the ability of reading to amuse her. When I had the pleasure of seeing my parents, I continually solicited their permission to learn reading, which at length they permitted; and I rejoice to state, that at four years of age I read the Bible correctly, and obtained the desired wish of reading to dear grandmamma during her life;-a proof of what children are capable of.

Poetry is another emblem of a superior mind; an accomplishment angels may approve of. Literature in general is universally admired and esteemed, and is certainly useful,

Riding on horseback is appropriate to the higher classes of society; when a lady sits well on her nag, she looks elegant, attended by her groom; riding is condusive to health. I consider it a dangerous amusement for young persons in middling circumstances.

Languages are useful. The study of foreign languages is essential to society; I would have every one speak French that can read. It is as easy to read French as English, and it is now taught in such a simple style as to suit inferior capacities, and may be speedily learned. The various branches of education are now taught in a plain and simple manner, so that babes may

acquire the rudiments of useful knowledge. Thus as the young mind expands, beautiful blossoms of erudition open in lovely flowers. These are the blossoms of virtue, if industriously applied, which become flowers, sweet to the imagination if cultivated with taste. Talents, judiciously promoted, are virtues becoming all ages and classes.

Duty by habit is to pleasure turn'd;
He is content who to obey has learn'd.
The skies, the morning's breezy call,
Alike are free, and full of health to all.
It is a virtue to improve the mind;
And if for truth we labour, we shall find
Wisdom of the ant, and the industrious bee;
Gentleness of the dove, and camel, travelling.

The swallow and cuckoo, faithful dog, and domestic cat, affectionate stork, who feeds her young from her own breast, the early lark, the sweet-singing thrush, graceful and swift-footed horse, steady ass, noble and courageous lion, called the king of the forest, the dancing bear, the slow though steady tortoise, are emblems for mortals to imitate, selecting their good qualities as ensamples for our benefit. Let us trace their merits and our own. We shall find ourselves

deficient on many points, which should humble us, and teach us to endeavour to become good and virtuous as are these humble patterns of Divine love and wisdom; for in wisdom He hath made them all. "Go to the ant, thou sluggard, consider her ways and be wise," saith the great Maker of the universe, the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity; as the words of scripture are the words of the Almighty, let us endeavour to profit by the amiable qualities of the feathered race, and do justice to them and ourselves in fulfilling the dictates they teach by their mute ensamples; let them be our patterns of virtue, morality, and piety.

Ring Dove! resting benignly calm,
Tell my bosom thy secret charm;
Blackbird! straining thy tuneful throat,
Teach my spirit thy thankful note.
Small wren! building thy happy nest,
Where shall I find a home of rest?
Eagle! cleaving the vaulted sky,
Teach my nature to soar on high.
Skylark! winging thy way to heaven,
Be thy track to my footsteps given.

And now my dear young friends, having attended to Zoology, I shall introduce a few

Flowers, emblematical of the doctrine substantiated. Flowers are universally admired, and as they are produced by the industry of man, and the blessing of God-St. Paul saith, "I have planted, Apollos watered, but God giveth the increase," they are a study to be inculcated by every age, sex, or class in society. Flowers are indeed beautiful, innocent, and elegant. The fragrant odour of flowers is equally delightful in the cottage or palace. How very pretty it is to see a clean neat cottage in the country, decorated by eglantines, honeysuckles, and sweet-scented roses, and other favourite flowers around them, and in the well-stocked vegetable garden, partiaally adorned with them. In the palace, or higher classes of life, flowers are equally useful and pleasing useful, in cooling hot or close rooms, where numbers congregate, they rarify and purify the air, and in exhaling their sweet scents, revive invalids or delicate persons, when faint or oppressed with heat. There are many flowers medicant and of use in assuaging maladies. Some are cooling, others stimulating; some allay pain, and fever; some excite the too quiet or drooping nerves; there are few flowers that do not possess some medical property. Poppies and camomile

are of great use to invalids. Is there a more beautiful colour than that of the wild poppy ? King Solomon, in all his glory, was not arrayed like one of these. The beautiful bloom of the poppy is soon over, which leads us to consider the goodness of our heavenly Father that this pretty flower should then become instrumental in curing distressing pains of us poor mortals. I do not know a fitter emblem for the rising generation than the insignificant field poppy. As the beautiful flower fades, its cup becomes useful. Thus may the young, the gay, the innocent, the delicate or timid female be useful to society in various ways; some in distributing their money, some their chaste manners and conversation; some their industry; some by their consoling powers, who sooth the afflicted or distressed; Thus the virtues of this simple little flower may ennoble a pure mind. The delicate Snow-drop teaches modesty and industry; it is the earliest flower that presents its delicate little head after a severe winter, and gradually and boldly presents its owner with a beautiful flower, alone, and surrounded by naked nature; when not unfrequently the ground, its bed, is covered with snow. The more manly Crocus next shows itself, but ob