The San Francisco call., 1899-11-22
Copyright, 1899, by Seymour Eaton.

and a definite line followed. The read
Ing habits OF some persons are Largely
mechanical a book 20 be useful must
be read in such a manner as 20 stimulate
the brain. enlarge the understanding and
inspire 10 noble purpose. IL Is foolish 10
devOur many books without some settled
plan Unless reflection follows. IL does
little good 10 read. Elizabeth Barrett
Browning says: we err by reading too
much and out OF proportion 10 what wo
think. The gifted pOetess has recon-
mended concentration. Too often there
is no system in the selection Of books. and
what is read does not cultivate thought.
Many persons regard thinking as hard
work. They forget that EFFORT, self-cOn-
trol and even hard work may be needed
II mental growth is not 10 be stunted.
There may be real enjoyment with dis
1t is we'll to have regular hours for
reading. IL possible a set time should be
assigned for study. With many persons
this may be difficult. Every girl has.
however. some opportunity for self-im-
prOvement. Women have been known to
read while waiting for the kettle 10 boil
or while rocking the bahy 70 sleep. Mary
SOmerville, authOress Of THE Mechanism
OF the Heavens" did much valuable WORK
as a student, although she had also 20
take care OF her family. Devotion 10 the
customs OF modern society should not be
allowed 10 stand I'm the way OF inteilec-
tual progress. Better 10 decline attend
ing some OF the lat homes than to be
ignorant OF books Conversation Is en-
joyable when there is something 10 talk
about. a girl who knows nothing Is
very poor company. An intelligent
young woman. II she has culture at the
same time. Is sure 10 gain esteem
SO Tar as possible. a PERSONS reaiirg
should be by subjects. The subject
chosen should have some bearing upon
special course marked out for them
selves. They take up their time with
the first bOok-usually a nOvel-that
comes 10 hand. Their bill OF far, mas no
reference az fa
needed TO promote mental growth. At
tention 10 one subject at a time does not
imply that the reader should become ac-
quainted with only one branch Il knOwl-
edge. For the majority OF girl general
Information Is required. OF course. N a
young woman Is preparing herself fer
some special calling. special reading will
be necessary. The suggestions given In
these papers have particularly In view
that numerous class Of girls who do not
expect 10 follow professional pursuits
The art Of skipping Is very Cesirabls
one IL wisely employed. For young per-
sons II has its dangers, as II leads -
superficial reading. A well-read student
out going through every line. one who Is
familiar with the daily newspapers =
able. II intelligent. TO see az a glance the
facts and arguments OF an article. Ths
art OF skipping is really the art q shuu-
ming what Is frivolous. misleading or for
eign TO the ma purpose. IL evident
that this power OF careful selection re-
and an eye that sweeps in everything n
its range. Too many girls have n GER
tain habit OF skipping which Is harmful
As a result their reading becomes
scrappy and fragmentary. II lacks thor
oughness. They get probably what they
are seeking, but what they gather Is OF
the lightest character possible
Reading should not be continued when
the mind Is fatigued. FO- the majority
OF persons this advice Is unnecessary
Apart from novel reading. there IL not
much excessive attention 10 good lltera-
ture. Intellectual idleness is Ols OF the
most prevalent diseases Of the day. Some
persons dream away two-thirds OF Iife
IndOlent sentiment satisfies the multi
tude. rather than the storm ana battle
OF life. The star OF hope above does
not guide as many as would be desirable
At the same time. II must be acknowl-
edged that some young women are un-
mindful OF health in their laucable e.
forts TO gain knowledge. When the
mind is exhausted books should be laid
aside. To rob the mind or BODY OF
rest brings IT'S inevitable penalty. Great
readers should be great thinkers. INTEL
ligent thought demands that the brain
have time 10 recuperate.
Note-The papers in Reading Courses
and a Girls Library" have been prepared
by John Millar. M. A. They will be con-
tinued next week.