XVlll 



the most skilful process of recitation. The professors and tutors, 

 whom it was his good fortune to have through college, were able 

 teachers and admirable guides ; and, if thej taught not all things, 

 they misled in nothing. Had it been otherwise with them, it 

 might have been otherwise with him ; for who can be safe, when 

 guides mislead ? Mere defect of instruction he could supply for 

 himself, better perhaps than others, with some additional advan- 

 tages from the spontaneous and independent exertion of his facul- 

 ties. His fidelity in attending to his stated exercises and observ- 

 ing all the proprieties of a conduct at once courteous, manly, and 

 upright, was not more extraordinary than his industry and sagacity 

 in employing his leisure time to extend his classical and philosophi- 

 cal learning, and to acquire the most valuable accomplishments. 

 Even his hours of convivial recreation were subservient to the 

 growth of his social and generous virtues, and his favorite pleasure 

 consisted in the cultivation and practice of one of the most de- 

 lightful of the fine arts. 



Of all whom I have ever known, from our own or any other 

 University, no one appears better entitled than Mr. Pickering to 

 be regarded as the model scholar. In saying this, I pronounce 

 his highest eulogium, and present his strongest claim upon the pub- 

 lic gratitude. Vast and comprehensive as was his matured learn- 

 ing, and valuable as were its fruits to his country and the world, 

 the finished model he has left for guiding the studies and forming 

 the character of the scholar and the man is infinitely more precious. 

 Any student, commonly well endowed, who has a soul capable of 

 aspiring to excellence, — and what young man, devoting himself to 

 a liberal education, is destitute of such a soul ? — inay find in this 

 model an unerring guide to the attainment of his lofty object. 

 Faithfully following his guide, he cannot fail of success. One con- 



