Men, then, have all the pleasure which the woods afford, without much trouble.
DR. BARTLETT.
But the advantage is even greater than the pleasure. Where should we go if there was no wood? We could not cross the sea to visit distant lands—we must remain on the spot where first we drew breath, without a house or any useful furniture: and, in many countries, without fuel to soften the rigors of the wintry season.
CHARLES.
But as we are every year, nay every day, destroying the wood, what will be left for our posterity?
DR. BARTLETT.
You need not be afraid of that, my dear Charles, the world has now continued for near six thousand years.—What wood we annually consume, is again annually supplied by shoots; and thus the face of nature is renewed—God takes care!
Charles thanked Dr. Bartlett for his instructions, and we returned—and how happy am I, dear mother, that I can partake in these instructions.
Charles has just been with me to shew me a canary-bird which he has bought, he intends to tame it.—But I must not forget to tell you, to-morrow is Charles’s birth-day. Edward thinks we shall have some dainties; but Emilia says, she is sure her brother will not spend his father’s present in such a way;—and I agree with her, and imagine he will lay out his money in books, rather than dainties, which he seldom seeks for.
WILLIAM.