ome, sweet home." That there are
exceptions to this, I grant but I speak of the great majority of cases,
and the results upon the character of the nation. Mr Cooper, speaking
of the weakness of the family tie in America, says--

"Let the reason be what it will, the effect is to cut us off from a
large portion of the happiness that is dependent on the affections."

The next error of American education is, that in their anxiety to instil
into the minds of youth a proper and ardent love of their own
institutions, feelings and sentiments are fostered which ought to be
most carefully checked. It matters little whether these feelings (in
themselves vices) are directed against the institutions of other
countries; the vice once engendered remains, and _hatred_ once implanted
in the breast of youth, will not be confined in its action. Neither
will national conceit remain only _national_ conceit, or _vanity_ be
confined to admiration of a form of government; in the present mode of
educating the youth of America, all sight is lost of humility,
good-will, and the other Christian virtues, which are necessary to
constitute a good man, whether he be an American, or of any other
country.

Let us examine the manner in which a child is taught. Democracy,
equality, the vastness of his own country, the glorious independence,
the superiority, of the Americans in all conflicts by sea or land, are
impressed upon his mind before he can well read. All their elementary
books contain garbled and false accounts of naval and land engagements,
in which every credit is given to the Americans, and equal vituperation
and disgrace thrown upon their opponents. Monarchy is derided, the
equal rights of man declared--all is invective, uncharitableness, and
falsehood.

That I may not in this be supposed to have asserted too much, I will
quote a reading-lesson from a child's book, which I purchased in America
as a curiosity, and is now in my possession. It is called the "Primary
Reader for Young Children," and contains many stories besides this,
relative to the history of the country.

"LESSON" 62.

"STORY ABOUT THE 4TH OF JULY".

6. "I must tell you what the people of New York did. In a certain spot
in that city there stood a large statue, or representation of King
George III. It was made of lead. In one hand he held a sceptre, or
kind of sword, and on his head he wore a crown."

7. "When the news of the Declaration of Independence rea