In presenting the picture and book, REPRESENTATIVE WOMEN OF DESERET, to the public, I desire to first express my thanks to the ladies of the picture for their kindness and confidence.

I thank Sister Eliza R. Snow Smith for her approval and sanction; Sister Emmeline B. Wells for her steadfast encouragement, and Bishop Hiram B. Clawson for his kind interest and advice. Published, as it has been, in part by subscription, I thank also my generous patrons.

Through a disappointment, so many embarrassments occurred that at one time I felt that no inducement, however beautiful, could again tempt me to so great (in my circumstances) an undertaking; but for me the Lord in His goodness opened the way; and towards James R. Miller, Dr. A. Farr and Zina D. H. Young, each, my heart thus expresses itself:

As Hagar in her lone despair
Gazed hopeless o'er the desert drear,
Nor saw until her steps were led,
The living waters, sweet and clear;
So I who strove through tedious days
'Mid hopes that fled and fears that frowned—
Turned at thy name, and in thy heart,
The boon I sought so long was found.

Not hers alone the story old—
The earth is thronged with hearts distressed
That little dream how close beside
The angel walks—to save and bless.

In compiling the brief sketches of Eliza R. Snow Smith, Zina D. H. Young, M. I. Horne and Prescendia L. Kimball, I am indebted to the editor of the Woman's Exponent, their biographer. Several autobiographies follow, and looking it all over, the thought rises—how little I have done after all! I have scarcely more than furnished the thread on which their gems were strung. Often I have paused, sorrowful that this work must be so brief: so much remains to be told. I have had sincerest joy in this labor, and if my efforts should be regarded as conferring any honor upon these ladies, it has been a greater honor to me to be accorded the privilege of tendering it, and of enjoying their acquaintance and friendship.

In conclusion, I would again refer to our First Lady, E. R. S. Smith; in a short time will appear her latest and largest book, an autobiography and history with genealogical record of her family, and dedicated to her noble brother, Apostle Lorenzo Snow. On her eightieth birthday, January 21, 1884, Sister Eliza was the recipient of a large surprise party given in honor of the day, in appreciation, love and respect of herself and labors, in the Social Hall, a building of histrionic association in the annals of Salt Lake City. It is wonderful indeed to contemplate the still youthful spirit, energy and ability of this lady; ever serene, gentle, forbearing with others; so carefully hiding her own weariness and leaving unmentioned whatever might trouble her; that the idea would never suggest itself to those not intimately associated with her, that she has anything to do but preside, receive and enjoy the loving expressions from her friends.

Hoping this volume may entertain and benefit the reader, and that all errors in book-making may be graciously pardoned, I will subscribe myself, dear public—Your Servant and Friend, AUGUSTA JOYCE CROCHERON.