The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1843-02-13
Youths Department.
THEUSE LEAR MING.
aNL RESTING STORY FOR CHILL
DREN.
BY II. o. ARTHUR.

I'm tired OF going TO SCHOOL, SAID HERBERT Hieh
to William Wheeler, the boy who sat next to him.
Il don't see any great for my part, in studying
geometry, and navigation, and surveying and mensu
ration and the dozen other things that am expected
to learn. They'll never do me any good; I'm not
going to get my living surveyor, or measurer, or
captain
slow are you gong to get your living, Herbert?'
his Young friend asked, ia quiet tone, as ne looked
up into his face:
'Why, Pm going to learn trade; or, at least, my
father says that ] nm.'
sAnd so am ], replied William. 'And yet my ia
Their wishes TO learn every thing that can; for
no assures me that it'll be useful, time 9th
er in my life.'
'pm sure can't what use Pm ever going to
make, as a sadddler, Of algebra surveying
STILL il we can't it, Herbert, perhaps our faith
can, for they older and wiser than we are
And we should endeavor to learn simply because
they wish to- il, in every thing that we are
expected to study, we no not see clearly the USE
Il can't feel So Herbert replied tossing his head;
'and don't believe my father sees any more clearly
than do, the use Of all this ,
sYou are wrong to talk so, his friend said in
rious tone. would not think You do for the
world. My father knows what is best for me-and
90 does your father know what is best for you, and if
we do not confide in them will surely go wrong
Pm not afraid responded Herbert, closing the
book which he had been pouring reluctantly for
half an hour, in the vain effort to impress the lesson
on his unwilling memory; and taking marbles
from his pocket, began amusing himself with them at
the same time he concealed them from the teachers
observation.
William said no more, but turned to his lesson
with IN earnest attention. The difference in the
character of the two boys is too plainly indicated in
the brief conversation have recorded, to need fur
Their illustration. To their teacher it evident i'll
numerous particulars in their conduct that William
always recited his lesson correctly, while Herbert
never learned task well One punctua at
school-the other loiterer by the way Williams
books were we'll taken care of-IIerberts soed torn
dsfgured and broken, externally and internally.
Thus they began life. The one obedient, indusri
ous attentive the precepts Of those who older
and WISER and willing to be guided by them; the 9th
err indoent and inclined to follow the headings of his
own will, rather than the experienced teachings Of
others:
AS men, at the age of IS, we will again present
them to the reader. Mr. Wheeler is an intelligent
merchant, in an active business-whie Mr. Allen is a
journeyman mechanic, poor, and in embarrassed cir
cumsances land possessing but small share Of gener
al information.
sIIow do you do Mr. Allen?' said tho merchant,
about this time, the latter entered the counting room
of the former The contrast in their appearance was
very great. The merchant well dressed, and
had cheerful look, while the other poorly clad
and seemed sad and detected
81 can't say that do very well, Mr. Wheeler the
mechanic replied, in tone Of dependency Work
is very dull, and wages low, and with large fan,
lily as have, it is tough enough getting along under
the best circumstances
sIam really sorry to hear you say so, Mr. Allen, re
piled the merchant in kind tone; how much can
you now? ?
eff I had steady work, could make nine ten
dollars a week. Business is very bad; the substu
ton Of steam engines rail roads for horses turn
pixies, has broken in seriously upon the harness ma
king business. The consequence is, that do not ay
erage six dollars week the year round.
sYes--n the harness making branch 81 il -cspec
tally in large cities like this, where tho heavy wager
trade is almost entirely broken up
did you say that six dollars week were all thai
you could average?'
sYes SIR
'How large is your family''
Il have five children, SIR
sFive children! And only six dollars a week.
sThat is all sir. But six dollars will not support
them, and am in consequence going behind hand
sYou ought TO Try to get into other business
q ut don't know any other
The merchant unused Cor a while aud then said
perhaps can aid you in getting into something bet
ter am President Of newly projected railroad
and we about putting on the engine company o.
engineers, for the purpose Of surveying and locating
the route. You studied engineering and surveying al
school at the time that did, and Isuppose have
still knowledge Of both; if So will use my
influence to have you appointed surveyor The en-
gneer is already chosen, and at my desire will give
all requisite instructions until you revive your carly
knowledge Of these matters.
The salary is one thousand dollars year.
shadow still darker than that hch