the aim of the compiler of this work has simply been to point out and give information respecting some of the ways by which women may earn a living in the present day, especial regard being had to the wants of the immense number of ladies who have to depend upon their own exertions for their support. it is confidently believed that the information given will be found substantially correct, as in most cases it has been overlooked and corrected by the different authorities from whom it was derived. of course, in a book of this size it would be manifestly impossible, even if it were desirable, to describe all the different occupations which in various ranks of life are open to women.