pations of his juvenile years. His knowledge of geography and architecture in his tenth year was a subject of pride and exultation to his friends and of surprise to strangers.
He entered the classical school of Robert Proud, the well-known author of the "History of Pennsylvania," in his eleventh year, and left it before he had completed his sixteenth. His rapid advancement and incessant diligence while under the direction of this gentleman received, as they merited, his warmest commendations. His studies were, however, by no means confined to the ancient classics: his application was unremitting to the best English models.
Five years of ardent and intellectual exercise in classical studies! What a mass of intellectual treasures may not be collected during such a period! What rich materials for future use may it not afford! Fortunate is the youth of whom it may be said that, for five years, he persevered with ardour and enthusiasm in the pursuit of knowledge and the cultivation of his powers. His soul becomes imbued with the love of letters and of science, and he is already on the highroad to distinction and honour. He can hardly become the slave of low and grovelling vices.
Mr. Brown's application during this period was indeed so intense as seriously to endanger his health; and, therefore, by the advice of his preceptor, he occasionally relaxed from the severities of study and made excursions into the country. These journeys he performed on foot; and, on account of the pleasure and advantage which he derived from them, he ever after continued the practice.
Accustomed as he had been to the confined atmosphere, the dusky streets, and unwholesome exhalations of a city, the extended prospects, the varied hues, the delicious fragrance, and the balmy and elastic air of the country were unspeakably grateful and refreshing. Solitary wandering leads to thoughtful musing, and this to romantic enthusiasm. It would not be difficult to predict the effects which such a practice would have upon an imagination ever active, enriched and embellished with elegant literature and various
