I have to say, a very plain and familiar style; and as very
much depends, not only on the general principles by which the teacher is
actuated, but also on the tone and manner in which, in cases of
discipline, he addresses his pupils, I shall describe particular cases,
real and imaginary, because by this method, I can better illustrate the
course to be pursued. I shall also present and illustrate the various
principles which I consider important, and in the order in which they
occur to my mind.

1. The first duty then, of the teacher, when he enters his school, is,
to beware of the danger of making an unfavorable impression, at first,
upon his pupils. Many years ago, when I was a child, the teacher of the
school where my early studies were performed, closed his connexion with
the establishment, and, after a short vacation, another was expected. On
the appointed day, the boys began to collect, some from curiosity, at an
early hour, and many speculations were started, as to the character of
the new instructer. We were standing near a table, with our hats
on,--and our position, and the exact appearance of the group is
indelibly fixed on my memory,--when a small and youthful looking man,
entered the room, and walked up towards us. Supposing him to be some
stranger, or rather, not making any supposition at all, we stood looking
at him as he approached, and were thunder-struck at hearing him accost
us with a stern voice and sterner brow, "Take off your hats. Take off
your hats, and go to your seats." The conviction immediately rushed upon
our minds, that this must be our new teacher. The first emotion was that
of surprise, and the second was that of the ludicrous; though I believe
we contrived to smother the laugh, until we got out into the open air.

So long since was this little occurrence, that I have entirely forgotten
the name of the teacher, and have not the slightest recollection of any
other act in his administration of the school. But this recollection of
his first greeting of his pupils, and the expression of his countenance
at the moment, will go with me to the end of life. So strong are first
impressions.

Be careful, then, when you first see your pupils, that you meet them
with a smile. I do not mean a pretended cordiality, which has no
existence in the heart, but think of the relation, which you are to
sustain to them, and think of the very interesting circumstances, under
which, for some months at least, your