UNCLE IN ENGLAND. 81 



already perceive that my attention is much more 

 under command than formerly. Clearness and 

 quickness, in arithmetic, he thinks, are not only 

 useful for the management of our common do- 

 mestic affairs, but improve and strengthen our 

 reasoning powers. 



We pass our time here in a delightful manner 

 there is such a nice mixture of amusement 

 and useful employment. My cousins read a 

 great deal, and have much real knowledge. Ac- 

 complishments are not neglected ; but my aunt 

 thinks that most people make them of too much 

 importance, as they should be the ornament, not 

 the object of our life. Mary says she considers 

 the various things she learns, not as tasks, but 

 as the means of enabling her to get through the 

 business of life with pleasure and success ; and 

 that were she to call them lessons, she should 

 feel as if they were to be laid aside with child- 

 hood. 



That reminds me of what my uncle said just 

 after I came here. " At your age, Bertha, all 

 you learn must be voluntarily acquired, not ham- 

 mered into your head. Whether it be science, 

 or history, or languages whatever you learn, 

 try to feel an interest in it ; you will then apply 

 with energy, and what is acquired in that way 

 will always be liked. Music and drawing are 

 valuable pleasures ; but they are only pleasures " 



