The circumstances of the family made it necessary that all should share in its support, and, as soon as he was thought capable, my father was put--as were other children of his age--to do such work at the mine as was then almost the only employment open to children. They were set at picking up the ore for wheeling from the opening, and other light work suited to their age, the labor and responsibility being increased as they grew older. The advantages of education for the children of the working classes were few indeed at that day, and where so many mouths were to be fed, but little could be spared for books or schooling. My father early developed a fondness for reading which grew into an earnest thirst for knowledge, leading him to devote much of the time spent by other boys in play to the search for it as for hid treasure. There was considerable natural musical talent in the family, and, as my father had a sweet voice, he was early taken into the surpliced boy-choir of the parish church, to which one or two of his brothers belonged, though his family were devoted members of the Wesleyan church of Camborne. The beautiful ritual of the church and its impressive services had a refining influence upon the sensitive boy, and the musical training he there received was of much value to him, and gave him much enjoyment in after life. He used to speak with enthusiasm of this experience, and I have often heard him tell of the delight with which the boys would go forth in the frosty air of the Christmas morning to sing carols under the windows of their friends, and how eagerly they would catch the pennies which were thrown from the windows in response to their greeting. The drinking habit of those days was universal, and total abstinence was a thing unknown; and I have heard him say that the good rector, Parson Rogers, would often pat the boys affectionately when they had done particularly well, and say, "You have done well, boys. Now come with me and have a little drop of something warm." His connection with the parish choir was also the means of attracting the notice of some people of influence who were afterwards of much assistance to him. As he grew older, his interest in education increased greatly, and produced a distaste for the drudgery of his life at the mine. The conviction grew upon him that he was fitted for something better, and while he patiently bided his time, he was diligently improving every opportunity for study. Kind friends soon noticed the boy's struggles, and began to encourage him by lending him books, assisting him in evening studies, and giving him help in every possible way. Prominent among these were Mr. Thomas Davey, Mr. Thomas Garland, Dr. George Smith, the author and scholar, Lady Bassett, and Lord De Dunstanville of Tehidy, whose kindness and sympathy were very helpful.