a store of costly ornaments for her luxuriant successors. But I cannot stay to enumerate the graces and good qualities of all my children. You, my poor December, dark in your complexion, and cold in your temper, greatly resemble my first-born January, with this difference, that he was most prone to anticipation, and you to reflection."

"If there should be any, who, upon hearing my dying lamentation, may feel regret that they have not treated me more kindly, I would beg leave to hint, that it is still possible to make some compensation for their past conduct, by rendering me, during my few remaining days, as much service as may yet be in their power: let them testify the sincerity of their sorrow by an immediate alteration in their behaviour. It would give me particular pleasure to see my only surviving child treated with respect let no one slight her offerings: she has a considerable part of my property still to dispose of, which, if well employed, will turn to good account. Not to mention the rest, there are four precious Sundays yet in her gift; it would cheer my last moments to know that these had been better prized than the past."

"It is very likely, at least after my decease, that many may reflect upon themselves for their misconduct towards me. To such I would leave it as my dying injunction, not to waste time in unavailing regret; all their wishes and repentance will not recall me to life. I shall never, never return! I would rather earnestly recommend to their regard my youthful successor, whose appearance is shortly

expected I cannot hope to survive long enough to

:

introduce him but I would fain hope that he will meet with a favourable reception; and that in addition to the flattering honours which greeted my birth, and the fair promises which deceived my hopes, more diligent exertion, more persevering effort, may be employed. Let it be remembered, that one honest endeavour is worth ten fair pro mises."

Having thus spoken, the Old Year fell back on his couch, nearly exhausted; and trembling so violently as to shake the last shower of golden leaves from his canopy. Let us all hasten to testify our gratitude for his services, and repentance for our abuse of them, by improving the few remaining days of his existence, and by remembering the solemn promises we made him in his youth. This is the best preparation we can make for his expected

successor.

IX.

THEORY AND PRACTICE.

ONE evening during the vacation, Frank, a tall school-boy, amused his younger brother Harry, by reading an essay which had gained him the first prize at school. The subject was Self-Denial. Frank was a clever lad, and had acquitted himself very well. He represented his subject in so striking

a light, that it made a considerable impression on the mind of his young auditor; who, as soon as it was finished, thanked his brother for his good advice, and expressed a determination of endeavouring to profit by it." I am afraid," said he, "I have never learned to deny myself as I ought; but I hope, brother Frank, that I shall not forget this lesson of yours: I wish now you would be so kind as to give me some more good hints on the subject."

Now Frank, not considering this the best possible compliment that could be paid to his composition, felt disappointed that, instead of commenting upon the force of his arguments, or the graces of his style, he should begin gravely to moralize about it; and it confirmed him in a favourite opinion of his, that his brother Harry had not a spark of genius, nor ever would have.

Harry repeated his request; but finding his brother more inclined to discuss the merits, and relate the success of his essay, than to draw a practical improvement from it, he contented himself with his own private resolutions. "To-morrow," said he to himself, "to-morrow morning I will begin.-But why not begin to-night?"-The clock had just struck, and Harry recollected that his mother had desired them not to sit up a minute after the clock struck nine. He reminded his brother of this order. "Never mind," said Frank- -"here's a famous fire, and I shall stay and enjoy it."—"Yes," said Harry, "here's a famous fire, and I should like to stay and enjoy it; but that would not be self-denial, would it, Frank ?"

"Nonsense!" said Frank- "I shall not stir yet, I promise you."—" Then good night to you," said Harry.

Now, whether his brother was correct in his opinion of Harry's want of genius, we shall not stay to inquire; indeed it is a question of very little importance, either to us or to him; since it cannot be denied, that his reflections, and his conduct, on this occasion, displayed good sense, good principle, and strength of character; and these are sterling qualities, for which the brightest sparks of genius would be a poor exchange.

Six o'clock was the time at which Harry was expected to rise; but not unfrequently since the cold weather set in, he had indulged an hour longer. When it struck six the next morning, he started up, but the air felt so frosty, that he had a strong incli, nation to lie down again." But no!" thought he— "here is a fine opportunity for self-denial;" and up he jumped without further hesitation.

"Frank, Frank," said he to his sleeping brother

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past six o'clock, and a fine star-light morning." "Let me alone," cried Frank, in a cross, drowsy voice." Very well, then; a pleasant nap to you," said Harry, and down he ran as gay as a lark.

After finishing his Latin exercise, he had time to take a pleasant walk before breakfast this morning; so that he came in fresh and rosy; with a good appetite; and, what was still better, in a good humour.

But, poor Frank, who had just tumbled out of bed when the bell rang for prayer, came down, looking pale, and cross, and cold, and discontented.-Harry,

who, if he had no genius, had some sly drollery of his own, was just beginning to rally him on his forlorn appearance, when he recollected his resolution"Frank does not like to be laughed at, especially when he is cross," thought he; so he suppressed his joke; and it requires some self-denial, even to suppress a joke.

During breakfast, his father promised that if the weather continued fine, Harry should ride out with him before dinner on the grey pony. Harry was much delighted with this proposal, and the thought of it occurred to him very often during the business of the morning. The sun shone cheerily in at the parlour windows, and seemed to promise fair for a fine day. About noon, however, it became rather cloudy, and Harry was somewhat startled to perceive a few large drops upon the flag-stones in the court; he equipped himself, nevertheless, in his great coat at the time appointed, and stood playing with his whip in the hall, waiting to see the horses led out. His mother now passing by, said, "My dear boy, I am afraid there can be no riding this morning; do you see that the stones are quite wet?""Dear mother," said Harry, "you surely do not imagine that I am afraid of a few drops of rain!-besides, I don't believe it rains at all now." "It seems to me to be coming up very heavy from the south," said his mother." It will be no more than a shower, at any rate," replied Harry. Just then his father came in; who looked first at the clouds, then at the barometer, then at Harry, and shook his head.