I propose, therefore, that you
appoint a committee, in whose abilities and judgment you can confide,
and let them examine this subject and report. They might ascertain how
much other classes have done, and how much is expedient for this class
to attempt; and then, by estimating the number of recitations assigned
to this study, they can easily determine what should be the length of
the lessons."
The plan was adopted, and the report put an end to the difficulty.
6. ENGLISH COMPOSITION.--The great prevailing fault of writers in this
country is an affectation of eloquence. It is almost universally the
fashion to aim, not at striking thoughts, simply and clearly expressed,
but at splendid language, glowing imagery, and magnificent periods. It
arises, perhaps, from the fact that public speaking is the almost
universal object of ambition, and, consequently, both at school and at
college, nothing is thought of but oratory. Vain attempts at oratory
result, in nine cases out of ten, in grandiloquence and empty
verbiage--common thoughts expressed in pompous periods.
The teacher should guard against this, and assign to children such
subjects as are within the field of childish observation. A little skill
on his part will soon determine the question which kind of writing shall
prevail in his school. The following specimens, both written with some
skill, will illustrate the two kinds of writing alluded to. Both were
written by pupils of the same age, twelve; one a boy, the other a girl.
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