In conclusion we present the work as a model in style. It is written with a degree of simplicity which makes it readily understood, and is a fine specimen of good old Anglo-Saxon. Portions of it are fully as interesting as a romance. It is written by a lady, which fact gives it an additional interest and value as a contribution to the economy of country life, in which it may be admitted that women are our masters. The incidents connected that women are our masters. The incidents connected with hiring "our farm of four acres" are related in a life-like manner, and will be appreciated by our own May-day hunting country-women, who, we trust, will also appreciate the many important facts set forth in this little volume, which we heartily commend to them and to all others, with the wish that it may be as useful and popular as it has been at home. P.B.M. CHAP. I.--WHERE SHALL WE LIVE? II.--OUR FIRST DIFFICULTY. III.--OUR SECOND COW. IV--HOW TO MAKE BUTTER. V.--WHAT WE MADE BY OUR COWS. VI.--OUR PIGS. VII.--OUR POULTRY. VIII.--OUR LOSSES. IX.--OUR PIGEONS. X.--HOW WE CURED OUR HAMS. XI.--OUR BREAD. XII.--OUR KITCHEN-GARDEN. XIII--THE MONEY WE MADE. XIV.--THE NEXT SIX MONTHS. XV.--OUR PONY. XVL.--CONCLUSION. OUR FARM OF FOUR ACRES. CHAPTER I. WHERE SHALL WE LIVE? "Where shall we live?" That was a question asked by the sister of the writer, when it became necessary to leave London, and break up a once happy home, rendered desolate sudden bereavement. "Ah! Where, indeed?" was the answer. "Where can we hope to find a house which will be suitable for ourselves, six children, and a small income?" "Oh," answered H., "there can be no difficulty about that. Send for the 'Times' and we shall find dozens of places that will do for us." So that mighty organ of information was procured, and its columns eagerly searched. "But," said I, "what sort of place do we really mean to take?" "That," replied H., "is soon settled. We must have a good-sized dining-room, small drawing-room, and a breakfast-room, which may be converted into a school-room. It must have a nursery and five good bed-chambers, a chaise-house, and stable for the pony and carriage, a large garden, and three or four acres of land, for we must keep a cow. It must not be more than eight miles from 'town,' or two from a station; it must be in a good neighborhood, and it must--" "Stop! Stop!" cried I; "how much do you intend to give a-year for all these conveniences:" "How much?" Why, I should say we ought not to give more than $250." "We ought not," said I, gravely, "but I greatly fear we shall for that amount have to put up with a far inferior home to the one you contemplate. But come, let us answer a few of these advertisements; some of them depict the very place you wish for."