the degradation of mind and taste to which it may lead.

THE BEE AND BEETLE,-A FABLE.

A bee and beetle chanced to meet,

One sunny day, upon a rose;

His neighbor thus the bee did greet,

Although, meanwhile, he held his nose :

"I wonder much to meet you here,

For surely you don't feast on roses?"
The beetle answered, with a sneer,
"I know the idle fool supposes

That in a rose there's nought but honey.
You think a flower, so fair to view,
With breath so sweet, and cheek so sunny,
Is only made for things like you!
But, prithee, do not look so sour,—
A thing that hath a nose like mine
May turn the breath of sweetest flower-
Of rose, carnation, columbine-

To odors fetid as the air

Where beetles love to delve and dine.

Each has his gift for foul or fair

You, buzz, have yours, and I have mine!"

HEALTH.

Though the body is but the temporary residence of the soul, yet, during life, the most intimate union subsists between the two. The former is material, and the mere instrument of the latter; but every portion of it is penetrated by nerves, which carry home to the brain, the

seat of the soul, a constant succession of sensations. The mind is, therefore, in the closest sympathy with the body, feels every injury that is done to it, participates in its disease, derangement, and decay; or, on the contrary, shares in its vigor, health and prosperity. Thus, it is evident, that in order to have a sound mind, it is necessary to possess a sound body; and to render this the more obvious, let it be considered that not only a large portion of the misery in this world consists in bodily distress, but that a considerable share of the ill temper, caprice, jealousy, envy, suspicion, which are witnessed among mankind, are either engendered or promoted by a diseased state of the body; the soul itself being thrown off its balance by the irregular action of the body upon it.

In looking round upon life, we see some persons who are strong and full of health, and to whom disease is a stranger. We notice others who are feeble, who are subject to frequent sickness, and to whom the generous, happy glow of health is never known. And though it may be that the difference in these two persons is constitutional, founded on causes beyond human control, still, it is undoubtedly the fact that parents may, by judicious treatment, in most cases, ensure good health and good con

stitutions to their children. And how is this to be done?

The rules to be observed in order to accomplish this object are very simple, and generally understood. It is the wilful or careless breach of them in respect to children that so often entails misery upon them in after life. It may seem unnecessary to repeat here what is well understood in every nursery; but as it is better to err on the safe side, I will mention some of those common maxims which must be observed in order to ensure health, vigor and long life.

Children should retire early to bed and rise early in the morning. They should, especially during the warm months, avoid the evening air, for it is noxious to the blood. They should court the morning breeze, for it is full of invigorating influences. They should spend several hours in the open air every day when the weather permits; and even when it is inclement, they should be properly protected by clothing and sent abroad. There are few days, even in our severe winters, when children ought not to be out of doors at least for a couple of hours. Children of strong constitutions may take the risk of living in cities, but it is a severe and dangerous experiment even to them. Pure air and pure water are among the most im

portant instruments of health, and these are to be obtained in their perfection only in the country. Those who live in the city, and have feeble children, should fly from it as from a pestilence...

The best food for children under ten years old, is bread and milk for the morning and evening meals. No person should take meat but once a day, and this should be at dinner. Children should be allowed but a moderate quantity. Mutton and beef are the best kinds of meat. Veal and pork are more difficult of digestion. Potatoes and rice are an excellent substitute for bread. It may be remarked that delicate children require that their food should be well cooked and of a good quality. Those who are strong and take hardy exercise need not be so scrupulous, though it is still better, in all cases, to have food in the most perfect condition which circumstances permit.

Pies, cakes, and sweetmeats should be absolutely interdicted. I know it is a very pleasant thing to see children gratified. It is pleasant for grandmothers and aunts to bestow these nice things upon those they love, and they may deem it kind and generous to do so. But it is, in point of fact, mere selfishness. These things are universally known to be poisonous

to children, and those who give them are coNscious that they are purchasing the momentary smile of satisfaction at the risk of after sickness, and perhaps incurable disease. There is one practice which cannot be too severely reprobated, that of giving pies, cakes and sweetmeats to children without the consent of their parents. Whether this be done thoughtlessly or otherwise, it is a more serious injury to parent and child than to beat the latter, even without cause or provocation.

Tea and coffee should be totally withheld from children under ten years old. The former should never be taken, unless it is weak, before the age of twenty. Green tea is a strong stimulant, and can never be taken without injurious consequences by some persons. Black tea is much safer; mixed with green it is very palatable, and has no bad effects upon persons arrived at mature age. Coffee is a strong narcotic, and operates differently on different perTo some, it is a poison, producing nausea or great nervous irritability; others appear to take it without injury. But it is never safe for children or young persons. Even if it produces no immediate, visible evil, it is sure to lay the foundation of after mischief. It weakens the digestive energy of the stomach, and

sons.