OR THE

YOUNG LADIES'

INSTRUCTOR,

IN

FAMILIAR CONVERSATIONS

On Industry, Orthography, Politeness, Civility
and Gratitude, Elocution and Geography, De-
rivation of Words, History, with the Life of
Romulus and Remus, Church Service, Spartan
Form of Government, Sciences, Relative Du-
ties of Life, Complacency and Cheerfulness,
Adversity and Prosperity.

CALCULATED TO IMPROVE YOUNG MINDS IN THE
Essential as well as Ornamental parts of

FEMALE EDUCATION.

BY MRS. MURRAY.

FROM THE EIGHTH LONDON EDITION.

New-York,

PRINTED FOR THE BOOK SELLERS.

1835.

39114

PREFACE.

THE Author of the following Dialogues, in conformity to custom, deems it necessary to alledge some reason, and offer some excuse for presenting them to the public. She is conscious of their defects, and therefore trusts the plan, rather than the execution, will insure their future success.

She is aware that justice may urge the critics to pass a severe sentence on her performance; but as whatever fault may be in it, she sincerely wishes to amend, so she can assure them that vanity bore no share in her underta king so arduous a task, which was perhaps supprior to her abilities; yet as it seemed particularly suited to the nature of her employ, she was tempted to combat the difficulties which attended it, and will think her labours amply rewarded, if the system she has formed should prove instrumental in advancing the progress of virtue. The younger part of her readers are earnestly entreated to improve their

intellectual faculties with unwearied assiduity; and as the Author rejoices in the opportunity now offered her of casting in her mite towards the accumulating stock which is to enrich their understandings, she begs they will pay attention, not only to particular, but general instructions. In the latter class, the following pages are included; which, she hopes, like a nosegay composed of different flowers, will dispense their fragrance, and prove an agreeable compound.

PREFACE TO THE EIGHTH EDITION.

The Author begs leave to return thanks to that Public to whose candour she imputes the favourable reception of the former editions of this work. As a token of her gratitude, she has endeavored to make it more deserving their patronage, by some necessary corrections and considerable additions in the Geographical part; which she offers as the means of rendering her performance of more diffusive utility in the line of Education.