то THE CHILDREN OF HER FATHER'S FRIEND, CAPTAIN BEAUFORT, THIS BOOK IS DEDICATED BY MARIA EDGEWORTH. PREFACE; ADDRESSED TO PARENTS. THESE Volumes are intended for young people, from the age of ten to fourteen. They complete the series of "Early Lessons;" an humble work, from which no literary fame can be acquired, but which I have been most desirous to complete, from the belief that it will be more useful than any other in my power. I have had another motive for finishing it; one, which, though it may be no concern of the public, I may be permitted to name. Harry and Lucy was begun by my father, above fifty years ago, for the use of his own family, and published at a time when no one of any literary character, excepting Dr. Watts and Mrs. Barbauld, had ever condescended to write for children. That little book was, I believe, the very first attempt to give any correct elementary knowledge or taste for science in a narrative suited to the comprehension of children, and calculated to amuse and interest, as well as to instruct. Finding, from experience, that it answered the intended purpose, my father continued the book at intervals; and in the last part, published in 1813, I had the pleasure of assisting him. He then communicated many ideas for the completion of his plan, which I thought too valuable to be abandoned. I considered, that a full knowledge of his views, and long habits of acquaintance with his mode of teaching, might enable me to do justice to his |