34.-Exercises on Words the same in Sound, but different in Signification.

A pear is a fine fruit, but it is proper to pare off the skin, before we eat it. We may, with all propriety, say a pair of shoes, or a pair of gloves; but a pair of pears, is rather an -uncommon expression.

The mantle or cloak which I wear, is made of waterproof cloth, and is much better adapted for keeping me dry, than for promoting heat. The dining room mantel is formed of most beautiful marble, which adds not a little to the splendour of the apartment.

When the provisions of a ship's company are likely to prove inadequate for the duration of the voyage, it is then a wise and meet step, to calculate how much each man's daily allowance of meat must be reduced, and to mete it out accordingly. Many men meet with great difficulties in this world, and when people meet they should conduct themselves with prudence.

A metal is procured from the bowels of the earth; but he

that is possessed of a bold and daring spirit, is said to be a man of mettle.

The fruit on yonder apple tree, is so abundant and heavy, as to bow down the strongest bough, of which the tree consists, His address was full of compliment; but he has erred exceedingly in not making up the complement of articles which was ordered, and which he promised to forward without delay.

The King's suite was composed of the most noble of the land, and, in point of splendour, formed a spectacle, hitherto, unequalled. Honey is not more sweet to the taste, than the contemplation of virtue, which includes every moral excellence, is sweet to the well regulated mind.

Rain is necessary for the promotion of vegetation, and a rein is required for the management of a horse. The king does reign over the nation, by the administration of just laws, which may be regarded as so many reins, serving to restrain the turbulent, and to protect the peaceable and welldisposed portion of the community.

The rays of the sun dispense light and heat, and thus serve to gladden the whole creation; it, therefore, well becomes man to raise his song of gratitude, to the Giver of all good, for this invaluable blessing. In order to raise the walls of a city, much labour is necessary, and, when besieged by an enemy, who wishes to raze them, every stratagem is employed, and every exertion made, that the object he desires may be accomplished. The walls of Jericho were razed by a miracle.

Di-ver'si-fied, varied; va'ri-a-ble, changeable; prin'ci-pal, chief; do-min'ion, authority; sov'er-eign, king; Pres-byte'ri-an, consisting of elders; E-pis'co-pa-cy, church government by bishops; char-ac-ter-ized', marked out; in-dus'trious, laborious.

SCOTLAND may be regarded in general as a mountainous country, although it has some extensive level districts of great fertility. It is divided into the Highlands and Lowlands; the former chiefly occupied with lofty and rugged mountains, and inhabited by a race of Celts, who still continue to speak the Celtic or Gaelic language; the latter more diversified with hilly and level districts, and inhabited by people of the same Saxon origin as the English; and who speak dialects of the same language. But the natural geography of the country suggests a more distinct division of it into three portions, NORTHERN, MIDDLE, and SOUTHERN. The Northern Division extends from the Pentland Frith to that great chain of

I

lakes which crosses the country from the coast of Argyle to the Frith of Moray, in the line of the Caledonian Canal. It is in general mountainous and bleak, with some fertile spots on the eastern coast. The Middle Division extends southward to the Friths of Forth and Clyde, and the Great Canal by which they are united. Of this division, likewise, the aspect is chiefly mountainous, although on the eastern coast there are extensive tracts of great fertility, and in high cultivation. The Southern Division, stretching to the English border, bears in soil and appearance, a greater resemblance to England. Although it contains several extensive ranges of hills, and wide tracts of moor, its more general aspect is that of verdant plains, watered by beautiful streams, and enlivened by herds of cattle; ample valleys or gentlyswelling eminences of the greatest fertility, waving with corn, or clothed with wood.

Scotland abounds in minerals, the most valuable of which are lead, iron, and coal.

Its climate, although variable, is, upon the whole, mild and salubrious. The western counties are exposed to frequent and heavy rains from the Atlantic Ocean; the eastern counties, although less frequently deluged with rains, suffer more from piercing east winds, accompanied with chilling fogs from the German Ocean. There is no country in the world where agriculture is better understood than in Scotland; and the consequent improvements which have taken place in its soil and productions, within the last thirty years, are astonishing. Manufactures of various kinds are likewise carried on to a great extent. Glasgow and Paisley are the principal seats of the cotton manufactures; Dundee, and the other towns in Forfarshire, are noted for the manufacture of coarse linens; and Dunfermline for damasks and fine linens.

At Carron, near Falkirk, is the largest manufactory of iron in Europe. Of the commercial prosperity of Britain, Scotland enjoys her due share.

Since the accession of James VI. to the throne of England, the whole of Britain has been under the dominion of one sovereign; and since the union of England and Scotland in the reign of Queen Anne, A.D.* 1707, the laws and government of the kingdoms have been nearly the same. The Presbyterian form of Church-government is coeval with the Reformation in Scotland. After many struggles with James the Sixth and his successors, who patronized Episcopacy, the Scots succeeded in having Presbyterianism established as the national religion, at the Revolution, A.D. 1688.

The Scots may be characterized as industrious, frugal, prudent, hardy and brave. Owing to the excellent institution of parish-schools, the advantages of education are enjoyed even by the lowest classes of the people. They are fond of learning; and can boast of some of the brightest names in literature and science.

Stewart's Geography.

2.-Song of a Highlander.

IF I have gazed on brighter skies,
Oh, Scotland! native land-than thine;
If fairer scenes have blest mine eyes,

Where taste has woo'd me to her shrine;

* A. D. Abbreviation for Anno Domini, which means in the year of our Lord.