526 TRANSACTIONS OF THE 



Physical amusements then must first be systematized. Dancing, 

 marching, and other exercises which are regulated by musiCj 

 must form a prominent part in the amusements of the school. 

 But they must never be pushed to satiety. Always arrest the 

 most attractive pleasures when the mind yearns for more. With 

 this caution, the minds of youth will be harmonized by tlie music, 

 methodized by the regularity of the movements and the order of 

 association. They will be enlivened by the cheerfulness with 

 which all would engage, quickened by the dexterity required, 

 and led to grace and elegance in the motions of the body, and to 

 a great extent in the emotions of the soul. 



But the mind w^ould tire of dancing and music, of painting and 

 flowers, of the most attractive pleasures, unless relieved. Watch 

 then for the first expression of a change of sentiment in this com- 

 munity of child-life, and in whatever direction it tends, carry it 

 to the highest perfection, and to the most beautiful and philo- 

 sophical expressions. 



To illustrate : if the kite becomes a matter of special interest, 

 teach the philosophy and mechanics involved in flying a kite — 

 the proper adjustment of the line and the tail — furnish the best 

 materials for making elegant kites, and encourage skill in making 

 them large and of fanciful forms. Then give instances of the use 

 of the kite, where it has been the means of conveying a line across 

 a stream to prepare for a suspension bridge — narrate the feat of 

 the sailors, wlio, by flying a kite over Pompey's pillar, thus car- 

 ried over a line, and then all ascended to the top. And lastly, 

 state the valuable aid it afforded to Dr. Franklin, and through 

 him to science. 



I would thus invest all the sports of childhood with every pos- 

 sible influence which shall tend to perfect those who engage in 

 them, bringing into use all natural genius and acquired knowl- 

 edge, and increasing the pleasure in them, in order to give the 

 mind both instruction and enthusiasm. Then, in the department 

 of agriculture, I would afford every inducement calculated to 

 delight the mind, and lead it to select this as a favorite amuse- 

 ment ; and would 'press the required duties as far as the interest 

 could possibly be carried. 



On the importance of this, or something like this effort to secure 

 physical health and strength, many are fully in harmony with me. 



