122 TEACHING AND TRAINING.

pair of compasses. I could see the stable-boys titter-
ing as I rode through the gate.”

“They are severe critics in their own department,
Mr. Cole. But why should you not practise till you
become expert?”

- “T am ready enough to practise, but every one laughs
at my awkwardness. I seem to make no progress.”

“You must have had bad teachers,” said Barry, “ for
you seem to be a willing scholar.”
 « Why, do wang scholars always make pro-
ficiency ?”

“Yes, unless meompetent from some natural defect,
and you appear to have all the usual limbs. You must
have had bad training.” |

“TI can’t altogether admit it,” replied Cole, though
with some embarrassment, for his horse showed strong
dispositions to throw him over his head. “I can’t
altogether admit it, for some of them are excellent
riders, and they are every moment pointing out my
faults, and every moment trying to laugh me out of
them.” |

“I have seen that method tried in schools, Mr.
Cole ”—

“T have tried it myself,” said Cole.

“ But I have never seen it succeed, It discourages,
it disheartens, it sours the mind, it disgusts the be-
ginner.”

“What! would you not point out faults?”