This succeeded so well, that in the end my class became the popular class, and I became still further convinced of the desirableness of an _especial plan for teaching the very young_.

I, however, still thought that the alphabet should be taught first, with the usual things in their order.
At length, shortly after my marriage, which was rather early in life, an opportunity presented itself for trying an experiment on a larger scale; from having explained my views on early education to a friend, I was solicited to take the superintendence of an asylum for young children, about to be formed in a populous part of London.

Having thus an opportunity of carrying out my wishes, thoughts, and feelings, in a way that I could not have anticipated, I gave up my connexion with business, and devoted myself to the object.

Great and unforseen difficulties however had to be encountered.

The first week was dreadful.