II. To give interest to their correspondence, it is necessary, that, besides relating the news, they should also

choose subjects for discussion: he is pleased, therefore, that George has sent him this problem.

III. He is happy to inform his friend, that, after severe study, he has been enabled to solve the problem; then states his manner of solution.

IV. After relating such items of news as he thinks will be of interest to his friend, he proposes the following question, and requests an answer in George's next letter: What are the dates of the births and deaths of the five most celebrated men in American history? (This question will test George's knowledge of the history of his country, and also show his judgment in selecting the greatest men of the land.)

40.

Subject.Lucy congratulates her friend Mary on the return of her birthday.

PLAN.

I. A year ago, these two friends were together at a young ladies' academy: since then many things have changed, but their love has remained the same.

II. To-day, on Mary's birthday, the remembrance of her dear friend is as lively as ever; and Lucy feels herself urged to express her affection by a letter and a gift.

III. She wishes Mary all happiness; that she may often see this day, and enjoy it in health and pleasure. Her parents and sisters join in these good wishes.

IV.

Lucy has made a scarf, and sends it to her dear friend as a token of her affection and a sign of her kind remembrance. When, among the many presents with which she will be favored on her birthday, the gift of her friend will figure as an inferior one, she begs her.to bear in mind that the gift, however small, has come from a loving heart.

V. She hopes for her continued friendship, and the acceptance of the gift, and assures her of undying remembrance.

Subject.

41.

William requests his friend Henry to pur

chase certain books for him.

PLAN.

I. William's teacher has lately shown him his fine library; and the boy has been so delighted with it, that he is

resolved to begin the collection of a small one for himself.

II. William's father is pleased with his son's resolution, and has given him a sum of money for the purpose of carrying it out.

III.

IV.

But William lives in a village where there is no book

store; and he wishes to engage his friend Henry, who resides in the city, to make the purchase of a few books for him, names the books, and encloses a money-order.

He hopes that he may soon be able to return the favor of his friend in some way, and assures him of his affectionate regard.

OUTLINES OF COMPOSITION.

PART SECOND.

1.

ON THE ARRANGEMENT OF THE MATERIALS OF A COMPOSITION.

I. The division of the subject being of greatest importance, the author, as well as the reader, is obliged to pay the closest attention to it.

II. The usual fault of young writers is to compose without order, due reflection, and proper arrangement of thought. They write at random, and, by doing so, obscure their meaning, and make but a feeble impression upon the minds of their readers.

III. By arrangement we are to understand the corresponding succession of the thoughts belonging to the subject: this supposes

a. A collection of materials or thoughts, which is obtained,

1. By observation.

2. By reading.

3. By conversation.

4. By reflection.

b. We proceed to arrange our thoughts,

1. By examining them separately, according to their character and importance ;

2. Grouping those that are like, and putting them together under general heads;

3. And, finally, placing the separate thoughts under each head in the order of their importance and mutual relation; always remembering that each general heading must correspond with the subject, and serve for its development.

c. Having acquired a certain facility, we may analyze the different divisions of the subject, and introduce addi

tional sentences, found by reflection, until the whole subject is fully developed.

IV. Such an arrangement is certainly not easy at first; but it is complete, and will teach us to think out a subject in a more thorough manner; and, having by practice overcome the difficulties, we shall find ourselves enabled to set down thoughts in a systematic manner, according to the requirements of good composition.

our

2.

WRITING.

I. A young man who writes a poor hand complains to a friend that his teacher urges him to improve his penmanship. He finds this request troublesome, thinks himself unable to become a good penman, and, in order to justify himself, mentions the fact that some eminent men do not write a very legible hand. II. His friend, who thinks good hand-writing a valuable accomplishment, endeavors to convince him of his error, and uses the following reasons to induce him to follow the advice of his teacher:

a. A good hand-writing recommends a person to a stranger. In this respect, it is like neatness of dress, which makes a favorable impression at first sight.

b. It is the preservative of language, the business man's
security, the poor boy's capital, and the ready servant
of the world of mind.

c. Bad writing requires no small amount of patience, on
account of the time lost in making out the meaning.
d. Good hand-writing is an evidence of good taste and a
love of the beautiful, and thus indicates the character
of the writer.

e. It affords pleasure both to the writer and the reader. III. Writing is still further worthy of our attention on account of its benefits to mankind.

a. Before its invention, the voice of wisdom perished; but little knowledge could be acquired or preserved.

b. With its invention, the mind of man may be almost said to have been re-created.

c. Before its invention, the voice of man only could communicate ideas, and but a few thousand could listen; now, the whole world may read.

d. Before its invention, the mind of one country was estranged from that of another; now, wisdom seems endowed with the gift of tongues, and, through her interpreters, speaks to all the nations.

e. Before its invention, history and thought faded from the minds of men; since, they have become imperishable. IV. A practical knowledge of this elegant art, therefore, each one should gain: for, as long as he lives, it will be to him a source of pleasure, profit, and improvement; and, after his death, it will remain at monument to his character. *

3.

READING.

I. In these times, when nearly every one reads, and when the number of books is legion, the taste for

* For a few of the above ideas, we are indebted to Spencer's excellent work on Penmanship.