In the best regulated schools, however, where swarms are not
crammed together, many bad habits must be acquired; but, at
common schools, the body, heart, and understanding, are equally
stunted, for parents are often only in quest of the cheapest
school, and the master could not live, if he did not take a much
greater number than he could manage himself; nor will the scanty
pittance, allowed for each child, permit him to hire ushers
sufficient to assist in the discharge of the mechanical part of
the business. Besides, whatever appearance the house and garden
may make, the children do not enjoy the comfort of either, for
they are continually reminded by irksome restrictions that they
are not at home, and the state-rooms, garden, &c. must be kept in
order for the recreation of the parents; who, of a Sunday, visit
the school, and are impressed by the very parade that renders the
situation of their children uncomfortable.
