“THIS little book,” answered _Worthy_, “contains much truth—and those short sketches traced by the hand of judgement, present to us the leading features of mankind.” “But,” replied my father, “that _interest should assume all shapes_, is a doctrine, which, in my mind, represents a caricature rather than a living picture.” “It is the duty of a painter to produce a likeness,” said _Worthy_,—“And a skilful one,” cried my father, continuing the metaphor, “will bring the amiable qualities of the heart to light; and throw those which disgrace humanity into the shade.” “I doubt,” rejoined _Worthy_, “whether this flattery will answer the purpose you aim to accomplish—You entertain a high opinion of _the dignity of human nature_, and are displeased at the author who advances anything derogatory to that dignity. _Swift_, in speaking of these maxims, in one of his best poems, affirms, “They argue no corrupted mind In him—the fault is in mankind.” “AS I began this subject,” added I, “it shall be ended by one observation—As these maxims give us an idea of the manners and characters of men, among whom a young person is soon to appear; and as it is necessary to her security and happiness that she be made acquainted with them—they may be read to advantage.” “THERE is another medium,” said Mr. _Holmes_, assenting to my observation, “to be noticed in the study of a lady—she takes up a book, either for instruction or entertainment—the medium lies in knowing when to put it down. Constant application becomes labour—it sours the temper—gives an air of thoughtfulness, and frequently of absence. By _immoderate reading_ we hoard up opinions and become insensibly attached to them; this miserly conduct sinks us to affectation, and disgustful pedantry; _conversation_ only can remedy this dangerous evil, strengthen the judgement, and make reading really useful. They mutually depend upon, and assist each other. “A KNOWLEDGE of HISTORY which exhibits to us in one view the rise, progress and decay of nations—which points out the advancement of the mind in society, and the improvements in the arts which adorn human nature, comes with propriety under the notice of a lady. To observe the origin of civilization—the gradual progress of society, and the refinements of manners, policy, morality and religion—to observe the progress of mankind from simplicity to luxury, from luxury to effeminacy, and the gradual steps of the decline of empire, and the dissolution of states and kingdoms, must blend that happy union of instruction and entertainment, which never fails to win our attention to the pursuit of all subjects.