ent countries, each of which may form some part of an instructive of the particular departments in which the student is for the time conversation. These lessons are supplementary to those of the in-placed, commencing and also finishing in all cases with the Infant fant school, in which more common specimens are used. They department as the most direct medium whereby to simplify the ideas. serve not only to give the direct mental exercise and the informa. The students are examined, and subjected to a course of public and tion, which are their principal purposes, but incidentally are made the private criticisms conducted by the Secretary acting as chairman. At means of instruction in orthography, writing and grammar. In their the more public criticisms, four students give each a lesson on the direct bearing they may be considered as introductory to the courses principles and practice of the system. One of these is a Bible lesson; of technology, which belong to higher instruction. the other three are secular and elementary, and are given to the children, seated in the gallery, in the presence of the whole students, alternately in the Infant and Juvenile departments. A limited period is allowed to each exereise. The four students having finished their lessons, which occupy about an hour, they retire from the Model school to an adjoining room, where each in rotation is asked by the chairman to give his opinion, from notes previously taken. After the criticisms the chairman gives the result of his observations, and notices any criticisms that appear to him wrong or imperfect, following these up by an analysis of some point of the system suggested by the particular exhibitions. Nothing is expected to escape the critical eye of the lookers on, whether as regards the matter or the manner of the lesson. The courses of natural history are among those which excite the greatest interest in the mind of a child, and which may be made most useful in developing the intelligence, strengthening the observation and memory, and conveying religious impressions appropriate to the age. Illustrated by pictures they are very attractive; but when the means of acquiring specimens are within the power of the school, the courses are rendered much more interesting In the examination of plants and stones, they may be made subservient, also, to the purposes of air and exercise. It is of course, understood that there is no attempt to teach the subjects as sciences, and spe. cially for their own sake. They are mere introductory exercises to such studies, to which the tastes of pupils may perhaps lead them at a later period of instruction. The importance of forming museums of these objects is beginning now to be fully appreciated in the best schools. Vocal music is not used solely for cultivating the ear or taste, but for producing its appropriate moral effects from the character of the songs, and as an important auxilliary to order and discipline, substi. tuting harmony for noise during changes of position, and promoting regularity. The private Bible Training lessons are conducted without the school children, each student, in rotation, giving a lesson to the rest as before. It is the chairman's duty to see that the picture or subject of the lesson be properly drawn, and that, while all the relations and associations are attended to, no digressions be made which may detract from the distinct and straight-forward course of the subject. These and other exercises of the students, as well as the daily exercises of Ithe public Model schools, are opened and closed with prayer. In addition to the Model schools, there are 17 Miniature schools and class-rooms of various sizes, for the practical working of the students; some of these are fitted up like the Model schools, and to which a separate Play or Training-ground is attached. The female students also have a separate Play or Training-ground for their classes. The total number trained since the commencement of the institu Moral and Physical Training. As already stated, the playground, or "uncovered school.room," is considered the place in which moral training is to be accomplished, where the principles taught in the school may be caried into practice so as to become habits. Accordingly, the play ground is not merely fitted up with the means of exercise, but it is planted, in part, with flowers and fruit, accessible to all, but which are to be enjoyed under the injunction, smell, see, but touch not" It has been, and is, in part, tion is 505. Through them the great principles and peculiarities of to this day, the reproach of England and the United States, that the system are extending far and wide, both at home and abroad. It public property is always injured; that flowers cannot bloom, nor fruit ripen, unless when enclosed; and in France, which is consid. has been introduced into the Home and Colonial Infant School society ered as offering an exception to this barbarous practice, I fear that by its head master, who was trained in this seminary; into Australia the result is produced rather by the certainty of detection and pun- twenty-one; into the High school of Glasgow, in the Junior class, by by seventeen trainers from the seminary; into