At the public tables, many precepts for the direction of life were inculcated. Among the rest, the boys who were admitted there, were taught to keep a secret. They were not permitted to repeat, in other places, the conversation which they there heard. As they entered to take their seats, a man pointing to the door, said with solemnity, "nothing that is spoken here, goes out there."

Better lessons than were known to the Spartans, it is in our power both to learn and to teach. And yet not to report the familiar conversation of the table and the fireside, is often a necessary injunction to the young as trouble among domestics, and even misunderstanding between friends, have sometimes arisen from no higher

source.

Correct deportment at table, is of consequence to every young person. They should consult the accommodation of those around them, and the comfort of guests, in preference to their own. In travelling, a well-bred person is readily known, by his manners at the table. A disposition to complain of deficiencies, or a habit of conversing much about different articles of food, or varieties of cookery, should be avoided.

It is not well to devote too much thought to "what we shall eat, or what we shall drink;" or to permit the gratification of the palate to enter into our estimate of happiness. Zeno, with his

simple diet of bread, figs and honey, kept his spirits cheerful, and his mind clear for the pursuits of philosophy, to the age of more than ninety years.

Food taken in gladness and praise, is salutary to the system. It does good, like a medicine. Let us ever be sensible of the mercy of our Heavenly Father, in preparing such a wonderful apparatus for its reception, and in so connecting that reception with pleasure, that it should neither be neglected, or forgotten.

Let every repast be preceded by an invocation of the heart to God for his blessing, that it may minister to health, vigour, and a sound mind, and that all may be used in his service, for the good of others, and for our own eternal happiness. And while in cheerfulness, and with gratitude, we comply with his appointment to nourish and gird up this curious structure of clay, let us never forget that we should "eat to live,-but not live to eat."

TREATMENT OF ANIMALS.

A GRATEFUL disposition, should teach us to be kind to the domestic animals. They add much to our comfort. How should we bear the winter's cold, were it not for the coat of wool, which the sheep shares with us? How would journies be performed, or the mail be carried, or the affairs of government be conducted, without the aid of the horse?

Did you ever think how much the comfort of families, depends upon the cow? Make a list of articles for the table, or for the sick, to which milk is indispensable. Perhaps, you will be surprized to find how numerous they are.

When the first settlers of New England came to Plymouth, in the winter of 1620, four years elapsed, before any cows were brought them. During all this time, their bread was made of pounded corn, and they had not a drop of milk for the weaned infant, or the sickly child, or to make any little delicacy for the invalid.

There was great rejoicing in the colony, when a ship arrived, bringing a few, small heifers.

Remember how patiently our good ancestors ́endured their many hardships; and when you freely use the milk of which they were so long deprived, be kind to the peaceable, orderly quadruped, from whom it is obtained.

Domestic animals, are sensible of kindness, and improved by it. They are made happier and more gentle, by being caressed and spoken to, with a pleasant voice. Food, shelter, needful rest, and good treatment, are surely due to them, for their many services to man.

The Arab treats his horse, like his child, and the noble animal loves him, and strains every nerve to do his bidding. I have seen a horse, when wearied with heat, and travel, erect his head, and shew evident signs of pleasure, and renew his labours, with fresh zeal, if his master patted his neck, and whispered with a kind voice into his ear.

It is delightful to see the young shew a protecting kindness, to such harmless reptiles, as are often harshly treated. It seems difficult to say why the toad is so generally singled out for strong dislike. Is it only because Nature has not given it beauty? Surely, its habits are innocent, and its temper gentle.

The scientific gardeners of Europe, encourage toads to live in their gardens, and about their green-houses. They find them useful assistants in guarding their precious plants from insects.

So, they wisely make them allies, instead of torturing and destroying them.

A benevolent English gentleman, once took pains, to reclaim a toad from its timid habits. It improved by his attentions. It grew to a very large size, and at his approach, came regularly from its hole, to meet him, and receive its food.

Ladies, who visited the garden, sometimes desired to see this singular favourite. It was even brought to the table, and permitted to have a dessert of insects, which it partook, without being embarrassed by the presence of company.

It lived to be forty years old. What age, it might have attained, had it met with no accident, it would be difficult to say. For it was in perfect health, when wounded by a fierce raven, as it one day was coming from its house, under the steps of the door, which fronted the garden.

The poor creature languished a while, and then died, and the benevolent man who had so long protected it, took pleasure in relating its history, and in remembering that he had made its life happy.

Cruelty to animals, is disgraceful, and sinful. If I see even a young child, pull off the wings of an insect, or take pains to set his foot upon a worm, I know that he has not been well-instruct