of descriptive subjects; since nature presents them with great profusion everywhere. Whenever the student wishes to cast his looks around the universe; whether it be in the still hours of midnight, when the firmament is kindled with a countless number of stars; or at midday, when the world is enlightened by the rays of the sun; and in any place whatever, either on the top of a rugged mountain, and on the brink of an awful precipice, or on a boundless plain; or in the tempestuous ocean; his eye will meet everywhere objects worthy of description; such as lakes, rivers, brooks, forests, plants, herbs, living creatures of all kinds, displaying a numberless variety of properties and adjuncts, each one of which may be described. The student, whose imagination is not kindled by the varied scenery of a whole universe before him; who, having thousands of objects, qualities, and adjuncts, in sight, cannot find subjects, ideas, or words, for description, is truly one that has eyes, and cannot see; and has a tongue, and cannot speak. The case of such a student is then hopeless, and all directions, in respect to him, are utterly useless.

9. Beginners should at first select easy sub

Why not? How can he easily find them?

(9.) What subjects should beginners select at first, and why?

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jects, and which strike most their youthful imagination. For, in this way, they will be able to understand well the subject, to preserve a good order in its development, and to obtain abundant ideas, and language in its description.

10. Select examples of different descriptions, according to the triple object of a writer, or speaker, may be found in classic authors: Livius, Cicero, and Virgil, in the Latin language; Milton, Byron, Goldsmith, Washington Irving, and many others, in English; offer superior patterns for imitation.

11. The following admirable example from Milton, may suffice here to illustrate this subject:

ADAM'S FIRST STATE OF CONSCIOUSNESS.

“As new waked from soundest sleep,

Soft in the flowery herb I found me laid

In balmy sweat, while with his beams the Sun
Soon dried, and on the reeking moisture fed.

Straight toward heaven my wondering eyes I turned,
And gazed awhile the ample sky, till raised
By quick instinct or motion, up I sprung
As thitherward endeavoring, and upright
Stood on my feet. About me round I saw

(10.) Where may select examples of description be found?
Name some of the best writers of descriptions.
Give an example of a classic description.

Hill, dale, and shady woods, and sunny plains,
And liquid lapse of murmuring streams;

[or flew, By these, creatures that lived, and moved and walked, Birds on the branches warbling; all things smiled With fragrance, and with joy my heart o'erflowed; Myself I then perused, and limb by limb

Surveyed, and sometimes went, and sometimes ran
With supple joints, as lively vigor led:

But who I was or where, or from what cause
Knew not. To speak I tried, and forthwith spake :
My tongue obeyed, and readily could name
Whate'er I saw. Thou sun,' said I, 'fair light!
And thou enlightened earth, so fresh and gay!
Ye hills and dales, ye rivers, woods and plains,
And ye that live and move, fair creatures tell,
Tell, if ye saw, how came I thus, how here!" "

ARTICLE II.

PRAXIS FOR WRITING A DESCRIPTION.

1. The directions for writing a description are as follows:

.

First. Observe the peculiar adjuncts of the object, which is to be described; also, the different qualities of other objects.

Second. Express each peculiarity of the object, in short sentences.

(1.) What are the practical directions for writing a description? Name the first-second-third-fourth-fifth-and sixth ?

Third. You may also, for the sake of contrast, write down in brief the different qualities of other objects.

Fourth. Arrange all the ideas in a proper order, taking care that the principal characteristics of the object, have a prominent place in the collocation of ideas; and if necessary, be rendered more conspicuous by contrast.

Fifth. Develop and amplify each idea in suitable style, which must generally be the adorned.

Sixth. After you have written your composition, examine how you have observed the qualities of descriptions indicated in No. 5; make the necessary corrections, and lay aside your composition for a few days; after which, review it again; and finally submit it to the revision of another intelligent person.

2. The following outline for the pupil's exercise, may serve as an illustration of this praxis.

It is required of the pupil to develop and amplify the ideas here presented, according to the modes of amplification shown in the first book, (Elements of Composition) and afterward, compare his composition with the original, which is added hereto, and make the necessary corrections.

I.-EXERCISE.

THEME." Sublimity of Mountain Scenery."·

OUTLINE OF THE DESCRIPTION.

First Idea. The sight of mountains has ever struck my mind more than any other object.

Second Idea.-I have seen the ocean in tempest.

Third Idea.-I have seen the desert, and the sandy pillars flying across.

Fourth Idea.-But the mountain has ever absorbed my attention.

Fifth Idea.-Its magnitude, grandeur, antiquity, beauty, use, strength, and duration, are suggestive ideas of the Divinity.

3. After the student has finished his composition, let him compare it with the following original description, and make the necessary corrections.

SUBLIMITY OF MOUNTAIN SCENERY.

(By Croly.)

Of all the sights that nature offers to the eye, and mind of man, mountains have always stirred my strongest feelings. I have seen the ocean, when it was turned up from the bottom, by tempest, and noon was