useful facts about natural history. They learned to cultivate their
powers of observation also by studying the heavens. From a study of the
stars their tutor drew them on to an acquaintance with the compass, the
telescope, the magic lantern, the magnet, and the wonders of arithmetic.

The stories of foreign lands were interspersed with others illustrating
the habits of society; one for example, told how a certain rich man was
cured of the gout, showing how, while most of the diseases of the poor
originate in the want of food and necessaries, the rich are generally
the victims of their own sloth and intemperance.

"Dear me," said Tommy on one occasion, "what a number of accidents
people are subject to in this world."

"It is very true," said Mr. Barlow; "but as that is the case, it is
necessary to improve ourselves in every manner, that we may be able to
struggle against them."

TOMMY: Indeed, sir, I begin to believe it is; for when I was younger
than I am now, I remember I was always fretful and hurting myself,
though I had two or three people constantly to take care of me. At
present I seem quite another thing, I do not mind falling down and
hurting myself, or cold, or scarcely anything that happens.

MR. BARLOW: And which do you prefer--to be as you are now, or as you
were before?

TOMMY: As I am now, a great deal, sir; for then I always had something
or another the matter with me. At present I think I am ten times
stronger and healthier than ever I was in my life.