“Therein lies the whole secret,” said Mr. Seymour: “when an occupation agreeably interests the understanding, imagination, or passions of children, it is what is commonly understood by the term _play_ or _sport_; whereas that which is not accompanied with such associations, and yet may be necessary for their future welfare, is, properly enough, designated as a _task_.” “I like the distinction,” observed the vicar. “Then may I hope that you will indulge me so far as to listen to the scheme by which it is my intention to turn ‘Sport into Science,’ or, in other words, _Toys_ into instruments of _Philosophical Instruction_?” The vicar nodded assent. Mr. Seymour proceeded--“In the first place, I would give the boy some general notions with regard to the properties of matter, such as its gravitation, vis inertiæ, elasticity, &c. What apparatus can be required for such a purpose, beyond some of the more simple toys? Indeed, I will undertake to demonstrate the three grand laws of motion by a game at ball; while the composition and resolution of forces may be beautifully exemplified during a game of marbles, especially that of ‘ring-taw;’ but in order that you may more clearly comprehend the capability of my plan, allow me to enumerate the various philosophical principles which are involved in the operation of the several more popular toys and sports. We will commence with the ball; which will illustrate the nature and phenomena of _elasticity_, as it leaps from the ground;--of _rotatory motion_, while it runs along its surface;--of _reflected motion_, and of the _angles of incidence and reflection_, as it rebounds from the wall;--and of _projectiles_, as it is whirled through the air; at the same time the cricket-bat may serve to explain the _centre of percussion_. A game at marbles may be made subservient to the same purposes, and will farther assist us in conveying clear ideas upon the subject of the _collision of elastic and non-elastic bodies_, and of their _velocities and direction after impact_. The _composition and resolution of forces_ may be explained at the same time. The nature of _elastic springs_ will require no other apparatus for its elucidation than Jack in the box, and the numerous leaping-frogs and cats with which the nursery abounds. The leathern sucker will exemplify the nature of _cohesion_, and the effect of water in filling up those inequalities by which contiguous surfaces are deprived of their attractive power; it will, at the same time, demonstrate the nature of a _vacuum_, and the influence of _atmospheric pressure_. The squirt will afford a farther illustration of the same views, and will furnish a practical proof of the weight of the atmosphere in raising a column of water. The theory of the pump will necessarily follow. The great elasticity of air, and the opposite property of water, I shall be able to show by the amusing exhibition of the ‘_Bottle Imps_.’” “Bottle Imps!--‘_Acheronta movebis_,’” muttered the vicar.