By the same author TRUTHS HERSELF FALSE MODESTY |
To the daughters of my friends,
but especially to
MARY LOUISE
this little book is lovingly
dedicated.
No one can come in contact with children and young people withoutfeeling the need of a united effort on the part of the parents,physicians and teachers to lessen the immoral tendencies, with theirdegrading effects, to which the present generation is subjected.Knowledge of the right sort will prevent many wrecked lives. Ignoranceas to facts and to the best manner of presenting them prevents manya parent from daring to trespass upon such sacred ground, and theinstruction is postponed from day to day until it is too late.
With the desire to aid mothers in giving the necessary instruction totheir daughters, this little book has been written. The author has triedto tell in suitable language the facts that should be known by everygirl from ten to fourteen years of age. The book is of such a characterthat it may be placed in the hands of the young girl, but better stillit may be read aloud by the mother to her daughter. It is hoped thisbook will form the basis of a closer intimacy between mother anddaughter, and that the knowledge herein set forth will forestall thatwhich might be given in an entirely different spirit by the girl'scompanions.
In all places, then, and in all seasons,
Flowers expand their light and soul-like wings,
Teaching us, by most persuasive reasons,
How akin they are to human things.
Longfellow.