Education. 655 
circumstances is it justifiable to force the tender intellect, 
never for the sake of gratifying a love of display ought the 
growing powers of little children to be hurried on to early 
maturity—a practice which is fraught with great danger 
to the nervous system, almost invariably causing disease 
and inducing early decay. 
In these days it would almost seem that there were no 
children ; the old games of the last generation are utterly 
discarded, and in work as well in play the juveniles of to- 
day are far in advance of the juveniles of twenty years 
back. What caused infinite amusement to the latter, and 
ministered to their delight, calls up no feeling of pleasure 
in the former; on the contrary, it is voted childish. 
Without a doubt young England is much more preco- 
cious and worldly-wise than his father was at the same age; 
he is the senior, very often in all save years, and when this 
precocity presents itself, which it does on all sides, it is a 
thing by no means to be rejoiced at or encouraged. 
Notwithstanding the tendency to go a-head and take a 
pride in seeing youngsters wide-awake, it is well to know 
that the mental and intellectual powers should scarcely be 
recognised, let alone exercised, before six ; after that age 
the way should be felt very gently, and the nascent mind 
tenderly dealt with, as it is now that consistent discipline 
of the feelings is especially important. 
As time rolls on education becomes desirable, and to 
adapt it to individual minds is a duty which calls for infi- 
nite tact and unwearying and watchful patience. The 
latent force is to be quietly drawn out on points which are 
deemed advisable, and repressed on others. Moderate 
daily use of the brain strengthens it, as moderate use of 
the body exercises it in a healthy and proper manner ; 
whereas excessive fatigue of either is certain to do mischief 
and to militate against health and success in life. If this 
holds good in the case of adults, @ fortiori ought it to be 
borne in mind when children, those tender offshoots from 
the great tree of humanity, are concerned. Suffer the little 
ones to run about and inhale fresh air, and rest assured that 
their minds will gain tone as their muscles harden. 
When the boy is old enough—say ten or eleven—always 
provided that he be strong and robust, and circumstances 
permit, send him to a good public school, where he will be 
compelled to hold his own against all sorts of aggressive 
influences, and at which healthy sports are regarded quite 
as important in the routine of a rational education as 
