THE

SILVER SKATES:

A Story of Life in Holland.

BY M. E. DODGE.

WITH A PREFACE

BY W. H. G. KINGSTON,

AUTHOR OF "THE BOY'S OWN BOOK OF BOATS," "CRUISE OF THE FROLIC," ETC.

PREFACE

BY THE ENGLISH EDITOR.

NOTWITHSTANDING the numerous admirable works constantly appearing for the use of the rising generation, I feel that I am rendering my young friends a real service in bringing "The Silver Skates" before them, while I am confident that their elders will be as pleased with the book as I have been.

It is full of beautiful lessons, calculated to improve the character of its readers, while it cannot fail at the same time to afford a large amount of amusement and instruction.

It indeed fully combines, as its talented authoress intended that it should, the instructive features of a book of travels with the interest of a domestic tale. Throughout its pages the descriptions of Dutch localities, customs, and general characteristics have been given with scrupulous care. Many of the incidents, the authoress assures us, have been drawn from real life, and the story of Raff Brinker is

founded strictly on fact. One of its chief charms is its perfect naturalness, and the thorough comprehension its authoress exhibits of all that constitutes the joys and sorrows of young hearts.

I put the book, on receiving it, into the hands of a relative of advanced age, who would not give it up till she had read it through. Her remark was,—

"It is a delightful book—so fresh, so pure-worth all those I get from the circulating library put together,”—an opinion which will be echoed by many.

Knowing well what pleases young people, I am very sure that it will become an established favourite with them.

In correcting the work for the press, I have taken very few liberties with the original text, beyond omitting a portion which appeared of less interest, and altering those allusions which would not be understood by English readers.

I send it forth with thorough satisfaction, feeling sure, I repeat, that it will prove a source of delight to thousands of young hearts, and will greatly benefit all those who take in the important, the true Christian lessons it inculcates.

WILLIAM H. G. KINGSTON.