eir want of mental training compensated by their powers of
observation and experience of life. But they have been for the most
part exceptional men, and it is possible they might have done better if
they had studied more. To the great majority of men books are the
great teachers, the chief ministers to self-culture. Books in a
special manner represent intellect to those who can appreciate them.
We cannot estimate in this aspect their importance. They are in regard
to self-culture what Montaigne calls "the best viaticum for the journey
of life." When we think of what we owe to them, we may enter into the
feelings of Charles Lamb, who "wished to ask a grace before reading
more than a grace before meat."

In regard to books, the practical questions that present themselves
are, what we should read, and how we should read. The first question
cannot be answered in any definite manner. (_a_) The enormous number
of books in the world forbids this. Let any one enter a library of
even moderate size, and he will feel how almost hopeless it would be,
even if it were profitable, to draw out a practicable list of what may
be advantageously chosen for reading and what may well be cast aside.
(_b_) Still more does the infinite variety of tastes, circumstances:
and talents, forbid the laying down of definite rules. Reading that
might be profitable for one might not be so for another. Reading that
would be pleasant to one would be to another weariness. Every class of
mind seeks naturally its own proper food, and the choice of books must
ultimately depend upon a man's own bias--on his natural bent and the
necessities of his life. There are, however, one or two directions
that may be given, and which may be profitable to young men.

_First_, We should read, as far as possible, _the great books of the
world_. In the kingdom of literature there are certain works that
stand by themselves and tower in their grandeur above all others. They
are referred to by Bacon, in his weighty way, when he says: "Some books
are to be tasted, others to be swallowed, some few to be chewed and
digested." This last class of books may be still spoken of as few.
Various lists have lately been published of the best hundred books,
according to the opinion of some of the greatest men of our time.
There is considerable agreement among the writers as to what they
consider the best books, and there is considerable difference also. It
is easy to see how