Let it not be thought that this is an overcharged picture of facts; it is but a faint, a very faint and imperfect sketch of reality which defies exaggeration.

Cases of such depravity, on the part of mothers, I with much pleasure confess to be comparatively rare.
Maternal affection is the preventive.

But what, let me ask, can be hoped of the children of such parents?
What are their characters likely to become under such tuition?
With such examples before their eyes, need they leave their homes to seek contamination, or to learn to do evil.
And here I must say, if I were asked to point out, in the metropolis, or any large city, the greatest nuisance, the worst bane of society, the most successful promoter of vice,--I should, without a moment's hesitation, point to the first public-house or spirit dealer's that met my view.

Nor can I, in speaking of the causes of juvenile delinquency, omit to say, I think these houses, indirectly, a very great cause of it.

Why I think so, my readers will readily conceive from what I have already said.