The problem is not so much to do new things character noted, even immediately after the as to do with the pen just what we do every reading. In five minutes, probably everything diy in conversation.

will be forgotten except one trait. That one is The letters of Matthew Arnold have been

now fixed in the memory and will remain. It published in very careful form. No doubt one is: “His childlike pleasure in his own perthing considered in selecting the editor was his formances—' Did I say that? How good that appreciation of style. He has written a “Pref- was!"" The quoted sentence really represents atory Note,” which attempts to characterize to us the whole of the character of Matthew Matthew Arnold. The writer himself calls his Arnold. We do him injustice, for there are work “character-painting.” The manner in other and much more important characteristics which it is done may be instructive. I shall that we should keep in mind. It has not been quote something from it.

made possible for us to do so. If, then, the His faculty of enjoyment was peculiarly keen, and rest of that "Prefatory Note” has accomplished there were few departments of life which it did not

nothing, it should not have been printed. It touch. Before all else he was a worshipper of Nature,

is worthless. watching all her changing aspects with a loverlike as

Readers are disappointed, for siduity, and never happy in a long-continued separa- they would like to know what manner of man tion from her. Then his manifold culture and fine taste Matthew Arnold was.

It is as easy to tell them enabled him to appreciate at its proper value all that is in the right way as to take the wrong way and good in high civilization; and yet the unspoilt natural

tell nothing at all. A paragraph from one of ness of his character found a zest in the most commonplace pleasures of daily existence. Probably Art,

the first letters in the same volume may furnish whether in music or in painting, affected him less

an illustration. than most men of equal cultivation; but there never Bournemouth on the Sea is a very stupid place; a lived a human being to whom Literature and society, great moorland covered with furze and low pine woods books and people-taking each word in its most compre- comes down to the seashore, and breaks dowa towards hensive sense, yielded a livelier or a more constant joy. it in a long sweep of cliff, half sand, half mud. There

As we think of him, endearing traits of character are no little bays and ins and outs as in the Isle of Mar.. come crowding on the memory: his merry interest in but to the right and left you see one immense, gradhis friends' concerns; his love of children; his kindness ually-curving line till the coast ends in two ordinary to animals; his absolute freedom from bitterness, headlands at great distances on each side of you. A rancour, and envy; his unstinted admiration of beauty little brook runs into the sea here, and my great amuseand cleverness: his frank enjoyment of light and color, ment was to hang upon the bridge and watch two little of a happy phrase, an apt quotation, a pretty room, a girls who had laid a plank across the stream below me, well-arranged dinner, & fine vintage; his childlike almost touching the water, the banks being on a level pleasure in his own performances--"Did I say that? with it, and kept running across it by turns, splashing How good that was!”

themselves by the jigging of the plank. Seeing me But all these trifling touches of character-painting watch them always made them go faster and faster, tend to overlay and perhaps to obscure the true portrait- till at last they were nearly wet through, and went ure of Matthew Arnold. He was pre-eminently a home to change. good man; gentle, generous, enduring, laborious; a devoted husband, a most tender father, an unfailing

After reading that paragraph, one does not friend.

need to be told of Matthew Arnold's appreciaEvidently those paragraphs are written by a

tion of nature, or of how he and children would man who knows much about how to write. But get on together. The few sentences give a it is possible that his work after all is not much more just and a much more distinct imthoroughly successful. When the reader has pression of the man than is given by the whole completed the sketch, he really knows very

of the prefatory note. That note is written little about Matthew Arnold which he did not precisely as we have assumed that a friend know before. He forms no clear impression of

would write ubout a man seeking employment. the individuality of Matthew Arnold, of the It is not written as anyone would talk. This is difference between Matthew Arnold and other clear. good men. Very few readers would find them- Listeners have the privilege of showing that selves able, without refreshing the memory, to they are not following what is said to them. In state correctly as many as three of the traits of fact, they show it whether they intend to or

1

not. Readers are without this privilege, and on the large farm of Simon Perkins, Jr. They farmed they are also more docile. They are inclined it in partnership. Subsequently Brown went to Europe to blame themselves undeservedly. If writers

for the purpose of purchasing finely bred cattle and

sheep. He purchased in England specimens of Durcould be warned when they go wrong as ham and Devonshire cattle. In Spain he purchased of promptly as talkers are, writing would quickly some Catholic monks some fine grades of merino sheep. become as effective as speech.

