GLEBE FARM HOUSE, BENTON, [By B. P. Leitch.] 



CHAPTER V. 



THE STEPHENSONS AT KILLINGWORTH EDUCATION AND SELF- 

 EDUCATION OF FATHER AND SON. 



GEORGE STEPHENSON had now been diligently employed 

 for many years in the work of self-improvement, and 

 he experienced the usual results in increasing mental 

 strength, capability, and skill. Perhaps the secret of 

 every man's best success in life is to be found in the 

 alacrity and industry with which he takes advantage of 

 the opportunities which present themselves for well- 

 doing. Our engineman was an eminent illustration of 

 the importance of cultivating this habit of life. Every 

 spare moment was laid under contribution by him, either 

 for the purpose of adding to his earnings, or to his 

 knowledge. He missed no opportunity of extending 

 his observations, especially in his own department of 

 work, aiming at improvement, and trying to turn all 

 that he did know to useful practical account. 



He continued his attempts to solve the mystery of 

 Perpetual Motion, and contrived several model machines 



