IN A STRANGE LAND. i6l

put you on the right path. But, first, tell me, do you
mean to make teaching your profession for life?”

Here Carl explained to Mr. Mill the events which
led him to engage in this little enterprise, adding that
his views had undergone some change, and that he found
such an unexpected pleasure in teaching boys that he
was half inclined to look on it as a regular business.

“Tam not sorry to hear you say so. We want such
teachers in America,—I mean such as are willing to
spend their lives in the work. Most of our school-
masters spend only two or three years in the work.
Some of them are seeking means to enter college, some
employ themselves thus during the very time they are
in college in long vacations. More commonly they are
persons who have taken their first degree, and are in-
tending to be physicians, ministers, or lawyers. From
this course great evils arise to the character of our
education.” —

“T had not thought of any ill consequences,” said
Carl, “though I have certainly observed the fact.”

“The evils are these,” said Mr. Mill; “and I speak
with some knowledge, for I have been such a teacher
myself. The young man so employed is only half-
hearted in the work. He may be conscientious and
punctual, but he has no enthusiasm.”

“Ah! I see,” said Carl; “nothing can be well done
without some fire.” |

“ True; and there is seldom any ardour in such a
"100) ll |