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As I unfold my humble strains due to nature's beauties and give the effusions which have cheered my lonely hours, I trust the kind and generous of my native land will surely not see an unwomanly pretension in so unstudied a work. Not having for a long time any intention of publishing a book, I wrote as the impression of the moment might dictate, and as a resource among a limited number of recreations. I beg leave to mention, that some of my early productions will be found interspersed through the work. In a more elaborate effort, I might have done less, though some defects might have been obviated: a studied style is apt to subside into coldness and formality.

I lay, then, my little work before you, as it were the offering of friendship; and bid you, for the present, a cordial farewell.

A.B.


 * 15th April, 1859.