il thoughts and corrupt
principles. Look well, then, to the thoughts that come into your child's
mind from such a companion or teacher of your child as a printed book,
having perhaps all the fascination of a story or a romance. And,
besides, there are so many volumes that are tried and proved, and
acceptable to all, that there can be no excuse for admitting into your
family any which are even of a doubtful character. And do not merely
exercise supervision over the books which come to you and _ask_
admission. Avail yourself of the best means of information, and _choose_
the _best books_; I mean those best adapted to your purpose. Do not get
too many, but make a _choice selection_. Judge whether your child can
comprehend what you put into its hand; whether it is fitted to convey
instruction, or wholesome entertainment, or right moral impressions. If
it can do neither of these, it will be either an idle or a vicious
companion for your child, and you should exclude it at once.

But, furthermore, see in _what manner_ the book is read. Draw out the
thoughts of your child upon it; ascertain whether it has been read
understandingly and is remembered. In this way you will strengthen the
power of attention and of memory and judgment, and exercise also the
power of language, by drawing out an expression of thought. In this way
reading will be doubly interesting, and will be an invigorating exercise
without overloading and clogging all the powers of thought.

But, one thing more: Is your child inclined to pore over its books _too
much_? Be careful, lest its mind be over-stimulated at the expense of
the body. Many a child is at this hour undermining its physical
constitution by reading in the house, when it should be playing out of
doors, or using its muscular system in some kind of domestic employment.
Beware of any cause which shall induce a sickly precocity or a hotbed
mental growth. Let no partiality for mental prodigies induce you to make
_physical invalids_. The sacrifice is too great; seek rather a healthy
and complete development of the whole child, watching each power as it
unfolds, and training all for the most efficient fulfillment of the
practical duties of life.

* * * * *

NOTICES OF BOOKS.

We venture to devote more space than usual to "Notices of Books," as we
have a large number on our table deserving a word of commendation. We
shall confine ourselves to the class of works of