The purpose of this preface is that of every preface-to say -thank you- to the persons who have helped in the making of the book. I would render thanks first of all to the Editors of the -Outlook- for permission to reprint the chapters of the book which appeared as articles in the monthly magazine numbers of their publication. I return thanks also to Miss Rosamond F. Rothery, Miss Sara Cone Bryant, Miss Agnes F. Perkins, and Mr. Ferris Greenslet. Without the help and encouragement of all of these, the book never would have been written.