ervous
system is abnormally sensitive and quickly disturbed. The mind is
keyed to vigorous, intense, and often unbalanced thought, but it is in
the feelings that the lack of poise is most manifest. Whether the
teacher can assign causes or not, he is conscious that the emotions
are a veritable tinder-box, easily kindled into a great fire by a very
little matter. Superlatives, slang, and the highest pitches of
enthusiasm are common experience, and because action and reaction are
equal and opposite, periods of depression corresponding to those of
exhilaration are almost inevitable.

(3) _A new personal consciousness._ There are several marked evidences
of its existence.

(a) Care for appearance. In the beginning of this period,
what others think is a matter of supreme indifference, but it
is not long before a desire to appear well manifests itself.
Solicitude as to one's personal looks is supplemented by
anxiety over the condition of the home, the standing of the
family, the social position and dress of the companions.
Naturally, judgment of others is based on outward appearance
rather than on real worth of character.

(b) Desire for appreciation. An intense longing is
experienced to have talents, accomplishments, wits,
efforts--everything which pertains to self valued at par or
above. For this cause there is frequent public parade of
wares, as in the case of the smart youth or the girl who
draws attention to herself by loud talking and laughter. The
same longing works self-consciousness, embarrassment, and
awkwardness in others who feel themselves deficient, neither
class as yet apprehending the truth that character, not
external show, wins the truest meed of praise from the world.

(c) A sense of approaching manhood and womanhood. This makes
the life sensitive beyond expression to reproof or criticism,
particularly in public. It also explains the restlessness and
desire to enter at once upon the life-work.

(4) _Increasing Social Appetite._ The boy who said in answer to a
remonstrance over his presence in the billiard hall and bowling alley,
"A fellow has got to have fun somewhere," voiced the sentiment of all
his confreres in the Intermediate period. The desire for good times is
paramount, and its right indisputable in the conception of the young
people. The delight in healthy outdoor sports continues with the
athletically in