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THE belief that a book whose scope is suggested by the title of the present volume will be of great value and interest to all, is the reason why this work has been given to the public. It is not the effort of one individual, but of many gleaners in the field which it explores. It has been compiled from various reliable sources, and treats wholly upon facts. It is believed that it is the only book of its kind that has been published, and the compiler trusts that it will be found helpful to those who are seeking positions of usefulness, and valuable to those who are already established, while to those fortunate ones who do not need to step beyond the horizon of home, it will give a deeper interest in "Woman's Work," and cause them to feel a personal pride in her labor and achievements.

"What can a woman do?" Fifty-three or fifty-four years ago Miss Harriet Martineau is reported to have said that, in Massachusetts, one of the most highly civilized and advanced communities in the world, there were but seven industries open to women who wanted to work. They might keep boarders, or set type, or teach needlework, or tend looms in cotton mills, or fold and stitch in book binderies. This statement was rather too restrictive, because there were other forms of labor open to them, especially those of the needle. But there is no doubt that the opportunities of self-support for women by honest indus

try in some other way than that of domestic service were very few and very limited. In the State of Massachusetts, which was the scene of Miss Martineau's reputed observation, it is now announced that there are more than three hundred occupations open to women, instead of seven, and that 300,000 women are earning their own living in these occupations, receiving from $150 to $3,000 every year. This computation does not include amateurs, or mothers and daughters in the household, and of course excludes domestic service.

As new occupations for women are continually becoming available, some well known professions are omitted from this volume to make room for newer and more responsible ones. The writer has endeavored to illustrate the many employments given, by facts and curious incidents gathered from various sources and from personal observation, thus making the work peculiarly interesting, instructive, and amusing.

In "Women as Poets," will be found some of the rarest and choicest poems in the English language, and in many instances the biographical note was contributed especially for this volume by the author of the poem selected, thus furnishing much reliable information not to be found elsewhere. So many pure and beautiful thoughts in rhyme, which have echoed and re-echoed throughout the world, making it better for their being, must add to the value of the book. The kingdom of home has not been overlooked; the aim of the writer-indeed the great object of the work-is to elevate and glorify the humblest home, and it is her earnest wish that "What Can a Woman Do" may be found a welcome visitor into every home in the land, there to accomplish its mission of usefulness and instruction.

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