the history of the development of literature
for children, was published in six small
volumes, from 1792 to 1796. It was a result of
a newly awakened interest in the real world
round about us and represented the profound
reaction against the "fantastic visions" and
"sweetmeats" of popular literature. The main
purpose was to give instruction by showing
things as they really are. The plan of the book
is very simple. The Fairbornes, with a large
"progeny of children, boys and girls," kept a
sort of open house for friends and relatives.
Many of these visitors, accustomed to writing,
would frequently produce a fable, a story, or a
dialogue, adapted to the age and understanding
of the young people. These papers were dropped
into a box until the children should all be
assembled at holidays. Then one of the youngest
was sent to "rummage the budget," which meant
to reach into the box and take the paper that
he happened to touch. It was brought in and
read and considered; then the process was
repeated. "Eyes, and No Eyes" was drawn out on
the twentieth evening. _Evenings at Home_ was
written by Dr. John Aikin (1747-1822) and his
sister Mrs. Anna Letitia Barbauld (1743-1825).
Dr. Aikin seems to have written the larger
number of the hundred papers composing the
book. Mrs. Barbauld's share is placed at
fifteen papers by authority of the _Dictionary
of National Biography_. Some of the children in
these stories may perceive more closely than
normal children do, but this defect may add a
charm if the reader keeps in mind that this is
one of the earliest nature books for children.
Stories of this kind require the presence of
some omniscient or "encyclopedic" character to
whom all the things requiring an answer may be
referred. Mr. Andrews in "Eyes, and No Eyes,"
Mr. Barlow in Day's _Sandford and Merton_, and
Mr. Gresham in Miss Edgeworth's "Waste Not,
Want Not" are good illustrations of this type.

EYES, AND NO EYES

OR

THE ART OF SEEING

DR. AIKIN AND MRS. BARBAULD

"Well, Robert, whither have you been walking this afternoon?" said Mr.
Andrews to one of his pupils at the close of a holiday.

R