the West Indies by ishment, than from the influence of a higher motive. Education is the true source of relief from this reproach; if the child be trained a gentleman trained in the seminary; into British America by several to respect what belongs to the public, the man will never injure it. male and female trainers lately sent out from this institution; into a Such views have been decried as visionary, and the idea that and in several cases into Ireland. A most important point in the great number of town and country parishes in England and Scotland, child could be so trained, has been scouted. But facts prove that the visionary persons were only a little in advance of the times, into the Poor Law unions of England by several of the Poor Law progress of the Training system has been attained by its introduction and their training system has succeeded, and its principles will final-commissioners, but particularly by Dr. Kay at Norwood, who has ly be so generally adopted, that to doubt them will be as remarka- stood foremost in this philanthropic work. Lately this society has ble as the idea itself originally appeared. In this particular school, upwards of one hundred and eighty scholars, fron, the manufactu. ring classes of Glasgow, have been in the habit of using the playground for more than an hour and a quarter every day for two years and a half, without damage to the flowers or fruits which it Great attention is paid to neatness in the play-ground, that the habits inculcated in the school may be carried out here. It affords, also, opportunities of exemplifying lessons on cruelty to animals, on truth, justice, kindness, and other virtues. The means of healthy exercise is given by the more simple kinds of gymnastics. As a vent for the animal spirits of a child, the play-ground is an important auxiliary to the school. A quarter of an hour spent there between the lessons leads not only to health, but to greater quiet on the return of the pupil to the room. Supplementary to it are simultaneous movements, executed by the class by express di. The subdued quiet produced by a rigid dis. cipline may be a necessary evil in large schools, but should still be considered as an evil, and means taken to counteract its effects by exercise from time to time in and out of the class-room. Hence the mechanical motions considered by some as so ludicrous in the Lancasterian system are founded on a proper regard to the princi. ples of physical education. contains. rection of the master. It need scarcely be remarked that this system of training can no more be carried on without the master's presence in the play-ground, than without in the school room, and in this particular it coincides with the best examples of practice in the German schools. THE NORMAL SEMINARY. Bache's Report. furnished a trainer to Parkhurst Reformatory prison, Isle of Wight, for juvenile offenders; and this has led to an order for two trainers for a similar institution in Scotland. The National School society of England has made repeated movements in our direction, both privately system into their extended sphere of usefulness; and the equally celeand officially, with a view to introduce some portion of the Training brated British and Foreign School society is in process of erecting a Normal seminary, in which, as far as is consistent with its principles, play-grounds, &c., are being provided. The Society has had comthe Training system is to be introduced; and with this view galleries, munication with the Synod of Ulster, to extend the benefits of the institution to our sister island. The Wesleyan Methodists in some parts of England and Ireland are also adopting the system, and have availed themselves of this seminary for the training of schoolmasters. Several missionary societies have sent their foreign missionaries to acquire the system of Bible training.-Fifth Rep. of G. E. S. 1839. EDINBURGH SCHOOL OF ARTS. During the past year 451 students have atended the School of Arts; of whom 291 took out tickets for the winter course of study, 70 for the drawing classes, and 90 for that of teaching the art of or. namental modelling. The business of the winter course of study has been conducted with a steady adherence to the plan of instruction agreed upon by the directors. The mathematical classes have been distinguished, during the session, by a very regular attendance, and highly creditable proficiency in the solutions of the various exIn the Normal seminary the time of the students or teachers under ercises prescribed; the subjects taught in the senior class were the training is divided into three parts. 1st. Receiving instruction, from fourth book of geometry in the text-book, equations, the use of logathe masters of the seminary, in elementary branches on the Training rithms, plane trigonometry, and practical mathematics. Fifty-six System. 2nd. Observing the operations and listening to the lessons have enrolled for this claas; of these, 14 came forward as desirous of the Model Schoolmasters and their scholars. 