As soon as children are old enough to handle tools
they should be provided with such as they can ccm-
veniently use. A hammer, a barlow knife and a small
saw will go a long way and will work wonders. . Not
everything that would be desirable to grown-ups should
be supplied. Something should be lacking to rfve in-



MATERIALS FOR INSTRUCTION 45

gennity free play. Suggestions may occasionally be
offered and directions given but not too often and only
one or two at a time. So long as children are completely
occupied with their own contrivances they need no
assistance or advice. When they have reached the end
of their owti resources and tire of the old regime it is
time to come to the rescue. Parents should take a
lively interest in their children's doings. Half the charm
of their little triumphs lies in the appreciation of their
elders.
The Lone Child. — If a child has no playmates near
his own age it is all the more reason why he should be
well supplied with opportunities for play. In such a
case his parents should be playmates for him permitting
him to be the leader as much as possible. They should
plan ahead, however, and when old things pall have
something new to suggest. One's resources may last a
long time if he does not deal them out too rapidly.
To be the companion of a child is a rich privilege, and
the study and attention given him will be well repaid.
Games. — In the matter of games the world is old.
