23. THOMAS STARR KING.

The great law of life will be more fully manifest there, than even here, that our joy shall consist in the quality of our affections, in our sympathy, and in our charity.

-THE BUSINESS AND GLORY OF ETERNITY.

Mr. King was a self-educated Unitarian minister and lecturer, first in Boston, afterward in San Francisco. When California seemed in danger of seceding from the Union, he traveled over the State, speaking enthusiastically for the Union. California's loyalty is largely due to his influence.

He was well acquainted with the grand scenery of the Pacific coast. You are already acquainted with him through his description of "The Falls of the Yosemite." He has, also, thoroughly studied the White Mountains, and has written several legends and poems, containing the most complete account existing of their floral and landscape scenery. He lived from 1824 to 1863. [See page 42.]

24. THOMAS w. higGINSON.

The nation has found its true grandeur by war; but must retain it in peace.

-A PLEA ON CULTUre.

Mr. Higginson was born in Cambridge in 1823, and graduated at Harvard College at eighteen

years of age.. He became a minister, but at thirtyfive ceased to preach and occupied himself with literature.

He was a strong anti-slavery man, and, like Whittier and Garrison, sometimes suffered for his active interest in the cause of the slaves. He received once a sabre cut in his face, while trying to liberate a fugitive slave imprisoned in a Boston court-house.

During the Civil War, he was for two years captain of the first slave regiment. Being badly wounded in the war, he retired, and since then has lived at Newport, Rhode Island. He has told us of his army life in his book "Army Life of a Black Regiment." He wrote an interesting story called "Malbone, an Oldport Romance." Besides these, he has a "Young Folks' History of the United States," a very valuable work. [See page 132.]

25. GEORGE WILLIAM CURTIS.

A man may be proud of his family if he chooses, and, if he have noble ancestors, with good reason. But there is no sense in parading that pride. It is an affectation the more foolish that it achieves nothing.

-THE NEW LIVERY.

Mr. Curtis, a distinguished American journalist, lecturer, and author, was born at Providence, Rhode Island, in 1824. He did not enjoy the advantages

of a college course, but trained himself by private study and travel.

With Emerson and Hawthorne, he was a member of the Brook Farm Society, a co-operative association of noted New England writers, who managed a farm for several years in West Roxbury, Massachusetts, living in common, and combining agricultural labor with literary work. The plot of Mr. Hawthorne's "Blithdale Romance," is located on this farm.

He traveled abroad extensively, especially in Egypt, making that land a study.

He edited Harper's Magazine for a number of years, and has also discoursed and made readings from authors, and lectured successfully on political matters. He has written "Lotus Eating," "Nile Notes," and "Potiphar Papers," all of which titles suggest Egypt. Besides these, he has a story called "Prue and I." [See pages 142, 148.]

26. JOHN WESLEY POWELL.

What tale of time the shining sands can tell,
When mountain peak is brought to island dell,
Where every bay is hour-glass of time,

And every isle a chronogram sublime!

-ISLANDS.

Major Powell, an American geologist, was born in the state of New York in 1834. He received

his education in a public school of Wisconsin, and in Oberlin College, Ohio. While in college he became interested in the study of nature, and on leaving school spent four years traveling through the Western states, collecting plants, animals, and fossils, thus laying the foundation of his lifework.

He served in the Civil War as major of artil- · lery, being engaged in a number of the most critical battles. He lost his right arm in the battle of Shiloh.

After the war, he was professor of geology for two years in Wesleyan University, Bloomington, Illinois. He retired from this position to engage in the exploration of the far West by authority of the government. His most famous exploit was the navigation of the Colorado River from its source to its mouth, giving us our first definite knowledge of the numerous, immense cañons of that wonderful river.

Soon after the exploration of the Colorado, Major Powell was made director of the United States Geological Survey, which position he still holds. He is also director of the Ethnological Bureau, whose scholarly reports as well as those of the Geological Survey have given him a wide. reputation as a scholar, thinker, and author. [See page 33.]

27. READING ALOUD.

An ability to read well aloud is an accomplishment worthy the efforts of the ambitious pupil. It is desirable especially that every student of literature should acquire a good delivery when reading aloud, if he would secure the full measure of good resulting from his knowledge and cultivation.

The power to read well, without special training, a selection in a distinct, comprehensive, and pleasing manner, with clear voice and appropriate gesture, is a gift always appreciated by one's friends, and is often the talisman insuring entrance to new circles or securing to the possessor new and valued friendships.

In the evening, when the toils of the day are done, and the members of the family are assembled at home in a loving circle, recounting the doings of the day, one especially derives and imparts pleasure from this most delightful substitute for the song, or for the piano, the violin, or other musical instrument.

To be able to entertain and lessen the pains of a sick father or mother, or other relation or friend, in the hour of affliction, by reading to him, with true feeling and understanding, selections from his favorite poet or novelist, is a blessing which every one should be able to confer.