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 means. It is the duty of a parent to put his children upon the way of thus seeking it; and, as far as it is in his power, to remove the obstacles that would prevent it."

"The minester himsel' could speak nae better," returned the farmer. "But when folks gi' their bairns the best education in their power, what mair can they do?"

"In answer to your question," replied Mrs Mason, "I will put one to you. Suppose you had a field which produced only briers, and thorns, what method would you take to bring it into heart?"

"I would nae doubt rute out the briers and thorns, as weel as I cou'd," returned the farmer.

"And after you had opened the soil by plowing, and enriched it by the proper manure, you would sow good seed in it, and expect, by the blessing of heaven, to reap, in harvest, the reward of your labours," said Mrs Mason.