tween boys and girls in this country. In the United States, a boy and a girl become "engaged;" then he or she informs the parents, who must acquiesce at once, or create serious disappointment with disapproval. The parents of both are thus often compelled to a consent without having the slightest knowledge of the true character and education of the parties concerned.
Wise parents should know that their children will eventually want to get married; they should therefore watch with solicitude the accomplishment of this fact. By proper management, they should make the children feel that they do not look with aversion upon this occurrence; on the contrary, they should make them feel that they share this as every other happiness of a beloved child. This will secure the confidence of the young persons, who will admit to their parents their predilections. Thus time will be afforded for proper warnings and advice; and, when there is no absolute reason for opposition, a girl's parents should receive a young man's attentions to their daughter with that dignified acquiescence which will make him not only respectful, but grateful. Invite him to visit your family as a friend of all; show interest in his pursuits; make him feel that you share his aspirations in life's work; that you respect him, and have confidence in his integrity, — and he will become unreserved, communicative, and even confi- dential; his whole nature will gradually be manifested, and in the interchange of social ideas, family sentiments, etc., these two beings, attractive to one another, will have a fair opportunity of putting the true estimate on each other. Moreover, the parents, who are there not as mere specta- tors, but as interested parties, will be able to Judge of the probability of happiness; and if, in their Judgment, there should be incompatibility of temperament or education,
