Outlines of Composition

THE FROG.

I. Class to which it belongs, amphibious (living partly on land, and partly in water), cold, red

blood.

II. Description. - Two to three inches long; color; green, with black spots, and three long yellow stripes on the back; the fore feet shorter than the hind ones, the former having four, the latter five toes.

III. Peculiarities.

a. Produces its young from eggs.

b. Undergoes change of form. The young are called tadpoles, or polliwigs; have a tail, and no legs; and live only in water or mud.

c. Moves in the water by swimming, on the land by jumping, for which its hind legs are admirably adapted.

IV. Abode.— Stagnant water, banks of ponds, lakes, rivers, and other moist places; and in winter in the mud.

V. Uses.

a. Parts good for food.

b. Destroys flies and other noxious insects.

10.

BIRDS' NESTS.

I. Purposes for which they are built.

a. For laying and hatching eggs.
b. For dwellings for the young.

II. Materials.

a. Straw and feathers.

b. Brushwood.

c. Hair, moss, or wool.

d. Clay and dirt.

III. Form.

a. Round and hollow the prevailing form. The bird, in a
sitting posture, turns round and round, rubbing the
brink and sides smooth with her breast and neck.
b. Birds of prey have deep, flat nests, more coarsely made.

IV. Places where they build.

a. On the ground (whippowil, quail, thrush, &c.: hens are not particular where or how they build).

b. Upon rocks and high trees (birds of prey).

c. Under the eaves of houses and barns, or other places in the neighborhood of man (swallows, martins).

d. In bushes, hedges, &c.

V. Use of birds to man.

They preserve our gardens, orchards, and fields from numberless injurious insects, which infest plants, trees, fruits, and vegetables. We should therefore not kill birds, but rather protect them from the attacks of others.

11.

TIME.

I. Value.-It is the most precious of all things; for

a. It passes quickly.

b. Once lost, it can not be recovered.

c. It is the means of accomplishing our objects in life.

II. How to be spent.

a. Conscientiously, in industry.

b. Not in idleness.

c. Not in too much play.

d. Not in too much sleep.

III. The most precious time,- the time of youth;

for it is

a. The time when we learn most easily.

b. And the time of preparation for future usefulness. We should bear constantly in mind that our success in manhood will depend upon the manner in which we spend our youth.

12.

COURTESY.

I. Meaning. The quality of pleasing others by our proper conduct towards them. By courtesy is not meant any thing that concerns personal appearance, but only what concerns manners, words, and actions. II. Source.-Love for God will inspire us with love for our fellow-men, a love free from all selfishness.

III. Value of Courtesy.

a. It wins us the esteem of others, and this sweetens life.
b. It unites men in social intercourse, and thus prevents dis-
putes and quarrels.

IV. Courteous Acts. -Would that all were to act

courteously toward one another; each one yielding a little for the sake of peace and happiness!

a. Should we sometimes yield in favor of evil for the sake of peace? Never! That would be weakness and sin, not courtesy.

13.

THOUGHTLESS PERSONS.

I. A thoughtless person is one who does not reflect upon the consequences of what he does; who acts without thinking.

II. Some of the actions of such a person. a. Studying without any object in view.

b. Speaking without reflection.

c. Drinking cold water, or bathing, when over-heated.
d. Eating unripe fruit.

e. Exposing himself, without necessity, to the inclemency of
the weather.

III. What parents are obliged to do to such children.

a. To advise.

b. And sometimes to punish.

IV. Evil consequences sure to result to those who will not improve in this respect.

a. They will never rise in the world; never do much good

for themselves or for others.

b. They will remain thoughtless even in manhood.

c. They will be apt to contract habits which bring on consumption and other kinds of disease.

14.

HOW A STUDENT MAY SUCCEED IN HIS STUDIES.

I. During class-hours.

a. He must be attentive, giving all his thought to his recitation, and to the instructions of his teacher.

b. He must answer promptly, and try to understand fully the meaning of what he says and does, always thinking for himself.

II. In study-hours.

a. He should recall to mind what he has learned in class, and endeavor to comprehend it more understandingly. b. He ought to prepare his lessons well for next class, always trying to understand, as well as to commit to memory. c. He should set apart a certain time for learning each lesson, so that none may be neglected.

d. He should hearken attentively when wise men speak, and
try to put their good counsel into practice.

e. He should read those books which give him valuable
information, or make him think on noble subjects.
f. He should keep the company of none but virtuous and
diligent companions.