While they are reading Natural History, might not a little _Gardening_, _Planting_, _Grafting_, _Inoculating_, etc., be taught and practised; and now and then Excursions made to the neighbouring Plantations of the best Farmers, their Methods observ'd and reason'd upon for the Information of Youth? The Improvement of Agriculture being useful to all, and Skill in it no Disparagement to any. The History of _Commerce_, of the Invention of Arts, Rise of Manufactures, Progress of Trade, Change of its Seats, with the Reasons, Causes, &c., may also be made entertaining to Youth, and will be useful to all. And this, with the Accounts in other History of the prodigious Force and Effect of Engines and Machines used in War, will naturally introduce a Desire to be instructed in _Mechanicks_, and to be inform'd of the Principles of that Art by which weak Men perform such Wonders, Labour is sav'd, Manufactures expedited, &c. This will be the Time to show them Prints of antient and modern Machines, to explain them, to let them be copied, and to give Lectures in Mechanical Philosophy. With the whole should be constantly inculcated and cultivated, that _Benignity of Mind_, which shows itself in _searching for_ and _seizing_ every Opportunity _to serve_ and _to oblige_; and is the Foundation of what is called GOOD BREEDING; highly useful to the Possessor, and most agreeable to all. The Idea of what is _true Merit_ should also be often presented to Youth, explain'd and impress'd on their _Minds_, as consisting in an _Inclination_ join'd with an _Ability_ to serve Mankind, one's Country, Friends and Family; which _Ability_ is (with the Blessing of God) to be acquir'd or greatly encreas'd by _true Learning_; and should indeed be the great _Aim_ and _End_ of all Learning. IDEA OF THE ENGLISH SCHOOL Sketch'd out for the Consideration of the Trustees of the Philadelphia Academy [1751][34] It is expected that every Scholar to be admitted into this School, be at least able to pronounce and divide the Syllables in Reading, and to write a legible Hand. None to be receiv'd that are under ---- Years of Age. FIRST OR LOWEST CLASS