Page:Female Prose Writers of America.djvu/140

 Mrs. Child conducted for several years a “Juvenile Miscellany” for which she composed many tales for the amusement and instruction of children. These have since been corrected and re-written, and others added to them, making three small volumes, called “Flowers for Children.” One of these volumes is for children from four to six years of age; one, for those from eight to nine; and one, for those from eleven to twelve.

In 1841, Mr. and Mrs. Child went to New York, where they conducted for some time the “Anti-Slavery Standard.” Mrs. Child wrote much for this paper, not only upon the topic suggested by the title, but on miscellaneous subjects.

In the same year, 1841, she commenced a series of Letters to the Boston Courier, which contain some of the finest things she has ever written. They were very extensively copied, and were afterwards collected into a volume, under the title of “Letters from New York.” This was followed by a second series in 1845.

These Letters are exceedingly various. They contain tales, speculations, descriptions of passing events, biographies, and essays, and bring alternately tears and laughter, according to the varying moods of the writer.

In 1846, she published a volume called “Fact and Fiction,” consisting of tales that had previously appeared in the Magazines and Annuals. These are of a miscellaneous character, somewhat like the “Letters,” only longer.



 twice heard Ole Bull. I scarcely dare to tell the impression his music made upon me. But casting aside all fear of ridicule for excessive enthusiasm, I will say that it expressed to me more of the infinite, than I ever saw, or heard, or dreamed of, in the realms of Nature, Art, or Imagination.

They tell me his performance is wonderfully skilful; but I have not enough of scientific knowledge to judge of the difficulties he overcomes. I can readily believe of him, what Bettina says of Beethoven, that “his spirit creates the inconceivable, and his fingers perform the impossible.” He played on four strings at once, and produced the rich harmony of four instruments. His bow touched the strings as if in sport, and brought forth light leaps of sound, with electric rapidity, yet clear in their distinctness. He made his violin sing with flute-like voice, and accompany itself with a guitar,