,
judge ye, and say if the picture has not some counterpart within your
personal knowledge.

But how should the young lady improve the literary privileges of her
early days? Let her not depend on the reputation of the teacher who
instructed her, nor of the school, high though it be, which she last
attended; nor yet again on the branches she has studied, however
numerous or unusual they are. It is her own efforts, the attention, the
application, and the intellectual toil she passed through, on which
alone she may reflect with satisfaction. What effect did all these
studies produce on her mind? Is the tree laden with fruits, or did the
profusion of blossoms fall barren to the earth?

Among the results of a good intellectual training is this; it gives
vigor to all the powers of the mind. Memory is cultivated, but not at
the expense of the understanding. Female pupils often shine in those
branches which depend on mere memory, while they fail in those which
task the reason. Geography and history are their delight; mathematics
and metaphysics, their aversion. This should not be.

Woman is exposed, by her habitual seclusion, to many narrowing
influences. She has little of that severe discipline of the mind to
which man is daily subjected. His intercourse with the world is more
extensive. His whole life is a school for the intellect, while she is
restricted, to a great degree, within the limits of home. Her duties
consist much of details; and small subjects engender contracted views.
Therefore should her early days be devoted to studies that, in after
life, will serve to counteract this evil tendency. It should be made a
matter of principle with teachers and parents,--and the pupil must, of
course, co-operate in their plan,--to enlarge her mental vision, to
fortify her intellect against limited notions, and to strengthen her
judgment. The atmosphere of the fireside is often close and oppressive;
let her in her youth, breathe the free air of heaven. So will her
mental constitution be invigorated and prepared for all coming duty.

If I may venture to recommend one study in particular, for its
invigorating influence, I would name the practice of frequent
composition. She who writes daily, whether it be in her journal, or
essays on indifferent subjects, or even good letters, will, in addition
to many other benefits of this practice, strengthen in herself greatly
the habit of connected and profitable thought.

Study should for