an Poets. Illustrated. 12mo.

Mother and the Father. Illustrated.
New Edition. 12mo.

Mouse-Trap, A Likely Story, The Garroters, Five-o'Clock Tea.
Illustrated.
New Edition. 12mo.

My Literary Passions. New Edition. 12mo.

My Mark Twain. Illustrated. 8vo.

My Year in a Log Cabin. Illustrated. 32mo.

Open-Eyed Conspiracy. 12mo.

Pair of Patient Lovers. 12mo.

Parting and a Meeting. Illustrated. Square 32mo.

Quality of Mercy. New Edition. 12mo.

Questionable Shapes. Ill'd. 12mo.

Ragged Lady. Illustrated. New Edition. 12mo.

Roman Holidays. Illustrated. 8vo.
Traveller's Edition, Leather.

Seven English Cities. Illustrated. 8vo.
Traveller's Edition, Leather.

Shadow of a Dream. 12mo.

Son of Royal Langbrith. 8vo.

Stops of Various Quills. Illustrated. 4to.
Limited Edition.

Story of a Play. 12mo.

The Seen and Unseen at Stratford-on-Avon.
Crown 8vo.

Their Silver Wedding Journey. Illustrated. 2 vols. Crown 8vo.
In 1 vol. New Edition. 12mo.

Through the Eye of a Needle. New Edition. 12mo.

Traveller from Altruria. New Edition. 12mo.

World of Chance. 12mo.

FARCES:

A Letter of Introduction. Illustrated. 32mo.

A Likely Story. Illustrated. 32mo.

A Previous Engagement. 32mo. Paper.

Evening Dress. Illustrated. 32mo.

Five-o'Clock Tea. Illustrated. 32mo.

Parting Friends. Illustrated. 32mo.

The Albany Depot. Illustrated. 32mo.

The Garroters. Illustrated. 32mo.

The Mouse-Trap. Illustrated. 32mo.

The Unexpected Guests. Illustrated. 32mo.

HARPER & BROTHERS, PUBLISHERS, NEW YORK

Copyright, 1890, by WILLIAM DEAN HOWELLS.

* * * * *

PRINTED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER PAGE
I. EARLIEST EXPERIENCES 1
II. HOME AND KINDRED 10
III. THE RIVER 24
IV. THE CANAL AND ITS BASIN 36
V. THE HYDRAULIC AND ITS RESERVOIRS.--OLD RIVER 45
VI. SCHOOLS AND TEACHERS 53
VII. MANNERS AND CUSTOMS 67
VIII. PLAYS AND PASTIMES 80
IX. CIRCUSES AND SHOWS 93