It had long been a matter of surprise, that amongst the numerous works which were periodically issuing from the press, not one had been established, having for its object the edification and improvement of the youthful mind. In an age like the present, when education and intellectual refinement have become so general, that ignorance is turned from with such absolute loathing, that the stigma of it is often sufficient, virtually to expel its unfortunate (but in many cases involuntary) victim from the delightful intercourse of refined society; it most assuredly behoves the caterer for popular taste, to concentrate every energy in the production, not only of such matter as may amuse the fancy, but at the same time tend to expand the mind, elevate the morals, refine the intellect, and awaken,-not the morbid sensibilities, too often produced by ill-selected fictions-but those pure, unhacknied feelings of the youthful heart, which are in themselves a mine of inexhaustible treasures, and which, by their development, shed a halo of enchantment around. In most (perhaps all) of the periodicals dedicated to the use of the fairer part of creation, many pages are consecrated to that universal enslaver, y'cleped "Fashion," which might be devoted to purposes of a far less evanescent, and infinitely more ennobling, nature. Compliance with popular custom entails the due observance of certain mysteries in adorning the person, and furnishes a wide field in which taste may luxuriate,—but that taste should be confined to its proper sphere; far removed from those pages where the young and guileless are taught to seek for intellectual improvement; and, in abjuring the trammels of that ever-varying idol of the beau monde, we have every reason to believe "THE YOUNG LADY'S MAGAZINE" has not had the less claim to public patronage, but rather been considered as a desideratum, in the great world of literature. On closing the first volume of our delightful labors, we embrace with pleasure the opportunity of offering to our subscribers, generally, the acknowledgments to which they are incontestibly entitled, for the liberality with which our exertions have been patronized. It has been our unceasing endeavor, by securing the assistance of writers of established talent, to redeem our every pledge; we trust we have succeeded. For the future, we shall give none individually, but will continue by every possible means to support the high character our work has already been so fortunate as to obtain, and from time to time make such additions, or improvements, as may seem best calculated to increase its reputation, and promote its interest. To the many talented individuals who have kindly aided us, we offer our most unqualified thanks, and in the hope that we may long remain united in our labors, unruffled by time and storm, we bid both them, and our fair readers, for the present, Farewell! NOVEMBER, 1837. |