river, wind through the place. Several large ponds enrich the scenery.

"In this rude, but yet delightful country, Enoch Crosby lived, till he
was sixteen years old. He was a strong and active boy. He could climb
the highest hills without fatigue, and walk on the brink of frightful
precipices without fear. His playmates admired him for his courage. He
always took the lead because they wished it--they loved him, because
he was generous and noble.

"When Enoch was, sixteen years of age, misfortune came upon his
father. The family had lived comfortably. They were prosperous
farmers--but _now_, a blast came--I know not the cause--but it came,
and they were poor.

"Enoch's father decided that his son must learn a trade. It was no
hardship for him to work--this he had been accustomed to. In those
times, people laboured harder than now-a-days. Industry was a virtue--
idleness a shame. And it was hard labour, and solid fare, that made
the men of those times so much stronger, than those of the present
generation.

"Enoch loved labour, and was willing to learn a trade. But it was hard
parting with friends, when the day arrived, that he was to go from
home. It was settled that he should be a _shoemaker_, and should learn
the trade of a man in a neighbouring town.

"The morning, at length, came, when he was to go. His bundle of
clothes was nicely put up by his mother; and his father added a few
shillings to his pocket--and then came the blessing of his worthy
parents, with their good advice, that he should behave well, and