We have not deemed it advisable to add anything in the way of notes; we have made a few alterations in the text to adapt it better to the wants of the American reader, and for the same reason we have altered the English currency to our own. In other respects the work remains intact. In some works of this kind notes would have been indispensable, but in the present case we have thought we could safely trust to the judgment of the reader to appropriate and adapt the general principles set forth, leaving the application of details to the shrewdness and strong common sense characteristic of the American mind. The object of the work is rather to demonstrate a general principle than to furnish all the minutiae of practice, though enough of these are given to serve the purpose of illustration. The American reader will not fail, of course, to make due allowance for the difference of rent, prices, etc., between this country and England, and the matter of adaptation then becomes a very simple affair.
In conclusion we present the work as a model in style. It is written with a degree of simplicity which makes it readily understood, and is a fine specimen of good old Anglo-Saxon. Portions of it are fully as interesting as a romance. It is written by a lady, which fact gives it an additional interest and value as a contribution to the economy of country life, in which it may be admitted that women are our masters. The incidents connected that women are our masters. The incidents connected with hiring "our farm of four acres" are related in a life-like manner, and will be appreciated by our own May-day hunting country-women, who, we trust, will also appreciate the many important facts set forth in this little volume, which we heartily commend to them and to all others, with the wish that it may be as useful and popular as it has been at home.
P.B.M.
CHAP. I.—WHERE SHALL WE LIVE? II.—OUR FIRST DIFFICULTY. III.—OUR SECOND COW. IV—HOW TO MAKE BUTTER. V.—WHAT WE MADE BY OUR COWS. VI.—OUR PIGS. VII.—OUR POULTRY. VIII.—OUR LOSSES. IX.—OUR PIGEONS. X.—HOW WE CURED OUR HAMS. XI.—OUR BREAD. XII.—OUR KITCHEN-GARDEN. XIII—THE MONEY WE MADE. XIV.—THE NEXT SIX MONTHS. XV.—OUR PONY. XVL.—CONCLUSION.
OUR FARM OF FOUR ACRES.
CHAPTER I.
WHERE SHALL WE LIVE?
"Where shall we live?" That was a question asked by the sister of the writer, when it became necessary to leave London, and break up a once happy home, rendered desolate sudden bereavement.
"Ah! Where, indeed?" was the answer. "Where can we hope to find a house which will be suitable for ourselves, six children, and a small income?"
"Oh," answered H., "there can be no difficulty about that. Send for the 'Times' and we shall find dozens of places that will do for us." So that mighty organ of information was procured, and its columns eagerly searched.