PREFACE.

THE following work is the result of many years' delightful enjoyment of the country, and observation of life and scenery. It is intended as a companion to " The Book of the Seasons," which has so long enjoyed the favor of the public. Written in the same spirit, it has, however, been the author's endeavor to avoid, as much as possible, the ground already gone over in that volume.

The Book of the Seasons contains tables of botanical, entomological, and other objects of natural history and horticulture, which will not be found here: but in this volume is comprised an abundance of matter illustrative of the pleasures and pursuits of human life in the countryin the Field, the Forest, and by the Fireside-which will not be found in that volume. The two works must go