a delusion. After this experience he had
settled down to the serious belief that the best way to build a house
was to erect first a square building containing but one room, and then
add on rooms as the occupants learned their needs or the family
increased in numbers. In this way, he stoutly maintained, had been
erected all those old houses, whose irregularity of outline and
frequent surprises in interior arrangement never cease to charm. He
asserted boldly that a man's house ought to grow around him like an
oyster's-shell, and should fit him just as perfectly; in fact, that it
should be created, not built. From architects and their works he prayed
devoutly to be delivered, and having theretofore illustrated that part
of the proverb which avers that "fools build houses," he declared
himself determined thenceforth only to illustrate the latter-part of
the proverb:--"and wise men live in them."

Having, however, became sponsor in some sort for what Mr. Gardner might
write, he was bound to give attention to it. Very much to his surprise,
he found it instead of a thankless task, a most agreeable
entertainment. Seldom, indeed, have wit and wisdom been so happily
blended as in these pages. The narrative that runs through the whole
constitutes a silver thread of merriment on which the pearls of sense
are strung with lavish freedom. Every page is sure to contain the
subject-matter for a hearty laugh close-linked with a lesson that may
well be conned by the most serious-minded. The philosophy of
home-building and home-improving is expounded with a subtlety of humor
and an aptness of illustration as rare as they are relishable.

There are three classes of people to whom this little volume with its
quaint descriptions and wise suggestions will be peculiarly welcome.

_First_--Those who contemplate, at some time, the building of a
home. It matters not whether it is to be humble or palatial,
"The House that Jill Built" will be found to contain not only
the most valuable suggestions, but a humorous gaiety that will
be sure to add pleasure to this duty.

_Second_--Those who desire at any time to enlarge, modify or
improve the homes in which they live; for they will find very
forcibly illustrated in its pages the principles which should
govern such modification.

_Third_--Those who, like the writer hereof, have suffered in
purse and comfort from the lack of such a pleasant and
philos