ch I believe are strictly true. Miss W. possessed a fine and
well cultivated mind, great penetration, and a tact at
discriminating character, rarely equalled. She could, if she chose,
impart a charm to her conversation, that would interest, and even
fascinate those who listened to it; still she was not beloved.
Weaknesses and foibles met with unmerciful severity; and
well-meaning intentions and kind actions did not always escape
without the keen sarcasm, which it is so difficult for the best
regulated mind to bear unmoved. The mild and gentle seemed to
shrink from her, and thus she, who might have been the bright and
beloved ornament of the circle in which she moved, was regarded
with distrust, fear, and even hatred. This dangerous habit of
making satirical remarks was evinced in childhood; it was
cherished; 'it grew with her growth and strengthened with her
strength,' until she became what I have described." LAURA.

Though such a satirical spirit is justly condemned, a little
good-humored raillery may sometimes be allowed, as a mode of attacking
faults in school which cannot be reached by graver methods. The teacher
must not be surprised, if some things connected with his own
administration, come in, sometimes, for a share.

VARIETY.

"I was walking out, a few days since, and not being particularly in
haste, I concluded to visit a certain school for an hour or two. In
a few minutes after I had seated myself on the sofa, the '_Study
Card_,' was dropped, and the general noise and confusion, indicated
that recess had arrived. A line of military characters, bearing the
title of the 'Freedom's Band,' was soon called out, headed by one
of their own number. The tune chosen to guide them was Kendall's
march.

"'Please to form a regular line,' said the lady commander.
'Remember that there is to be no speaking in the ranks. Do not
begin to step, until I strike the bell. Miss B., I requested you
not to step until I gave the signal.'

"Presently the command was given, and the whole line _stepped_, for
a few minutes, to all intents and purposes. Again the bell
sounded;--'Some of you have lost the step,' said the general. 'Look
at me, and begin again. Left! Right! Left! Right!' The line was
once more in order, and I observed a new army on the opposite side
of the