PREFACE. THE following little work really. owed its origin to the request of a young lady, at what is commonly called the completion of her education, for some* directions respecting her future studies. Begun at her request, it was continued with the hope that it might be of use to other young persons, at the same important and interesting period of life. The first, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, and eleventh letters have already appeared in the Christian Lady's Magazine; they are now revised, and some further letters, chiefly on French and Italian literature, are added. The writer's first intention was to confine herself to one sheet of paper; as she went forward, the work seemed to grow under her hand, and the prospect to widen, until a small volume was formed, instead of what was her first intention, a short letter. Small and humble as her work is, the writer is not ashamed to confess that it has occasioned her not a little thought and research. She feels the responsibility of the work; for many books which young persons may read with safety under the guidance of a pious and sensible friend, ought not to be allowed them for solitary perusal. Many persons will consider her too strict; others, not sufficiently so; some persons may consider that she has pointed out too wide a field; others will ask for greater precision of details. The writer can only say that she has written conscientiously, that she has tried to do her best, and that, conscious as she is of defects and imperfections, she still hopes that her suggestions may be of some use to the class of young persons for whom they were intended. HAMPSTEAD, |