All these cattle and sheep were shipped to the United In talking about people, we are sure to be States, and placed on the Perkins farm. As the years

went by, the cattle and sheep increased in numbers. reminded that we are not giving any clear no

It was the pride of Brown to walk off with the pretion until we begin to cite definite, concrete

miums on cattle and sheep at the annual fairs of Sumillustrations. If we withhold the data upon mit county, Ohio. His smooth, red Devonshire oxen, which our own conclusions are based, we do so with their beautiful horns tipped with brass knobs,

We

were the admiration of all. The firm knowing that our talk has not succeeded.

erkins and

Brown was annually awarded the premium for the best often end by telling some incident which we

and finest wool by the American Institute, New York, had intended to keep to ourselves, because we for a number of years. feel that we must tell it if a just impression is

This is the way the writer begins. Probably to be given. A writer is not made to feel this,

most readers have up to this time thought of but he fails no less certainly whenever he tells

John Brown vaguely as a man who farmed what he thinks and leaves out why he thinks so.

stony hills with a hoe, as an unworldly, imThe human mind is so constructed that it must practical “crank,” lacking utterly in balance have its experiences at first hand. If this were

and in executive ability. They will never have not true, the reputations of good men would be

such an impression hereafter. The writer much less secure than it was ever intended that

makes no comment here or elsewhere, but goes they should be.

directly from one significant incident to another. Certainly one of the most picturesque and in- In 1852 Brown missed one of his fat merinos. He set teresting characters in American history is a watch, and in a few days he found another missing, John Brown. Many of us feel this, and feel,

and he traced it to the premises of a neighbor named

Ruggles. He sent word to Ruggles that his merino too, that we have no sound knowledge of the

sheep cost him $300 a head, and that if Ruggles could man. We should be glad of a chance to know

not purchase mutton for his family, he (Brown) had some him. McClure's Magazine for January, 1898, Bakewell sheep which were much better for mutton gives readers this chance. Anyone who can than the merinos, and much cheaper, and if Ruggles secure a copy should do so. He will then be would come to his farm he would make him a present

of a Bakewell sheep occasionally. permitted to know John Brown, and this is an

Brown, it was well known at this time, was in prin. experience one can not afford to miss. And,

ciple, as well as practice, a non-resistant. He bewhat, I think, is still more important, he will lieved in the doctrine which Christ preached on the have an opportunity to learn how to make Mount, that if one is hit on the right cheek, he should others appreciate character. Possibly the man

turn the other also. The man Ruggles knew this as who wrote the “ Reminiscences of John Brown"

well as others, and it probably prompted him in the

course he pursued. He cut a stout hickory sapling, there printed never wrote another article. He

and one day, when he spied Brown drive out to the is not a stylist like the editor of Matthew forest for a load of wood, he stationed himself at the Arnold's letters. But his instinct has led him point where Brown would emerge into the public highright, as instinct led Shakespeare right. It is

way, and waited till Brown appeared. Then he apnot to lack in appreciation for Shakespeare to

plied the hickory sapling across Brown's shoulders.

Every blow drew blood. Brown simply folded his believe that whoever succeeds in characterizing

arms and waited for the threshing to end. The blood must necessarily characterize in Shakespeare's ran down into his boots; between twenty and thirty way. A few extracts from the article here re- lashes were given. ferred to may be given, but the whole article

The writer then tells of the grievous wrongs should be read.

the children of John Brown suffered at the

hands of the border ruffians in Kansas, and how In 1842, when I first settled at Akron, Ohio, I became acquainted with John Brown, afterwards called “Osa- a letter signed by all of the children was sent to watomie" Brown. He lived one mile west of Akron, their father.

He had, he said, a letter from his children in Kansas, doubt but that it would be an unhealthy proceeding to and he took a seat and read the letter. He said that tickle the nose of the chosen of the Lord again. the letter had put him in an awful frame of mind.

The extracts given are not sufficient to charHis principle was non-resistance, but his feeling and desire were to go to Kansas and forcibly defend his

acterize John Brown, and they do not do juschildren. After first reading the letter, he told me,

tice to the article froin which they are taken. when he and his wife had finished their supper, he took However, I believe they will show quite clearly down his Bible and read a chapter from the New Testa

that the way here followed is the way to charment. Then they knelt in prayer. He prayed that

acterize John Brown or anyone else. It is God would give him light as to what course he should pursue. But he got no light. Then he read another Shakespeare's way, and the way of every chapter, and his wife prayed. Yet another chapter

writer who has succeeded in characterization. was read, and then he and his wife prayed alternately And the way is, to let the reader know the till midnight. Still no light was shed on his pathway, words a man says and the deeds a man does, and nor did he feel any relief. But all at once, about mid

to leave these to speak for themselves. One night, he was reminded that he had read only from the New Testament, and he resolved to try the Old Testa

man's impression will never satisfy another ment. In the first chapter he turned to he read, “ And man's mind; but what produced the impression the Lord said unto Saul, Go out and slay the Philis- once may be relied upon to produce it again. tines.” He then saw a ray of light, and he and his wife There are some things in life that can not be again knelt in prayer. While he was praying this time, he heard the voice of the Lord in the upper part

registered adequately upon the written page. of the room they were in saying, “John Brown, go to

