34^ STUDIES OF NATURE. 



powers of bearing up under the preffure of un- 

 equal weights. From thefe fubHme confiderations, 

 the love of their Country would be kindled in 

 thofe youthful hearts, and would acquire increafing 

 ardor from the fpeétacle of her very calamities. 



I would intermix thefe afFefting fpeculations 

 with exercifes, ufeful, agreeable, and adapted to 

 the vivacity of their time of life. 1 would have 

 them taught to fwim, not fo much by way of fe- 

 curity from danger, in the event of fuffering (hip- 

 wreck, as in the view of alTifting perfons, who may 

 happen to be in that dreadful fituation. What-, 

 ever particular advantage they might derive from 

 their ftudies, I would never propofe to them any 

 other end, but the good of their fellow-creature. 

 They would make a mod wonderful progrefs in 

 thefe, did they reap no other fruit except that of 

 concord, and the love of Country. 



In the beautiful feafon of the year, when the 

 corn is reaped, about the beginning of September, 

 I would lead them out into the country, embodied 

 under various ftandards. I would prefent them with 

 the image of war. I would make them lie on the 

 grafs, under the fliade of forefts : there, they 

 iliould themfelves prepare their own vidluals; they 

 Ihould learn to attack, and to defend a poll, to 

 crofs a river by fwimming^ they fliould learn the 



ufe 



