s one of the
most valuable of aids in this matter, and the stringing of wooden
spheres and beads.

The thread game enters here also, and makes a useful supplement to the
rings, as the wet thread may be pushed while it lies on the surface of
the table or slate into numberless different forms, all of which may
be included under curving outlines.

In linear drawing we give the child lines running in various
directions at the earliest possible time, so that he may not grow into
a strained and unnatural position of the hand, for this constant
drawing of the vertical line, which is necessary to its execution with
perfect precision by the young child, limits the freedom of the wrist
and muscles, and instead of preparing him to write a good hand, does
absolutely the reverse. The various exercises, on the other hand, in
drawing the curves of circle and oval and their combinations are quite
perfect preparations for clear, graceful penmanship.

We also have, in drawing, Miss Emma Marwedel's circular system, and
the outline work performed by means of pasteboard patterns, most of
which are of the curving outlines of leaves, flowers, fruits, and
vegetables. When the children can draw quite well from these patterns
we always encourage the drawing without them, merely looking at the
object to be copied.

These exercises are of the greatest value as connected with modeling
when the subjects chosen for invention are comprehended under the
sphere, prolate and oblate spheroid, ovoid, cone, etc., the cube with
its straight lines coming last of all.

In this way, while keeping up the regular sequence of lessons and
occupations with the straight line, we do not debar the child from the
contemplation of the line of beauty.

Uniting the Straight and Curved Lines.

After this, he takes great pleasure in uniting the straight and curved
lines in his inventions with the sticks and rings given him together,
and is quite able to use them separately or unitedly in his creative
work. About this time the fruit of these exercises will begin to
appear in his drawing. He will attempt to unite his straight lines by
curves, and even essay large designs in curves which will be far from
perfect, but nevertheless will not be without their value.

Copying Inventions.

The first trials of this kind may be in copying the inventions in
rings which he has made on his table, exactly as he previously
transferred his stick inventions to the slate. The s