A look or a tone may give significance to a Kansas and slay the Border Ruffians!” This brought

word not at all significant in itself. In historigenuine relief to his troubled mind. So he told his cal or biographical writing, it may be necessary wife they would go to bed and obtain some sleep, and

to give only the words as spoken. In fiction in the morning he would start for Kansas in obedience

and in such practice work as is now recomto the command of Almighty God.

mended, words one may have heard should be The development of John Brown's character so changed as to give the impression produced during the Border War is traced in the same by the words and the look or the words and the manner. It can not be followed here. One

tone. Deeds also may be so changed as to give more incident may be given, however, to show a definite and true impression. Facts may be what this non-resistant became. John Brown, made to tell the most dangerous falsehoods, with ten men, captured a United States mar- and fiction may be the truest truth. shal and his posse of twenty men who had come It is not necessary to have evidence as to all to arrest him.

traits in a character in order to know the char

acter thoroughly, any more than it is necessary Brown said that it was customary for him to have prayers before breakfast, and he and all his men knelt to describe every detail of a man's face and cosdown in the prairie grass, and Brown began to pray. tume before a reader can know how he looks. A young man named Boggs, who was one of the posse, When we know one trait of character, we asgave me these facts in 1859. He said that as Brown

sume the existence of others in harmony with knelt there in the prairie grass, the scene seemed to him so comical that he plucked a stalk of grass and

it. If we find out that George Washington tickled Brown's nose. Brown opened his eyes; but

will not lie, we do not care to be told that he without break or pause he spoke on in the same monot- will not steal. We know that also, or think onous tone as before, and seemed to be continuing his

we do; and, so far as the impression is conprayer. His words, however, as Boggs remembered cerned, this is the same thing. Significant them, were these: "Young man, if you do that again,

traits should be selected, and the reader should I will put you where the mosquitoes will never sting you any more: Oh, Lord, have mercy on these Border be given such significant words and acts as will Ruffians who are persecuting the chosen of the Lord.” make him know those traits.

Boggs said that when Brown opened his eyes, looked I wish to repeat what was said in the last at him, and said, “Young man," holding, as he did, a

number, that the only way one can learn to revolver in one hand and a rifle in the other, he

write is by writing. All available time during (Boggs) felt the hair on the top of his head suddenly rise up, and a shudder passed quickly from the roots of his

the next month should be given to characterizhair to his toe na ls; and he had not the slightest ing. One's own experience or imagination should suggest the material, and preferably characterize. For profitable reading, I would one's experience. As in visualizing, eccentric suggest “Five Hundred Dollars and Other or striking characters should be selected for Stories,” by Heman White Chaplin, and “Befirst work. If caricature is the result, no harm side the Bonnie Brier Bush,” by “Ian Macis done. Later, one will develop the ability to Laren.” Little, Brown & Company, of Bospresent more conventional persons, and to do ton, published the former, and Dodd, Mead & perfect justice without loss of vividness. It Company, of New York, the latter. will be found best to visualize first and then to

C. F. ANSLEY.

CHILD STUDY DEPARTMENT

G. W. A. LUCKEY, Editor. THE readers of this department who be- conception and exert their most powerful influ

came interested in the series of articles ence during pre-natal life and the first few years

by J. K. Stableton on “The Study of of infancy. Nearly every parent is willing to Boys Entering the Adolescent Period of Life” make any sacrifice for the benefit of his chilwill be pleased to know that these excellent dren, but few, however, seem to realize how characterizations of typical adolescent cases are much of the child's future success depends upon to continue during the present year. In his pure, healthy, happy, and intellectual parents. long and successful career as a teacher of youth, I am much pleased with the short paper by Mr. Stableton has had many advantages in mak- M. H. Small, entitled, “ An Experiment Boring observations and has made good use of his rowed from the School Room,” as it seems to me opportunities.

to call attention to a vital principle in all true In chapter VII., on Arrested Development, he teaching. If the development of the individdescribes the conditions of two boys who were ual judgment is one of the main points to be slow in maturing. The paper being too long gained in successful teaching, we may by for the space at our disposal we have found it thoughtlessness destroy what we are aiming to necessary to reserve half for the December develop. No one can have studied too carefully issue.

