"The Summer-House Series of children's books, of which the present volume is the first, is an attempt to sketch attractively and simply the wonders of reptile and insect existence, the changes of trees, rocks, rivers, clouds and winds. "To this end a family of intelligent children, of various ages, collected in a garden summer-house, are supposed to write letters and stories, sometimes playful, sometimes serious, addressing them to all children whom the books may reach. "The author has hoped, by thus awakening the quick imagination and ready sympathies of the young, to lead them to use their own eyes, and hearts, and hands, in that plentiful harvest-field of life, where 'the reapers indeed are few.'" Among the stories in the present volume are the following:-- Bessie's Garden, One of the most touching and affecting stories we have read for many a day. The Lancers. A most humorous story, with a never-to-be-forgotten moral, inculcating contentment. The Working Fairies. In this story Industry is held up for attainment, and Idleness receives a severe rebuke. The style and language, though perfectly intelligible to children, are worthy of a Beecher. The Princess. A story of wrong and suffering. Little Red-Head. A true story of a bird. The Little Preacher. A sweet story, introducing bird and insect life, and conveying more truth and instruction to children, than can be found in a dozen ordinary sermons. TAGGARD & THOMPSON, Publishers, 29 CORNHILL, BOSTON.