the solid barriers of earth, and scattered the surface with their fragments have scooped out the beds of lakes and rivers, and in sand and stone marked the boundaries of seas and oceans. In the effects of earthquakes and volcanoes, we catch a glimpse of the hidden energies of nature; and in each recording stratum of earth's progressive state, we read the memorials of other times and other beings, when the deep foundations were broken up, and in oblivion were buried the countless races of former ages, whose fossil relics are all that now remain, to tell of their existence or the catastrophe which overwhelmed them.

The science of Chemistry cannot be too strongly recom mended as a branch of common education, as it is more immediately connected with our welfare and happiness than most other subjects. It acquaints us with the nature of the material world, the influences of different substances upon each other and upon ourselves, and unfolds the great laws of nature, by which the ceaseless changes of organization and decomposition are effected.

The knowledge derived from the natural sciences is not confined to the objects of nature, but it sheds its light on every other department of learning. Chemistry teaches, that changes, by combustion or decomposition, are not a loss of matter, but a different state of being. It coincides with revelation in proclaiming the immortality of the oul, in the attested fact, that nothing can be annihilated; while. to Geology is reserved the honor of confirming, from nature, the doctrine of miracles. Geology declares that this earth was long inhabited by countless races of animals, before it became the abode of man. Comparative Anatomy establishes the fact, that man could not have ascended, by gradual improvement, from any other race of animals. His introduction into this world must then have required an absolute creation: and this was a miracle, an event which the established laws of nature could not have

accomplished. If the doctrine be proved in one instance, it will obtain in all.

Living as we do amidst the wonders of creation, where alt seem to subsist by a miraculous power, nothing delights us more than the various aspects, which the ceaseless changes of the year produce. In spring, after having escaped the long confinement of winter, with what delight do we hail each springing blade or opening flower; our hearts expand with the vernal blossom, and our feelings awake to livelier emotions, as we behold the daily progress of vegetation, dressing the landscape in smiles and loveliness. Among all created beings, it is alone the high prerogative of man, to comprehend and enjoy the works of nature. The influence arising from rural scenes is kindly calculated to elevate and refine our feelings, and to impart that sweet and amiable disposition, which is at once the most valuable and endearing accomplishment of our nature. As "an undevout astronomer is mad," so an unamiable lover of nature is an unnatural monster.

"All natural objects have

An echo in the heart. This flesh doth thri'l,
And has connexion by some unseen chain,
With its original source and kindred substance.
The mighty forest, the proud tides of ocean,
Sky-clearing hills, and, in the vast of air,
The starry constellations, and the sun,
Parent of life exhaustless-these maintain
With the mysterious and breathing mould,
A coexistence and community."

Perhaps no part of nature offers more pleasing attractions than the vegetable kingdom. The study of Eotany is eninently calculated to awaken genius, to correct the taste, and to give a glow and richness to the imagination. It is certainly to be lamented, that this useful and highly ornamental branch of knowledge is so much reglected. Whether this arises from the apparent difficulties in the science, or the im

perfect mode of teaching it, cannot be easily determined; certain it is, that it is worthy the attention of all rational beings, who hope to spend a life of happiness amidst the budding glories of a spring, the ripening summer, and the bounties of the autumnal year.

In teaching this subject to children, little dependence should be placed on books, the hard names there employed will tend to wean rather than to engage the attention. Familiar lectures upon the objects themselves, combine most of the advantages desirable, and if a judicious management be preserved, the pupil will soon find himself possessed of those leading facts which will enable him to understand the changes, and interpret the phenomena of the vegetalle kingdom. A strict attention to method and scientific arrangement, cannot be too urgently recommended to those who wish to become proficient in the study; but care should be had, that too much be not undertaken in the case now under consideration. It must be remembered that, of the time devoted to a common education, very little can be given to the study of nature; that little should be given to nature herself, and to nature at home. The study of rare and curious plants, exotics, is indeed pleasant to those who have leisure; but our object now is to make the pupil acquainted with that part of the vegetable kingdom, immediately around him, amidst which he is probably destined to spend his life: not to teach him the beauties of the tropical regions, and leave him ignorant of those of his home. Instances are not uncommon, where individuals can repeat all the names of green-house plants, but know not the name or nature of those, that spring up by their daily path, and which, if far brought, would be considered equally beautiful with their more favored sisters. This disposition to exile the mind from home is among the leading propensities of our nature. We send our thoughts and sympathies abroad, and expend then on useless subjects, when they should be employed at home; nor is this peculiar to one subject; instances are too frequent

where men can read Latin and Greek fluently and correctly, who can neither spell, write, or read their native tongue, accurately.

Among the most interesting parts of plants are flowers. Their endless varieties of form, color, and odors, never fail to excite our admiration of that wonderful display of Infinite perfection, exhibited in their matchless hues and inimitable structure.

"He, who hath no love of flowers in his soul,
Is fit for treasons, stratagems, and spoils."

The vacant moments of life are often beguiled of their pains by these emblems of purity and innocence. They please us by their beauty, they please us by their fragrance--even their evanescence pleases us, and we hail their return with a joy which would be unknown, were they the abiding objects of creation. The pleasure derived from flowers is greatly enhanced by a knowledge of their parts, and the important functions they perform in the economy of nature; the instructed eye will perceive beauties which must remain hidden to the untaught vision.

A few general ideas will comprehend the folious system of plants, in which may be found much useful information-such as the general structure of the leaves, and the purposes which they auswer in the growth of the vegetable--that by them the sap is elaborated, in the same manner as the blood in the lungs of animals, by the absorption and decomposition of airthe means employed by nature to renew them the following year, by buds in the temperate and cold regions, but by another process in the torrid zone. Vegetable physiology, including the structure and growth of plants, is itself an exceedingly interesting subject, easily taught and comprehended.

One of the noblest occupations, which engages the active powers of man, is agriculture. As it is the support of all others, so should it rank first in point of dignity. Its claims to

superiority over manufactures and commerce, demand that the man should not sink below his profession. As a large proportion of those, who receive a common education, will become tillers of the earth, we know of no way in which they could be more efficiently benefited, than by teaching them a knowledge of the soils and their productions, amidst which they are to employ their labor and spend their days. Of scientific agriculture, our country has much to learn, before the husbandman can reap the full reward of his exertions. Horticulture is beginning to strew its flowers and fruits along the path of healthful industry, giving fragrance and richness to the beauties of nature. It is ardently hoped that an improvement in education will do something to free agriculture from its abasement, caused by the habits, prejudices, and want of information in too many of its worthy followers.

It is an old saying that nothing was made in vain; yet what a vast number of living creatures there are, as well as of plants, of whose importance or connexion in the economy of nature, we are ignorant. How much yet remains to be accomplished, before man can become the interpreter of nature, to which his rank entitles him, and which his improvement demands.

The condition of our being makes it incumbent upon us to understand the nature of that system of things, of which, we form a part, and from which we derive our subsistence. To know ourselves, would comprehend a knowledge of almost every thing else; but no knowledge is more interesting or more useful, than that which is derived from the study of nature. Our existence is as intimately connected with the elements. around us, as is that of a plant; and it is pleasing to know how we live and move. This inquiry would show us the importance of the study now under consideration. How intimately connected is the continuance of life with air and heat; and these alone, in their various phenomena, open a wide field for observation. From the earth, we draw most of the solid mate