the principles involved in mental development Reading these articles will bring to mind nor have examined too closely his manner of many similar cases and help, I am sure, in di- presenting material that it be not confusing. recting attention to a greatly neglected period The article is much condensed and will reof life. While these studies are intended pri- quire careful reading. marily for high school teachers, they contain It is thought that the paper by A. Caswell much of value for every one who is in any Ellis on “Play in Education” will direct attenway connected with the rearing or training of tion to the most natural means of instruction children.

and furnish material for interesting and profitThe paper by Oscar Chrisman on the “Child able discussion at the various teachers' meetings and Parent," while somewhat out of the usual and child study clubs. As will be seen through order for this department, will, I believe, be the many quotations from leading educators, found of interest to many persons and espe- this subject has already received considerable cially so to parents. One can not proceed far attention; nevertheless we have not yet learned in child study without appreciating the im- how to apply the principle of play and interest portance of true manhood and womanhood in with best advantage in our teaching. the rearing of children. While it is true that In the last issue of the MONTHLY We published nutrition and environment play the larger part a brief abstract of an interesting paper by in the development of the individual, it is also Jennie B. Merrill, of New York City, on “Chiltrue that these factors begin their work before dren's Gardens,” and I desire to offer as a fitting

IM

supplement to the above the article by Jas. A months by the janitor. The plants may be Merrill, of Kansas City, entitled “School Gar- studied, not in the school room only, but in the dens." Mr. Merrill's article was received sev- garden also as often as circumstances may reeral months ago, but could not be published on quire. account of the limits of the department. The In the country districts and in villages where subject is one demanding attention, and I believe

the hill, slope, and stream with their delicately will be found feasible in a great many places. adjusted flora are within a stone's throw of the Four years of my experience as a teacher were school building, the need is not so pressing in spent in Ontario, Cal., where a beautiful and

view of the meagre equipment in other lines. well-kept flower garden within the school yard But in the cities, where the natural forms have of two and a half acres was the daily delight of been removed and replaced partially by the the children, and furnished an almost constant highly cultivated varieties, some provision for the supply of bouquets for the teachers' desks.

study of the native flora is very desirable. Suitable fields for such work are often hard to find ac

cessible to schools, especially high schools, and School Gardens.

the result is that the teacher depends upon the N the struggle between the real and unreal

green house for flowers. To such schools the in education there have been discovered a few

garden is the solution of a very difficult probpedagogical principles concerning the rela

lem, although even the best equipped garden tion of subject matter to child mind. These

will not altogether take the place of field work. principles would replace theories with facts and The establishment of these gardens is a probmeaningless memorizing with complete mental

lem for the teacher to solve. In most cases activity. In the sciences these principles have the school grounds are large enough to set led to original investigation in which the stu- aside a considerable area for plants, but, if not, dent becomes an active agent and a discoverer a vacant lot can be secured near by. in the unfolding of the subject.

Window gardens may be made to take the In botany the laboratory with its opportuni- place of the yard to a certain extent, and, in ties for studying the structure of the plant has

case of failure to get a portion of school been made to supplement the text-book and grounds, may render considerable service. the analytical key.

In large cities the difficulties will be hardest But even this is not enough since the pupil to overcome, since the grounds are usually has come in contact with the structure only and small, but if the school sentiment is strong, has entirely ignored the plant as a living organ- the desired result may be accomplished. ism. In order to know the plant thoroughly In such places, if the school grounds are too he must understand its processes of food-get- small to prevent sufficient planting, there is ting and its means of offensive and defensive yet one recourse—the public park. The parks, warfare as it is actively engaged in the struggle which are set apart by the people for their enfor existence. Hence field work becomes a lightenment and enjoyment, on account of the necessity, not for the purpose of collecting and accessibility of their location, and the care classifying plants, but to study them at home taken of them, are the places above all others in the surroundings in which nature has de- where this idea could be carried out. veloped them. It is this plan of botanical Park boards are interested in giving to the study that school gardens are to encourage. public the combination of scenery which is

School gardens are small areas set apart on most pleasant and restful. To this end they the school grounds or in the vicinity of the consult the public demand, and the strongest school buildings for the purpose of furnishing influence brought to bear upon them is usually material for nature study. They may be cared from the greenhouses or from people who frefor during the school term by pupils under the quent greenhouses. In the profusion of gordirection of the teacher and during the summer geous color which has been cultivated to meet