The attention of students during the university course must be mainly given to the subjects prescribed. It is satisfactory that elementary science is now included in the Matriculation Examination of each University. Some knowledge of it will thus be secured, and during leisure hours, or in after life, further information may be gained. One or two interesting studies may be briefly noticed.

Human Physiology. By this is meant a knowledge of the structure of our bodies. The Psalmist exclaims "I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made." The study is fitted, not only to awaken feelings of admiration and gratitude, but to promote, in a high degree, our temporal happiness, by making us acquainted with the laws of health. As already remarked, one half of the deaths which take place are caused by ignorance or neglect of sanitary rules. Nor is this limited to the poor. Some of the most distinguished Natives of India, who, raised themselves to the highest positions among their countrymen, sunk into an early grave from the same cause.

Botany. The plants of India are numerous and interesting. When walking in a garden, or in the country, observe those you meet with; examine their structure; become acquainted with their properties and uses. This is a relief to the mind, and will be beneficial even in respect of studies. The bulk of the people of India are engaged in agriculture. A knowledge of botany would tend to increase the wealth of the country.

Astronomy. Most Hindus believe that the heavenly bodies regulate things on earth, and great care is taken to commence undertakings at what are considered auspicious times. This is probably a relic of the oldest form of polytheism, the worship of the sun, moon, and stars. The effects are very injurious. People are guided by ignorant astrologers,

instead of using the reason which God has given them, and favourable seasons for work are often lost. A knowledge of astronomy would put an end to such superstition, and show that the planets no more govern things on earth than a large stone, in the neighbourhood, regulates the affairs of a village. At night a student may watch the heavenly bodies as they appear to move in their courses. He should become acquainted with the principal constellations; the spots on the sun, the mountains of the moon, the planets and their satellites, &c., should be viewed through a telescope.

Natural Philosophy, Geology, Chemistry, &c., are other important subjects.

LOGIC.-This is taken up only in the university course. It teaches the laws of reasoning, -a matter of universal interest. Men, throughout their whole lives, require to reason, though generally they do so very badly. The people of India mistake illustration for argument. They do not perceive that another illustration would appear to prove exactly the contrary. Judges often complain that native lawyers confine themselves to trifling points, while they overlook the features of real importance. The same mistake is frequently made in religious inquiries. Persons cavil about minute questions, neglecting the grand considerations which should guide the decision.

One great use of the study of Euclid is to teach sound reasoning. But there are other modes of argument, equally valid. Logic treats of the whole subject. Mill says, " Its function is, not so much to teach us to go right, as to keep us from going wrong... Logic points out all the possible ways in which, starting from true premises, we may draw false conclusions. By its analysis of the reasoning process, and the forms it supplies for stating

and setting forth our reasonings, it enables us to guard the points at which a fallacy is in danger of slipping in, or to lay our fingers upon the place where it has slipped in."

MENTAL SCIENCE.-The powers and functions of the mind are an interesting and important study. While some points are easily understood, it must be admitted that, as a whole, the science is one of the most difficult which can engage the attention. There are mysteries connected with the inquiry, which the most profound intellects have vainly attempted to solve. The subject is taken up only at an advanced stage of the University course.

Mill remarks, "It is neither to be expected nor desired that those who do not specially devote themselves to the higher departments of speculation should employ much of their time in attempting to get at the bottom of these questions. But it is part

of liberal education to know that such controversies exist, and, in a general way, what has been said on both sides of them. It is instructive to know the failures of the human intellect as well as its successes, its imperfect as well as its perfect attainments; to be aware of the open questions, as well as of those which have been definitely resolved."

MORAL PHILOSOPHY is a subject of vital importance; but questions connected with it will be treated practically under another head.

X. UNIVERSITY EXAMINATIONS.

The great aim which now fills the minds of youths studying English over the whole of India, is to pass the University Examinations. To be successful at these, some "anticipate the dawn," or " trim the midnight lamp." Even in sleep they sometimes dream of examinations, and see their own names at the head of the list of "Passed Candidates."

It is very right for students to prepare diligently for University Examinations, and to be desirous of success. Attention to the following hints, collected from various sources, will, it is hoped, aid them in attaining their wishes.

Disadvantages of Examinations-There is great truth in the following remarks by Mr. Norton, formerly of Madras: "I am afraid that as education has spread, the one object which has superseded all others is that of passing successful examinations: that all that does not immediately bear upon or tend to this, is put aside. All are hurrying on to this specific goal. Instruction directed to this sole end may sharpen the intellect; but most unquestionably, it narrows, while it sharpens. All the real objects of a general education; the creation of independence of mind; the instillation of a love of truth for its own sake; the strengthening of the powers of reflecting; the training up the faculty of forming correct judgments, and the like, are forgotten in the one great struggle to get into and to pass out of the University."

De Morgan, an English writer of great experience, says, "A student whose thoughts dwell upon his examinations only, and who reads for them as for an ultimate end-thinking of processes as to how far they will help him in answering the questions asked, and of results as to what their chance is of being in the printed papers-does not take a good mode of fixing anything in the mind for future use. It would be strange indeed if he lost everything; but I assert, as a matter of fact, that not only does the knowledge thus obtained quickly evaporate in great part, but the habits produced by such acquisition are of inferior soundness and less utility... I need hardly remind you that the habits formed by a student whose thoughts are occupied by the

questions-Will this tell? How much of this shall I want? Will it be set ? are not those most likely to make an active inquirer, a sagacious reasoner, a judicious expositor of the balance of facts and arguments."

Benefits of Examinations.—Still, it must be admitted that examinations have their advantages. Mr. Gladstone says, "They supply from without inducements to seek knowledge, which ought to be its own reward. They do something to expel the corroding pest of idleness, that special temptation to a wealthy country, that deadly enemy in all countries to the body and the soul of man. They get us over the first and most difficult stages in the formation of habits, which, in a proportion of cases. at least, we may hope will endure, and become in course of time self-acting. . . In early life, while the mind is still naturally supple and elastic, they teach the practice, and they give the power of concentrating all its force, all its resources, at a given time, upon a given point."

Preparation. The great mistake of many students is to neglect their studies at the commencement of a session, and to endeavour to make up for it by over-exertion before its close. This is miserable policy in every way. The fable of the race between the hare and the tortoise is well known. The plodding, persevering student will surpass the man of far superior natural abilities who is desultory and indolent. It should be indelibly impressed upon the mind of a student, that the best preparation for an examination begins on the first day of the college session, and is maintained with unabated industry till its close.

Success will be promoted by attention to the following:

1. Frequent Revision-Without this the early