than in such recreative enjoyments as those which relax the mind from
its severer duties, whilst they stimulate it with a gentle delight.
Where there are young people forming a part of the evening circle,
interesting and agreeable pastime should especially be promoted. It is
of incalculable benefit to them that their homes should possess all the
attractions of healthful amusement, comfort, and happiness; for if they
do not find pleasure there, they will seek it elsewhere. It ought,
therefore, to enter into the domestic policy of every parent, to make
her children feel that home is the happiest place in the world; that to
imbue them with this delicious home-feeling is one of the choicest gifts
a parent can bestow.
Light or fancy needlework often forms a portion of the evening's
recreation for the ladies of the household, and this may be
varied by an occasional game at chess or backgammon. It has
often been remarked, too, that nothing is more delightful to the
feminine members of a family, than the reading aloud of some
good standard work or amusing publication. A knowledge of polite
literature may be thus obtained by the whole family, especially
if the reader is able and willing to explain the more difficult
passages of the book, and expatiate on the wisdom and beauties
it may contain. This plan, in a great measure, realizes the
advice of Lord Bacon, who says, "Read not to contradict and
refute, nor to believe and take for granted, nor to find talk
and discourse, but to weigh and consider."