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rapfd strides the frequented regions of knowledge — makes 

 excursions of its own in the unfrequented ; and leaves far 

 behind the limited endeavours of the trammelled mind. A 

 regular plan of education is no doubt indispensable ; but the 

 boy greedy of intellectual pleasure will overleap its fences ; 

 while the pedantry that would confine him within them, de- 

 feats its own views. Require of him his allotted task ; but 

 allow him beside, his choice of reading, whether solid of 

 light, and he will derive advantage from both. Chain him 

 to his galley, and he will be but a galley-slave — his exertions 

 as languid, his progress as circumscribed, his disgust as inve- 

 terate. It is in your power to choose the first book that is 

 put into his hands — if it is suited to his age, and adequate 

 to captivate his attention, you may leave him in a great 

 measure to himself — advise him when he asks for advice ; 

 but it is scarcely necessary to obtrude it when he does not 

 solicit it. The amusing tale will be followed by the instruc- 

 tive history — science will tread on the heels of science — ht 

 will find his way from volume to volume with little need of a 

 guide — all he wants is books and instruments — and these it 

 is your business to supply as he demands them, if you would 

 not impede him in his road to universal knowledge. The 

 habit of study, and the passion of grasping at truths yet un- 

 known to himself or to others, will be sutficient incentives 

 to his progress, and supports of his toils. 



As a necessary companion and minister to the sense of 

 hearing, and equally a medium of communication between 



VOL. XII. s 



