around them, their conduct towards yourself will be so contaminated with republican principles, as will become a source of hourly vexation. Such places are fitted only for the rudest people, and offer no correspondence with minds in the least refined by good society, or humanized by literature."

In conversation with an American clergyman, I once expressed myself thus:-" It appears strange to me, that "It so many should be found willing to engage in schoolteaching, which, even here, must require expensive qualifications, and which, notwithstanding, is so little respected, and so badly paid." "The expensive preparation, of which you speak," he replied, "is generally defrayed by the public; and the respect is perhaps greater than you have been led to imagine, although not equal to what a clergyman or a lawyer receives. A schoolmaster's character is less obtrusive or conspicuous, than that of other professions: but he is not, on that account, less respected. His standing in society is equal to respectable traders, and persons in the minor professions. But perhaps it may afford you some insight into this subject, when I tell you, that in the New-England States alone, there are between one and two millions of dollars, of public funds, annually expended, in affording education to the children of those, who could not otherwise obtain it. The sons of these people, after having obtained a grammatical, and, in many instances, a collegiate education, go abroad into the world without a dollar, to fight their way. No school or college affords an opening, which cannot instantly be supplied. And a small salary is perhaps as much as they could obtain by labour, or in business. Besides, in point of respectability, a school possesses some advantages; and may lead to higher degrees of advancement, if filled by merit." To this I merely observed, "that I never before felt so strongly the force of Alexander's reply, when asked if he could contend at the Olympic games. "I could readily contend," he answered, "if kings were my competitors." "If clergymen of eminence in learning were frequently so engaged, I could open a day-school in your country. But at present, I

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will content myself with pushing my inquiries." "You had better," said he, " consult other teachers."

In one of my interviews with Dr. Wainwright, he advised me to open a school in New-York, and to charge the following terms; ten dollars per quarter for boys under ten years, fifteen for those above that age, and twenty for such as might read the higher classics. These, although not the highest terms, are considered respectable. He supposed I might soon have a school of fifty or sixty scholars. The terms above mentioned are two, three, and four pounds sterling, per quarter, respectively. It would be difficult to raise a day-school in England with higher terms and greater numbers; especially when we take this into consideration, that the higher classics in America would be lower classics in this country. Perhaps a person would imagine that a considerable saving might be made from such a school. Yet I believe most people, engaged in schools, in New-York, relate a different tale. They deduct house rent, which is nearly double of what it is with us; and clothes, which are fifty per cent. higher; and fuel, which is also higher. They then remember, that sickness is more prevalent, and that medicines are more expensive. After years of experience, they learn the fact, that a few hundred dollars go but a little way in housekeeping.

When I delivered an introductory letter to Dr. Moore, of Columbia College, he recommended me to take a house immediately, and receive pupils; for, by expressly preparing them for the college, or for professions, I might have a large and respectable school. We had once thought of taking an entire house; but when we made inquiries, and found house-rents excessive, we contented ourselves with lodgings. We determined, ultimately, not to embarrass or distract ourselves with any engagements, till the arrival of Spring; when, as we were universally informed, all houses are to let, and all people are migratory; when the rivers and canals are open, and trade revives; and when our own prospects, now overcast by contradictory statements, doubts, and indecision, might brighten up, and be relumed and renovated into

vernal promise. I continued, therefore, to be arranging my Sanscrit work; and to keep my ears and conviction open to every source of intelligence from every quarter.

CHAPTER IV.

Story of a Stranger and his Travels-Of his Book, and his Teaching Experience-Case of a young Schoolmaster from EnglandHis sanguine hopes and his disappointments-The New-York Proprietory School-Low state of Greek Teaching in New-York -Distaste for improvements in the United States, that do not promise immediate return in money-Determination to proceed to Boston.

ONE winter evening, when seated by the fire, a book from some stranger was brought up for our inspection, accompanied by a request from its owner, that we would allow him to be introduced. The request was complied with. He entered immediately, and soon found himself at home by our fire-side.

The book which preceded me," said the stranger, "was written by my uncle, a person of some eminence as a literary man; and a physician. I myself received a commercial education, and was placed in a house of great note in London. When I became my own master, I possessed thirteen hundred pounds sterling; and having heard much in praise of America, I formed the design of adopting it for my home. I had no sooner landed in this country, than the report was circulated, that a wealthy Englishman had made his appearance; and I was not long unsought. Being young and inexperienced, I was easily prevailed on to enter into various schemes of business, which required, indeed ready money, but which promised abundant and speedy profits. I need not occupy much time in telling you, that no scheme succeded with me.

I was completely cheated and plundered; and in less than two years, was without a dollar in the world. In my reduced situation, I could not dig, and to beg I was ashamed. I therefore determined to retire from the scene of my disgrace and ruin, and to go up into Canada to try my fortune. That extensive region I travelled on foot, with the intention of choosing some favourable place, in which, to commence schoolmaster. After having rambled up and down in it from one end to the other, and having found no resting place, I relinquished the British Territories once more, and turned my attention to the States. To return destitute to England, was a step, which my pride, still unhumbled and unsubdued, would not allow me to take. I had, whilst living among Americans, frequently remarked, how exceedingly defective their education is, when contrasted with that of Europeans; and was eager to convert this circumstance to an honourable source of profit. I therefore began to collect materials for a book, which I intended to publish as a school-book; but, from being destitute of the pecuniary means, I had no other alternative left than to publish by subscription. I therefore turned pedestrian once more; and travelled up and down over all the States, as I had before done over Canada. I canvassed every place, in which as many people could be collected as would form a school. I sought all possible publicity. Wherever I went, I made it my business to seek out the principal persons of the neighbourhood. I explained to them the imperfections of their own systém of education, and the necessity incumbent upon them of procuring a better. I then recommended them to give impartial encouragements to one from England; and proposed my own; In every village I entered, I followed the same plan; and then solicited subscriptions to my book. The thing succeeded beyond my utmost wishes, or most sanguine expectations. I told every person, whose subscription I requested, that my book should not be

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printed, until ten thousand copies were subscibed for, and I had security for the payment. Before the exspiration of two years the greater part of which had been spent in perambulating the States, I had obtained twenty-five thousand subscriptions; with security for the payment, as soon as the book should be delivered. "You will very naturally wonder, how a poor man, without a single dollar, contrived to feed and clothe himself (and let me tell you I lived and dressed sumptuously) during almost two years, without expense to himself, or any inconvenience. Wherever I entered, I followed the Scripture precept, "Peace be to this house." I had become so completely divested, not only of English money, but of English feeling also, that I might be considered as Yankeefied altogether. I had discovered that a foreigner cannot affront an American more, than by telling any truth which offends his prejudices. I therefore talked as they talked. I ran down the English, I praised Americans to the skies; I assured them that nothing was wanting to render them the wisest and happiest upon earth, but a more perfect system of instruction; which I myself was qualified to impart. I thus enlisted their prejudices on my side; and that is every thing with Americans. They took me by the hand wherever I went. They invited me into their houses. They caressed and honoured me. When I was hungry they fed me; and when thirsty, they gave me drink. When I was naked, they clothed me; and sheltered me in their houses whenever I sought their hospitality. By these means, I contrived to pass almost two years; and with improved health, strength, and spirits; with a perfect knowledge of America and its people, their propensities, failings, and prejudices, I returned to New-York, and published my book. The profits of its sale realized for me six hundred pounds, and also gained me reputation. I might almost say, that this was diamond cut diamond. It brought back nearly half the money of which I had been previously de