Fire-places and Kitchen Utensils. 433 



and education, there is none more delightful than that 

 which results from doing good to those from whom no 

 return can be expected ; or none but gratitude, respect, 

 and attachment. What exquisite pleasure then must 

 it afford to collect the scattered rays of useful science, 

 and direct them united to objects of general utility! 

 to throw them in a broad beam on the cold and dreary 

 habitations of the poor, spreading cheerfulness and 

 comfort all around ! 



Is it not possible to draw off the attention of the rich 

 from trifling and unprofitable amusements, and engage 

 them in pursuits in which their own happiness and 

 reputation and the public prosperity are so intimately 

 connected ? What a wonderful change in the state of 

 society might, in a short time, be affected by their 

 united efforts ! 



It is hardly possible for the condition of the lower 

 classes of society to be essentially improved without 

 that kind and friendly assistance which none can afford 

 them but the rich and the benevolent. They must be 

 taught, and who is there in whom they have confidence 

 that will take the trouble to instruct them? They 

 cannot learn from books, for they have not time to 

 read ; and, if they had, how few of them would be able 

 from a written description to comprehend what they 

 ought to know ! If I write for their instruction, it is to 

 the rich that I must address myself; and, if I am not 

 able to engage them to assist me, all my labours will be 

 in vain. But to proceed. 



In contriving kitchen utensils for cottagers, two 

 objects must frequently be had in view, viz., the cook- 

 ing of victuals and the warming of the habitation ; and 

 as these objects require very different mechanical 



VOL. III. 28 



