Among my Books. 
By $. G. Cruickshank. 
I find my joy and my solace in literature. There is no gladness that 
his cannot increase, no sorrow that it cannot lessen. 
Puiny’s LETTERS. 
“<a NE of the advantages to the book-lover of a 
Colonial life, as compared with life in the 
Homeland, is the greater leisure he has for 
reading. Competition in the various departments of 
business being less keen, he is less engrossed in business 
cares and interests, and is thereby enabled to spend more 
of his time in the congenial companionship of his books. 
To him, their sweet society proves ample relaxation from 
the hardening and irritating influences of the street ; 
and indeed it would be difficult to imagine any relaxation 
more complete, more refreshing, and more. salutary. 
‘‘ The reading of books,” says BARROW, “ what is it but 
consulting with the wisest men of all ages and all 
conditions, who thereby communicate to us their most 
delicate thoughts, choicest notions, and best inventions, 
couched 'in good expression and digested in exact method ?” 
The most favourable time of the day for reading here 
is, I think, early in the morning when the house is quiet 
and street noises have not yet commenced. Then the 
mental energy, which, during the heat of the day is apt 
to become enervated, is strong and vigorous. CHAUCER 
in these early mornings is excellent company—the “ pro- 
foundly simple CHAUCER” as LEIGH HUNT so aptly 
describes him. His child-like prattle as he leaps you 
