delighted, for they call it play, and it is of little consequence what they call it, so long as they are edified, exercised, and made happy.

I have mentioned that the children say the multiplication table, &c. around the trees: this is calculated to impress it on their memory, and is adapted for fine weather, when the children can go out to play, as it is called. But in wet, or snowy weather, they cannot go out of the school, and it is then that we have recourse to the mode above mentioned; besides it is necessary that children should have exercise in winter, as well as in summer: a wet, as well as in dry weather; therefore there are several swings in the school-room, made of cord only, on which the children swing, two at a time. The time that they are allowed to be on the swing, is according to what they are going to repeat. If it is the pence-table, they say-

Twenty pence are one and eightpence,
That we can't afford to lose;
Thirty pence are two-and-sixpence,
That will buy a pair of shoes.
Forty pence are three and fourpence,
That is paid for certain fees;
Fifty pence are four and twopence,
That will buy five pounds of cheese.
Sixty pence will make five shillings,
Which, we learn, is just a crown;

Seventy pence are five and tenpence,
This is known throughout the town.
Eighty pence are six and eightpence,
That sum once my father spent ;
Ninety pence are seven and sixpence,
That for a quarter's schooling went.
A hundred pence are eight and fourpence,
Which is taught in every school;
Eight pence more make just nine shillings,
So we end this pretty rule.

As soon as the table is thus gone through, the children who are on the swings get off, and others supply their places, until probably the pence table has been said twenty times; then we go on with the multiplication table, until the children have repeated as far as six times six are thirty-six; when the children on the swings get off, and are succeeded by two more on each swing; they then commence the other part of the table, beginning at six time seven are forty-two, until they have finished the table. At this time the children are all learning, not only those on the swings, but all those that are sitting in the school; and it is surprising to see with what alacrity the children will dispatch their other lessons, when they know it is a wet day, in order to get to the swings. Besides, they not only learn by this method, but it is admirably calculated to try their courage. Many little boys and girls, who at first were afraid

to get on the swings, will swing now standing on one leg, and will, with the greatest dexterity, perform other feats, thus showing their courage in a great degree, and thereby causing them to be active. We generally let four or five children come to a swing, and those that can seat themselves first, are entitled to the first turn, for they are never lifted on. In their anxiety to get on the swing, some of them will perhaps get out of temper, especially those who are not disciplined; but those, on being detected, are not allowed to swing all that day, which soon makes them good natured to each other, and very cautious not to get into a passion. Thus, in some degree, their bad tempers are corrected, which is very desirable. As soon as two children are seated on each swing, to preserve order, the others retire (generally speaking) in the greatest good humor to their seats.

There is a swing for boys who are between five and six years old, another for those between four and five, another for the very little children, and another for the little girls; and on no account are children permitted to swing on the wrong swing, because if this was suffered, the strong would overcome the weak. But as the children opposed to each other, are mostly equal, those the most active, as I observed before, generally

get the first turn, and not only this, it sets the children scheming. I have seen children about three years old try a number of plans, in order to get on the swing, that would have done credit to much older heads, and what perhaps may appear singular, we have had no serious accident since the introduction of the swings; and I am informed by Mr. Bu chanan, who is master of the Westminster Infant School, that during the seven years he has been a teacher there, and at Mr. Owen's establishment, at New Lanark, that he never knew of any serious accident happening to any of the children.

Plan for teaching Infant Children by the aid of Pictures.

TO give the children general information, it has been found necessary to have recourse to pictures of natural history, such as of birds, beasts, fishes, flowers, insects, &c. all

* See life of Dr. Doddridge :-" His parents brought him up in the early knowledge of religion before he could read, his mother taught him the history of the Old and New Testament, by the assistance of some Dutch tiles in the chimney of the room, where they usually sat; and accompanied her instructions with such wise and pious reflections, as made strong and lasting impressions upon his heart.”

of which tend to show the glory of God; and as colours attract the attention of children as soon as any thing, they eagerly enquire what such a thing is, and this gives the teacher an opportunity of instructing them to great advantage; for when a child, of his own free will, eagerly desires to be informed, I think he will generally profit by such information.

There are also pictures of public buildings, and of the different trades; by the former, the children acquire much information, by explaining to them the use of the buildings, in what year they were built, &c; and by the latter, you may find out the bias of a child's inclination. Some would like to be shoe-makers, others builders, others weavers, brewers, &c.; in short it is both pleasing and edifying to hear the children give answers to the different questions. I have one little boy who would like to be a doctor; and when asked why he made choice of that profession, in preference to any other, his answer was, "because he should like to cure all the sick people." If parents did but study the inclinations of their children a little more than they do, I humbly conceive, that there would be more eminent men, in every profession, than there are. It is great imprudence to determine what business children may be adapted for,