a sincere friend, that it is no wonder we find few people of sentiment without a person they can call a friend.

6. Disadvantages. But, however advantageous it may be to have a sincere friend, it is dangerous to have a false one. Unfaithfulness in friendship has been the foundation of many tragedies; and history is full of the fatal consequences of it. The strongest friendships are generally formed in youth, when we are the least capable of choosing a friend, and a greater misfortune cannot befall a generous youth, than to make a wrong choice; for such a one will find it a hard task to give up his friend, though he must do it, or be involved in crime. "Try your friend, therefore, before you choose him," is the wise caution of all ages and nations.

Lesson 120. p. 79.

PARAGRAPHS, continued.

Perseverance.

1. Proposition. - Perseverance seldom fails of making us successful in any thing we undertake.

2. Reason. For though the steps are slow by which it advances, yet as every step advances nearer and nearer to its end, it must in time make considerable progress, and crown our endeavours with the desired success.

3. Confirmation. To confirm this truth, we need only remark how surprisingly any thing increases to which we add only a little every day, and what a bulky volume the exercises we write at school would make, if we were to collect them together at the year's end.

4. Simile. - The fable of the hare and the tortoise finely exemplifies the force of perseverance: the former, trusting to the swiftness of her foot, delayed setting off upon the race so long, that the latter though slow, by continually advancing a little, got the sooner to the goal, and became the winner.

5. Example. - We scarcely read in history of any fortifi

H

cations, however strong, that held out against a persevering besieger; and, in common life, we find the utmost difficulty in refusing the importunity of those who incessantly solicit us, and often unwillingly yield to them what we ought to refuse.

6. Testimony.-Dr. Johnson tells us, that diligence, which is nearly allied to perseverance, is never wholly lost; for even though we miss our principal aim, we gain improvement by pursuing it with perseverance.

7. Conclusion. -It may, therefore, be concluded, that if we make but little progress in our undertakings, it is generally more owing to our want of perseverance than of ability.

COURSE II.

FIRST EFFORTS IN ORIGINAL COMPOSITION.

CHAPTER V.

NOTE. Previously to writing, the Pupil should explain each Lesson to his Teacher. This is a point of great importance.

EXERCISES ON OBJECTS.

SECTION I. - APPEARANCES, QUALITIES, AND USE OF OBJECTS.

Lesson 121. p. 81.
Indian Rubber.

1. Appearance. Its colour is dark brown or blackish. 2. Qualities. By holding it up, I find that it is opaque ; that is, cannot be seen through. By applying fire to it, I discover that it is capable of being burnt, or, as it is termed, inflammable. It is also smooth and tough; and, after having been stretched, will resume its former position; it is thus elastic.

3. Uses. It is used for rubbing out pencil-marks, and making balls.

1. Appearance. 2. Qualities.

lowing qualities:

Lesson 122.-p. 81.
Wool.

The colour is whitish.

On examination I find it possesses the fol

It is absorbent; that is, capable of suck

ing up any thing; flexible, or capable of being bent; elastic, or capable of resuming its former position. It is also tough, durable, opaque, light, and dry.

3. Uses.

It is employed for making cloth, flannels,

blankets, carpets, stockings, &c.

Leather.

1. Appearance. - Leather is of various colours, sometimes red, frequently black on one surface; but generally drab or light brown.

2. Qualities. Leather has a peculiar smell; is very flexible; and, when well tanned, is water-proof. It is also tough, smooth, durable, and opaque.

3. Use. It is used for shoes, gloves, reins, saddles, portmanteaus, and for binding books.

Lesson 123. p. 81.
Loaf-Sugar.

1. Appearance. Its appearance is white, sparkling, and

opaque.

2. Qualities. It will dissolve in water and melt with heat. It is brittle; that is, can easily be broken; lard, solid, and sweet to the taste.

3. Use.. To sweeten our food.

Sponge.

1. Appearance. Of a light brown colour, dull, and

opaque.

2. Qualities. It is soft, porous, elastic, and absorbent, or capable of sucking up any liquid.

3. Use. It is employed for washing or cleaning any thing.

Lesson 124. p. 81.

Water.

1. Appearance. Water has a glassy appearance, is transparent, and may be said to be devoid of colour.

2. Qualities.

opaque objects.

It is a liquid which is heavy and reflects
When pure it is devoid of taste and smell;

very wholesome and purifying.

3. Uses. — It is employed for drinking, cleansing, fertilizing, and for culinary purposes.

Wax.

1. Appearance. Wax is of a yellowish colour, dull, and

opaque.

2. Qualities. It is solid, tough, smooth, and sticky; fusible or capable of being melted, and odorous; that is, having a sweet scent.

3. Use. It is employed in making candles and tapers.

Bread.

1. Appearance.—The crumb is yellowish white; the crust is hard.

2. Qualities. Bread is porous, solid, and opaque, and very absorbent. It is edible, wholesome, and nutritious. The crumb when new is soft and moist; the crust is hard and brittle.

3. Use. A most important article of food.

Lesson 125.-p. 82.
Whalebone.

1. Appearance. — Generally of a dark colour and opaque. 2. Qualities. It is stiff and hard, but elastic; durable and fibrous.

3. Use. It is used as a stiffener for ladies' stays; for whips, bludgeons, &c.

1. Appearance.

Blotting Paper.

Of various colours, some pink, others

light drab, others blue.

2. Qualities. It is very soft, thin, and pliable; easily torn, porous, and absorbent.

3. Use. It is used for sucking up superfluous ink.