PUBLISHERS' ADVERTISEMENT.
In the absence of any preface by the author, the publishers desire to call special attention to this most exquisite little story. It breathes such a love of Nature in all her forms, inculcates such excellent principles, and is so full of beauty and simplicity, that it will delight not only children, but all readers of unsophisticated tastes. The author seems to teach the gentle creed which Coleridge has imbodied in those familiar lines,—
"He prayeth well who loveth well
Both man, and bird, and beast."
VIOLET: A FAIRY STORY.
CHAPTER I.
VIOLET'S HOME.
Once there was a gardener who lived in an old hut of a house, with one table inside, and some rough stools, and a large box that served for a bed, all of which he had made himself.