dispatched for a fresh supply; and so on, till as much time had been spent in this manner as the parents thought proper. Other children were admitted to these readings, and as the Budget of Beechgrove Hall became somewhat celebrated in the neighbourhood, its proprietors were at length urged to lay it open to the public. They were induced to comply; and have presented its contents in the promiscuous order in which they came to hand, which they think will

prove more agreeable than a methodical arrangement. Thus, therefore, without further preface, begins the

FIRST EVENING.
ON THE OAK.

A DIALOGUE.
Tutor-George Harry.

Tut. Come, my boys, let us sit down awhile under yon shady tree. I don't

know how your young legs feel, but mine are almost tired.

Geo. I am not tired, but I am very hot.

Har. And I am hot, and very dry too.

Tut. When you have cooled yourself you may drink out of that clear brook. In the mean time we will read a little out of a book I have in my pocket. [They go and sit down at the foot of

the tree.] Har. What an amazing large tree! How wide its branches spread! Pray what tree is it?

Geo. I can tell you that. It is an Oak. Don't you see the acorns?

Tut. Yes, it is an Oak—the noblest tree this country produces ;-not only grand and beautiful to the sight, but of the greatest importance from its