This is, I believe, the first history of needlework ever published. I have met with no other; I have heard of no other; and I have experienced no trifling difficulties in obtaining material for this. I have spared no labour, no exertions, no research. I have toiled through many hundreds of volumes for the chance of finding even a line adaptable to my purpose: sometimes I have met with this trifling success, oftener not. I do not mention these circumstances with any view to exaggerate my own exertions, but merely to convince those ladies, who having read the book, may feel dissatisfied with the amount of information contained therein, that really no superabundance of material exists. The subject has in all ages been deemed too trifling to obtain more than a passing notice from the historical pen. To myself, my exertions have brought their own "exceeding rich reward;" for if perchance they were at times productive of fatigue, they yet have winged the flight of many lonely hours which might otherwise have induced weariness or even despondency in their lagging transit. To you, my countrywomen, I offer the book, not as what it _might_ be, but as the best which, under all circumstances, I could now produce. The triumphant general is oftentimes deeply indebted for success to the humble but industrious pioneer; and those who may hereafter pursue this subject with loftier aims, with more abundant leisure and greater facilities of research, may not disdain to tread the path which I have indicated. I offer to you my book in the hope that it will cause amusement to some, gratification perhaps of a higher order to others, and offence--as I trust and believe--to none. FOOTNOTES: [131] Some account of London.--1793. [132] It cannot be too generally known that within late years schools have been attached to the factories, where, for a fixed and certain proportion of their time, girls are instructed in sewing and reading. THE END. London: Printed by W. Clowes and Sons, Stamford Street. Transcriber's Note Archaic and variable spelling is preserved as printed. Minor punctuation errors have been repaired. Hyphenation and use of accents have been made consistent in the main text where there was a prevalence of one form over another. However, inconsistencies are preserved as printed where material originates from different authors. The title page contains the word 'needle-work.' The author's text, and a repeat of the title, uses 'needlework'. This has been preserved as printed. The following items were found: Page viii--the page number for the chapter titled "The Needle" was omitted from the table of contents. Reference to the text shows it to be page 252, and this has been added in the appropriate place. Page 93--there is some obscured text at the end of the page. Given the context and the amount of space, it seems reasonable to assume that the missing words are 'he is' and these have been added in this etext.