very embodying of vivacity and activity, and its confinement to a particular posture, or the requirement of a peculiar expression of countenance, is manifestly unnatural.  An inactive and healthy child under six years of age is never seen.  Whatever compels it to be otherwise consequently produces what is artificial in character.  A parent or a teacher may keep his children quiet, and in what he terms order; but it does not follow that this is a good preparation for after years.  On the contrary, bondage may issue in excess.  The feelings and propensities which, instead of being corrected, are unduly restrained, will be manifested in some other ways, and under less favourable circumstances, and frequently the reaction will be violent in maturity.  Hence the system now recommended is expressly one for infants, adapted to them just as they are, and wholly designed to repress what is evil, and to cherish what is good.

Accordingly, the utmost attention is given to the cheerfulness and happiness of those on whom it acts.  Instruction in reading, arithmetic, geometry, and various other things is made exceedingly amusing; smiling countenances and sparkling eyes are observable all around when it is communicated; and what was dull and soporific, according to the old plan, is now insinuated so agreeably, that the child, while literally at play, is acquiring a large amount of valuable knowledge.  At play he sees Nature’s book, that world of beauties:  he loves to look into it, there is no flogging to induce him to do it.  All is enquiry and anxiety on his part.  “What is this?” “What is that?” “What is it for?” “How did it come?” With numerous other questions of similar import.  Oh, that we had teachers to teach more out of this divine book!  Oh, that we had a public who would encourage and cherish them for so doing!  What blessed results even have I seen, by one’s being able to answer such enquiries!  The absurd notion that children can only be taught in a room, must be exploded.  I have done more in one hour in the garden, in the lanes, and in the fields, to cherish and satisfy the budding faculties of childhood, than could have been done in a room for months.  Oh, mankind have yet something to learn about teaching children!  See how they catch at truths through the medium of living things!  See how it germinates in them, by so doing; the teacher may forget, they do not, this I have proved hundreds of times.  Music has proved a most important auxiliary for this purpose, and a stranger would be astonished at the hilarity and delight with which much is rehearsed, with a full perception of its meaning, when in any other way it would be irksome and unintelligible.

These attainments, moreover, are accompanied by various movements and evolutions which exercise the limbs, the joints, the muscles; in addition to which, set times are appointed every morning and afternoon for its exclusive enjoyment.