In performing this pleasant task,--for it has been really a task fit for hot weather, and one of the most agreeable, of a literary kind, which he ever undertook,--the author has not always thought it necessary to write downward, in order to meet the comprehension of children. He has generally suffered the theme to soar, whenever such was its tendency, and when he himself was buoyant enough to follow without an effort. Children possess an unestimated sensibility to whatever is deep or high, in imagination or feeling, so long as it is simple likewise. It is only the artificial and the complex that bewilder them. LENOX, _July 15, 1851_. [Illustration] CONTENTS [Illustration] PAGE THE GORGON'S HEAD. TANGLEWOOD PORCH.--Introductory to The Gorgon's Head 1 THE GORGON'S HEAD 7 TANGLEWOOD PORCH.--After the Story 39 THE GOLDEN TOUCH. SHADOW BROOK.--Introductory to The Golden Touch 42 THE GOLDEN TOUCH 46 SHADOW BROOK.--After the Story 69 THE PARADISE OF CHILDREN. TANGLEWOOD PLAY-ROOM.--Introductory to The Paradise of Children 73 THE PARADISE OF CHILDREN 78 TANGLEWOOD PLAY-ROOM.--After the Story 100 THE THREE GOLDEN APPLES. TANGLEWOOD FIRESIDE.--Introductory to The Three Golden Apples 102 THE THREE GOLDEN APPLES 109 TANGLEWOOD FIRESIDE.--After the Story 136 THE MIRACULOUS PITCHER. THE HILL-SIDE.--Introductory to The Miraculous Pitcher 140 THE MIRACULOUS PITCHER 144 THE HILL-SIDE.--After the Story 170 THE CHIMÆRA. BALD-SUMMIT.--Introductory to The Chimæra 172 THE CHIMÆRA 176 BALD-SUMMIT.--After the Story 206 LIST OF DESIGNS [Illustration]