from Scripture will delight us in heaven, surely we may conscientiously enjoy it on earth.

That strain again! it had a dying fall:
O, it came o'er my ear like the sweet south
That breathes upon a bank of violets,
Stealing and giving odour.

This music crept by me upon the waters,
Allaying both their fang and my passion,
With its sweet air.

Music affords amusement to christians or infidels, from the infant to the hoary head; all ages, all sexes, love the sweet sound of its enchanting strains; the gay and rich, the poor or disconsolate, listen to delightful harmony-from the peasant in humble life, to our gracious Queen, all enjoy its thrilling sweetness, and the poor frequently obtain a little respite from their toil to listen to the miserable street music; even these instruments are enchanting to those who cannot obtain higher or more flourishing sounds. Music also affords employment to the distressed where it has been cultivated by those who have a talent for it. If accompanied with singing it is still more delightfully interesting. The harmony of a sweet voice is of itself heavenly; and with music,

divine. Singing is another gift not to be neglected or despised; as the Cuckoo warbles its note, and the early Lark ascends its voyage on ærial flight caroling its song, delights us with its natural romantic tune and melody of nature.

From his humble, grassy bed,

See the warbling lark arise!
By his grateful wishes led

Through those regions of the skies.

Songs of thanks and praise he pours,
Harmonizing dewy space;

Sings and mounts, and higher soars
Towards the throne of heavenly grace.

Singing is a useful accomplishment; it raises languid spirits, and pleases society. When we take part in public or private company, it lessens monotony of conversation, or invigorates a party of any denomination; thus, singing is usefulwhen sacred, sublime. In church, in domestic privacy, in public or private, the sweet melody of the voice judiciously or scientifically sung, is entitled to the highest praise and regard, as a good singer or musician may obtain a living by teaching or performing, as occasion requires.

Dancing I consider may be styled useful and elegant useful, as it is healthy under particular

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restrictions; if genteelly and gracefully performed, it adds vigour and elasticity to the frame, and free circulation to the limbs and joints. It improves the figure and emulates the mind. consider dancing requisite to the health of young people, particularly those who study; it is an innocent recreation for all ages. It gives grace to the carriage, adornment to the shape, supples the body, and thus enlightens the understanding. Dancing is a superior accomplishment; it emulates elegance of attitude, cheers our spirits, refines our manners, ennobles the faculties, cements friendship, unites neighbours; represses animosity, endears affection, and promotes the happiness and welfare of those individuals who delight in the elegant and rational amusement of the light fantastic dance. Dancing is as healthy an exercise as it is elegant and pleasing. It is pleasing to see dogs, monkeys, and bears amuse themselves and the public by their dancing, and in their own rough style.

The swallow, that on rapid wing,

Sweep'st along in sportive ring,

Now here, now there, now low, now high,
Chasing keen the painted fly.

Drawing and painting are accomplishments

equally useful, and are talents of high estimation, and require great care and attention in cultivating and using. They present to our view in perspective distant lands and countries; beautiful scenes; and things animate and inanimate, of which we have no conception, not even from history; a bird's eye view in drawing gives a better idea of things not seen than can be imagined. These fine arts are so generally esteemed they require little eulogy or comment. All intelligent persons are convinced of their usefulness.

Calistic exercises may be considered accomplishments; as they are of modern date I shall not dwell upon them. The former named accomplishments have been in fashion centuries, and are in most estimation. All accomplishments, whether useful or ornamental, require talent; and though some may be obtained by perseverance and industry, all persons cannot equally shine in them, or attain the same excellence in these fascinating studies. Yet it is the duty of young people to endeavour to excel and improve in those studies which their friends may select for them, and for which they possess a taste. And here I shall address a slight admonition to parents and governors of youth, which I hope is

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not necessary, that their young friends should devote their time to such studies as are best adapted to their faculties or tender minds. One prefers fine works, others plain; some writing, some reading; others music, singing, dancing, drawing, poetry; some foreign languages; some delight in exercise, others quiet learning; and that we prefer we usually excel in. In these points I speak truly and feelingly. It is painful to see a child compelled to learn that which it dislikes, and neglecting such learning as it appears would be a pleasure, and become perfection. Learning should be made pleasant and taught as an amusement, not as punishment or obligation. There may be children too idle to persevere in any study. This, I am happy to say is seldom the case, and it is best for teachers to omit that branch of study for a time, and progress with others more pleasing to the pupil; and the young mind will in due time become enlightened, and return with pleasure to the study formerly so greatly detested. This I name from experience.

Here I shall introduce a little anecdote: At the early age of three years, I resided with an aged grandmother; her mind enfeebled by age, and nearly deprived of sight, I particulaly desired