794 
A DOMESTIC COLONY. 
and the consequence is, that in the two years and a half, which they 
have occupied the estate, it is so altered and improved as to be 
scarcely recognisable. 
One of the lads evinced talent for sketching and building; another 
became fond of a hammer and nails, a third has decidedly a love for 
botany, and the fourth a painter and jobber in ordinary to the colony; 
while all take pride and pleasure in trenching, digging, and other 
horticultural pursuits. No workman has been employed upon the 
premises for two years past, excepting a labourer for a few days last 
spring, to go through an unpleasant process which Mr. C. did not 
wish his sons to undertake. Every department of utility is filled by 
these lads, who are thus receiving the best education—a practical 
one; while some boys of their age and station, are learning to trans¬ 
late greek, black shoes, and tyranise at our public schools ; others are 
idleing their precious time. My young friends are employed from 
“ morn to dewy eve ,”—“ in summers heat, and winter’s flaw,”—in 
every possible manner that is calculated to benefit themselves, and 
their little home. The happiest and healthiest lads I know, are the 
sons of my friend Mr. Castles. 
The hothouse that they have constructed, upon scientific princi¬ 
ples, the melonry, fancy arches, open rails, gates, &c. are not only 
creditable, but wonderful, and are the admiration of all who see them, 
and know the young artificers. So much are they respected too, 
that they are treated as young gentlemen in the best sense of the 
word, by the more wealthy families in their vicinity. The most in¬ 
timate associates of the family, are those who keep their carriages. 
This I mention merely to prove that a genteel deportment, is not 
incompatible with the strictest economy, and habits of industry: the 
intimacy is honourable to both parties. 
The recreations of my young friends, are all of a rational kind ; 
stated hours are devoted to them; so that a joyous game of fives is 
successionally played with spirit; their gymnasium they have neg¬ 
lected ; but cross bows, long bows, fishing tackle, cricket bats, and 
boats, are not wanting among them. If the back of the kitchen grate 
require attention, their mother is informed that “fire bricks and 
Windsor loam are the best and most durable materials for the purpose,” 
and the young mason of the colony soon finishes “ the job.” If a 
washing stand, (painted) bedroom table, bacon trough, &c. are wanted, 
her amateur carpenter constructs them ; as well as other minor mat¬ 
ters too numerous to mention. 
A fine microscope enables the young botanist to investigate plants; 
and a useful librarv assists to enlarge the minds of the whole familv. 
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