Miscellaneous Papers. 259 



change, he can work up a profitable and pleasant exchange, thereby 

 getting acquainted with many pleasant correspondents, and adding 

 to his knowledge of minerals and to the enlargement and variety, 

 of his own collection. 



To the aged and those pretty well advanced in life, who have 

 given some study to this subject, the collection of minerals fur- 

 nishes an endless and interesting source of recreation and instruc- 

 tion. When disappointments and cares oppress them their minerals 

 will always meet them with a friendly countenance and an amiable 

 disposition. They are always teaching something, and they do it 

 so kindly and so thoroughly that they prove most agreeable com- 

 panions. 



No matter how one may feel depressed by human ingratitude 

 and want of sympathy, when one turns to his minerals for com- 

 panionship and friendly counsel they will not be a source of disap- 

 pointment. They will disperse the demons of despondency and 

 unrest, and open up fields of study in God's works that so beauti- 

 fully illustrate the perfect laws of wisdom and love with which the 

 Great Master rules His universe, so that hatred, sadness and disap- 

 pointments will leave the mind, and a cheerful spirit will take their 

 place and give renewed courage and hope. 



The field of this inviting study is illimitable, and the worlds to 

 conquer are always waiting for industrious and enthusiastic effort. 



