That very night he seized upon a geography, and began to learn the counties of England and Wales.

The fear of failure never left him for two hours together, except when he slept.

The plan of work was faithfully kept; though by this time shoemaking had lost its charms.

He shortened his sleeping hours, and rose at any moment that he awoke--at two, three, or four in the morning.

He got his brother, who had been plodding with him over shorthand, to study horticulture, and fruit and vegetable culture; and that brother shortly after took a high place in an examination held by the Royal Horticultural Society.