CHAPTER XIII.
FORM, POSITION, AND SIZE.
_Method of instruction, geometrical song--Anecdotes--Size--Song measure--Observations_.
* * * * * "Geometry is eminently serviceable to improve and strengthen the intellectual faculties."-- _Jones_.
* * * * * Among the novel features of the Infant School System, that of geometrical lessons is the most peculiar.

How it happened that a mode of instruction so evidently calculated for the infant mind was so long overlooked, I cannot imagine; and it is still more surprising that, having been once thought of, there should be any doubt as to its utility.

Certain it is that the various forms of bodies is one of the first items of natural education, and we cannot err when treading in the steps of Nature.

It is undeniable that geometrical knowledge is of great service in many of the mechanic arts, and, therefore, proper to be taught children who are likely to be employed in some of those arts; but, independently of this, we cannot adopt a better method of exciting and strengthening their powers of observation.

I have seen a thousand instances, moreover, in the conduct of the children, which have assured me, that it is a very pleasing as well as useful branch of instruction.