ds, but that millions hardly suffice
to exhaust all possible combinations."

These forms naturally separate themselves, Froebel says, into two
distinct series, i. e., the series of squares and the series of
triangles, and move from these to the circle as the conclusion of the
whole series of representations. "From these forms approximating to
the circle there is an easy transition to the representation of the
different kinds of cog-wheels, and hence to a crude preliminary idea
of mechanics."

If the movements begin with the exterior part of the figure instead of
the interior, we should make all the changes we wish in that direction
before touching the centre, and _vice versa_.

Each definite beginning conditions a certain process of its own, and
however much liberty in regard to changes may be allowed, they are
always to be introduced within certain limits.[53]

We should leave ample room for the child's own powers of creation, but
never disregard Froebel's principle of connection of opposites; this
alone will furnish him with the "inward guide" which he needs.[54] It
is only by becoming accustomed to a logical mode of action that the
child can use this amount of material to good advantage.

[53] "With these forms of beauty it is above all important
that they be developed one from another. Each form in the
series should be a modification or transformation of its
predecessor. No form should be entirely destroyed. It is also
essential that the series should be developed so that each
step should show either an evolution into greater
manifoldness and variety, or a return to greater
simplicity."--Froebel's _Pedagogics_, page 225.

[54] "This free activity ... is only possible when the law
of free creativeness is known and applied; for that a free
creativeness only can be a lawful one, we are taught by the
smallest blade of grass, whose development takes place only
according to immutable laws."--_Reminiscences of Froebel_,
page 133.

Dangers of Dictation.

The dictations should be made with great care and simplicity. The
child's mind must never be forced if it shows weariness, nor the more
difficult lessons given in too noisy a room, as the nervous strain is
very great under such circumstances. We should remember that great
concentration is needed for a young child to follow these dictations,
and we must be exceedingly careful in enforcing that strict attent