By beginning thus early, the highest skill in any occupation or calling may be best attained. The nervous system grows into the strength requisite to conduct it in all its diversities much more readily and thoroughly while in its years of growth, than is ever possible in later years. The occupation at this period becomes, so to speak, wrought into the texture of the nervous system, constituting, as it were, a part of it, so that in after-life it is conducted with much less friction and mental anxiety than would otherwise be certain to exist; while the discipline which comes to the brain in the process of learning, should be of quite as much value as may come from other modes of education. There can be little doubt that statistics would confirm the statement, that a large majority of those men who attain to success in almost any mechanical occupation, are those who began their education in this way, while young; the large majority of inventors in any kind of machinery are those who have thoroughly mastered the details of the kind of work to be done, in early life; while, on the other hand, the larger number of those who fail, are persons who have not been carefully educated in the pursuits they have chosen to follow. The inferences to be drawn from the above considerations would appear to point in one direction. There can be no doubt that the irritation attending the conduct of a business or employment which has been only half-learned, and the disappointments which come from failure and recognized inability, have largely to do with creating instability of brain-action, and consequent insanity. If, therefore, we desire to do any thing toward diminishing the large numbers from these classes which now require care and treatment in asylums, one of the most efficient means of accomplishing this would be some such change in the course of the public system of education, as would enable these persons to qualify themselves for self-support by various modes and kinds of labor. The same principles apply equally to _domestic service_. This, certainly, is one of the most important kinds of labor when regarded in relation to the comfort, happiness, and health of society, while its indirect influence upon family-life is, perhaps, greater than that of almost any other. Probably there exists no other source of so much irritation, discomfort and dissatisfaction, in home-life as the utter inefficiency of domestic service in this country. Perhaps no one cause has more largely contributed toward creating a dislike for family-life, and a tendency to seek hotels and boarding-houses. There is no one more potent influence in creating dyspepsia and ill-health of various kinds than illy prepared food, leaving out of consideration the loss of enjoyment which would come from its use when skilfully prepared.