"Tunbridge, I believe, papa," said Emily. "That is the principal place from whence all these beautiful boxes are brought to town," said Mr. Durnford. "Some are made of the lime-tree, and some of the box-tree. Here you see are work boxes, cotton and netting boxes, writing boxes, all made at Tunbridge, besides a variety of smaller articles, all equally useful and ornamental. See, Maria, what an excellent imitation that trunk is of tortoise shell. Pray what is the price of it?" "Eight shillings, Sir," replied a modest pretty looking young woman. Mr. Durnford paid the money, and ordered it to be sent home. "Who do you intend it for, my dear?" enquired his wife. "For those who shall best deserve it," said Mr. Durnford. They now stopped at a maker of ARTIFICIAL FLOWERS, [Illustration: _Artificial Flowers_] the sight of which gave great pleasure to the young ladies. Here they perceived flowers of every description, some in wreaths for the ball-room, others for the head, and some in bunches, either for the bonnet or the bosom. "What can be more beautiful than this _bouquet_ of Rosebuds, Myrtle, and Geranium, how faithful a copy from nature!" exclaimed Mrs. Durnford, "at a little distance you would never suppose them to be artificial. Had it been my lot to have toiled for my daily support, I think I should have preferred this business to any other. It is a minor sort of painting, as the different teints must all be arranged by the hand of taste. I have seen flowers that were scented with the perfume belonging to them, but this made them come expensive, and they now make them with the glowing colours of nature, but without the richness of her scent. I love to encourage humble merit, and will therefore order a few of its productions to be sent to Ivy Cottage." "The flowers are beautiful, mamma, but how much more beautiful are those SWEET SINGING BIRDS," [Illustration: _Bird Seller_]