The World of Waters | Page 2

any more of those conversations? I liked them
amazingly, and I am sure I learned a great deal more geography by

them than I ever did out of Goldsmith, or any other dry lesson-book,
which compels one to learn by rule. I wish, dear papa, you would settle
to have these meetings again; we would write down all the particulars,
and enclose them in a letter to Mr. Stanley: I am sure he would be quite
pleased."
"I think he would, George," replied Mr. Wilton, "and I also think that
we have been rather careless in this matter; but, at the same time, you
must remember that the fault does not rest solely with us, for when we
appointed certain times during our sojourn at Herne Bay for these same
geographical discussions, on every occasion something occurred to
prevent the meeting, and all our arrangements fell to the ground. Since
then, the illness of your sister,--which, thank God, has terminated so
happily,--the departure of Mr. Stanley, and the removal to our present
abode; all these circumstances conspired to render ineffectual any
attempt at regularity, and precluded the possibility of an occasional
quiet chat on this really important subject. The past, present, and future,
in the history of man, are so connected with the positions of the great
seas of the globe, and the navigation of them, that I do regard the study
of geography as one of the most important branches of a Christian
education; and, now that all impediments are removed, I think we may
venture to propose the re-establishment of our little society; and as we
are deprived of the valuable services of Mr. Stanley, we must endeavor
to supply his place by procuring the aid of another learned friend, who
will not consider it derogatory to assist in our edifying amusement. And,
in order to render these meetings more extensively beneficial and
interesting, I further propose that we increase our number by admitting
two new members, to be selected by you, my dear children, from
amongst your juvenile acquaintances; but we must not admit any
except on the original terms, which were, 'that each member add his or
her mite of information to the general fund.' What says mamma about it?
Suppose we put it to the vote?"
"Oh! dear papa," exclaimed Emma, "I am quite sure that will be
unnecessary. Grandy has often talked of the meetings held last year,
and regretted that there seemed no disposition to renew them; therefore,
we are sure of her vote. Mamma was so useful with her descriptions,

that she is not likely to object. Then you know, dear papa, how very
much I enjoyed these conversations; and, as far as any one else is
concerned, I am convinced that my candidate will be glad to prepare a
portion of the subject as her admission fee, and will be as much
interested in the welfare of the society as we old members are, who
have already felt the advantages arising from it. May we decide now,
papa?"
All hands were raised in reply, and the resolution carried unanimously.
"I have a question to ask," said George. "May we have the meetings
twice during the month, instead of once, as before? It will induce us to
be more industrious, as we shall be obliged to work to get up the
information. I can share the labor with Emma now, because I can write
easily, and quickly; besides, it will be such pleasant employment for
the half-holidays."
"Very well, my dear," said Mr. Wilton; "then once a fortnight it shall be;
and take care, as the time will be short, that you are thoroughly
prepared: do not reckon on me, for I cannot assist you as Mr. Stanley
did, so you must be, in a great measure, dependent upon your own
resources. My library is at your disposal, and I hope you will have
sufficient perseverance to investigate each point carefully, before you
come to a decision. Should you require assistance in the preparation of
any particular part of the subject, of course, I shall have no objections
to render it; but remember, I do not promise to be an active member, as
I wish you to exert yourselves, and be in some degree independent. It
will thus be more advantageous to you: it will not only impress all you
learn effectually on your mind, but improve your reasoning faculties,
and enable you to understand much that the most careful explanation
might fail to render intelligible."
"And when shall we begin, papa?" asked Emma.
MR. WILTON. "My engagements until the 7th of February are so
numerous as to preclude the possibility of my presence at a meeting
before that time; but after the 7th inst. I shall be more at liberty, and we
will,