fifty individuals to please, each of whom requires pleasing in a different manner! Let then some portion of the sympathy wasted upon the pupils be bestowed upon the governess; and let not those who are employed in the arduous task of training the rising generation to habits of wisdom and virtue, be exposed to ridicule when entitled to respect.

But our worst trials-and I would speak, Sir, with discretion-proceed not from the pupils, but the parents! When, at the end of a half-year, we dismiss the children with their bills and "specimens," and, wearied out with cares and labours, venture to anticipate a few weeks' repose, then commences our troubles with the parents and relatives! Then, day after day, brings so many letters of reproach, of complaint, of inquiry, and of giving notice, that, with the addition of bed-washing and housecleaning, the holidays themselves are but a climax to the plagues of the half-year! In self-defence, I lay before you a few letters which I received so lately as last Christmas. The first came from a country gentleman of some consequence, who thought he conferred honour on my establishment by allowing his daughter, a little sickly stupid thing, to remain in it one quarter.

“MR. — presents his compliments to Mrs. Steelcollar, and, conceiving that he has just ground of complaint against the domestic arrangements of Roseberry Villa, begs to inclose the amount of his daughter's bill, with a quarter in advance, as she will not return after the present vacation!"

I believe the fault in the "domestic arrangements" was the frequent recurrence of rice puddings; which, in common with every other experienced school-mistress, I con

sider most nutritious food for growing girls. The next letter came from the wife of a man, who having, with her assistance, realized a fortune as a pastry-cook, was determined that his daughter should "learn every thing."

"MA'AM,

"NEITHER me nor my husband think Georgiana come on in her learning, and we don't find that she has any thing to shew for all the money she has cost, which cannot be her fault, as she was a child of remarkable abilities while at home. I particularly desired, when I brought her to you, that she might begin directly to paint flowers, and play on the music, besides learning to sing; `instead of which, she has done nothing but read and write, and cast accounts; things which any charity-child can do, and quite beneath Georgiana, who will have ten thousand pounds to her fortune. Me and my husband, therefore, desire that she may set to genteel learning directly, as he wants to hear her play God save the King, and I want her to paint some screens for my best parlour chimney-piece," &c., &c.

You perceive, Sir, how the case stood. The child came to me a complete little cub, deplorably ignorant, even of the rudiments of knowledge; and at the urgent request of the masters, I delayed putting her into their hands, until, in a slight degree, prepared for their instruction. The writer of the following letter was a kind-hearted, well-principled woman; but-she was a manager!

"DEAR MADAM,

"THE girls reached home very safely and both Mr. and myself are well satisfied with their general

Their

improvement. Lucy's japanned table has been much admired; and so has Mary Sophia's imitation of Valenciennes lace. There are a few points on which I shall take the liberty of observing. Looking over their clothes by the inventory, I find that Lucy is three pocket handkerchiefs and a pair of gloves short of her proper quantity; and that Mary Sophia has brought home two odd shoes, and three towels which are not her own. frocks too, are, without an exception, torn at the pockethole; and their stockings are in a sad state, from not having been properly mended after every wash. I think you would find it advisable to employ a dentist once in each half-year. Lucy has a tooth which ought to have been removed some months since; and Mary Sophia's are by no means a good colour. I know you will excuse the friendly frankness of this letter, and I will, therefore, trouble you with one further request. In future, will you allow them to use the spoons, sheets, and towels, which I sent with them, marked with their own initials, as on this point I am rather particular. The girls know I am writing, and desire their love.

"Believe me, dear Madam," &c., &c.

Every candid mind will sympathize with me on reading the above. All the care I had bestowed on the childrens' minds, morals, carriage, and health, was nothing in comparison with an odd shoe and a missing pocket handker

chief!

The following needs no introduction-it merely announces a plague in prospect.

"MADAM,

"FROM the very high character I have heard of

your establishment, I am induced to place my little girl under your care, should you, at the close of the present vacation, be able to receive her. It is not without extreme reluctance that I consent to part with my darling from my sight, and I must, therefore, trouble you with a few hints respecting the management of her.

"She is extremely delicate; so much so, that she requires constant attention; but I strongly hope that the regular hours and habits of school may strengthen her constitution. I should wish her to take cocoa for breakfast, as milk I consider too heavy, and tea too light for her stomach; and as fasting is particularly injurious, she must take a little cold meat every day at noon, and never dine later than two. Her talents are, I am led to believe, of a very high order; but, what is by no means an uncommon case, her feelings are proportionately acute; indeed, such is the dear child's extreme sensibility, I fear a harsh word from her teachers, or even companions, would completely overcome her. Correction must, indeed, be administered with a gentle hand; and, as I fear her coming much in contact with children of ruder health and spirits, I could wish her to be principally with yourself out of school hours. Hitherto I have been singularly unfortunate in my choice of schools; but I cherish the hope that yours will meet the wishes of a mother only too anxious for the welfare of a darling child, who already gives promise of becoming all her friends can desire," &c., &c.

Thus, Sir, have I given you a few, and, alas! but a few, specimens of parental letter-writing. I will trespass no longer on your attention. I forbear enlarging on the privations, neglects, slights, and sarcasms, which we endure; dignified silence best befits injured merit; and, re

questing you, as a man of honour, to give publicity to this

counter-statement,

I have the honour to be, Sir,

Yours obediently,

MARTHA STEELCOLLAR.

As I understand your work has a most extensive circulation, you will not, I trust, refuse printing the following with my letter.

WANTED, in a long-established seminary, an underteacher, who is fully competent to instruct the younger classes in reading, writing, arithmetic, grammar, geography, and all the ornamental branches of sewing. She will have to take the entire charge of their clothes; and will be required to give occasional assistance in the house. Her salary will be fifteen guineas per annum, and the most unexceptionable references will be required.

N.B. No young woman but of acknowledged ability, and most respectable family, need apply. Roseberry Villa.

"LA MORT DE SOCRATE.”

CONSIDERING the high pretensions of M. de Lamartine to poetical rank in his own country, he has, I think, been comparatively slightly noticed in this. About three years ago, indeed, there was a regular round in all the principal literary journals of the day upon "Living French Poets." Those chiefly mentioned were M. de Lamartine, M.