3rd. Actually work- to be examined, and to qualify for the certificate. It is very pleas. ing out the system with a class of children in the miniature schools, ing to the directors to be able to state, that, during the past and im. alternately under the superintendence of the head master of each mediately preceding sessions, the numbers who have atttended the senior or more advanced class of mathematics, have been three times as numerous as on any former occasion; and they regard this as the most convincing proof that the great mass of the students do not resort to the school either for amusement or the acquisition of superficial attainments, but to obtain possession of sound practical information In the natural philosophy class, Mr. Lees, the lecturer, states, that, during the session, a great variety of exercises were prescribed to the students, their answers to which were in general not only accurate, but given with a precision and intelligence that were truly gratifying. The students of this class were instruc. ted in the following branches of science. 1. Properties of matter, illustrated by appropriate experiments, and particularly by reference to the familiar incidents and occurrences of every day life. 2. The theory of statics, treating of the general equilibrium of bodies; centre of gravity. 3. Mechanics, embracing the elements of machine4. Dynamics, ry, with various modifications and combinations. treating of the motion of solids. 5. Strength and strain of materi. al; bridge-arches. 6. Hydrostatics, including the general principles of hydrostatic equilibrium; pressure downward; lateral pressure; pressure on embankments; centre of pressure; hydrostatic press; specific gravity of solids and fluids; strength of spiritous liquors; floatation; centre of buoyancy; meta-centre. The highly interest. ing and useful branch of mechanical science, floatation,-a subject at all times necessary in connexion with a very important branch of the useful arts, ship-building,—was introduced last year, and was illustrated by a series of very ingeniously constructed models, made under his immediate inspection. 7. Pneumatics, treating of the phenomena of air, pumps, syphons, fire-engines, barometers. 8. An account of Robbins's experiments on gunnery. 9. Steam.engine; latent and sensible heat of steam; history of the steam.engine; mode of determining the power of an engine; construction of the most approved form of the locomotive engine, &c. In chemistry, Dr. Reid is the lecturer; who not only performed experiments himself before his pupils, but enabled the students to perform them themselves; several of them, he says, performed nearly 200. IRELAND. ELEMENTARY EDUCATION. Among the earliest legislative efforts to promote education in Ire. land, which have left traces not yet wholly obliterated, was the enactment of a law, during the reign of Henry the Eighth, which enjoined upon every parochial clergyman the maintenance of a school within the limits of his benefice. The principal object of this law was to encourage the introduction of the English language Whether from the indisposition of among the natives of Ireland. the Irish to avail themselves of the opportunities offered by this act, or from its not having been adequately enforced, it seems to have conduced but little to the instruction of the people. The intervention of the State in support of education was, during nearly a century, applied with singular ardour and perseverance, to the support of what have been called the Protestant Charter Schools, incorporated in the year 1733. Enormous sums were lavished by Parliament upon the Charter Schools; not less than 723,304! was granted to them between 1800 and 1829. The whole number of children apprenticed during ninety years, ending in 1825, amounted only to 12,745. The society now maintains five boarding schools, in which 287 children are lodged, dieted, clothed, and educated; and five day-schools, in which 249 children are educated. Its an. nual income is 73617. which is derived exclusively from endowment. The Society for Discountenancing Vice also shared to a considerable extent the liberality of Parliament, having received 101,991. between the year 1800 and the year 1827, when the grant was with. drawn. In 1826, there were in connexion with this association, 226 schools, giving education to 12,769 scholars. The society is at present upheld chiefly by the exertions of the Protestant clergy. Its funds are now derived wholly from subscriptions, which amounted, in the year 1838, to 10081. 13s. 3d. The Kildare-place Society was established in 1814; and its fund. amental principle being that no peculiar or catechetical religious The directors have now to inform the subscribers, that the class. instruction should be given under its sanction, it at first received es for architectural, mechanical, and ornamental scroll-drawing con. the support of persons of all denominations. Differences, however, tinue to be eagerly sought after by the students. One class has soon arose with respect to the perusal of the Scriptures, in consealready been taught this summer, and another is now in progress, quence of its being also made an indispensable condition of aid to each consisting of 30 pupils; and a great many applications for ad. any school in connexion with the society that the whole Bible should This principle is at variance mission were made above the number which it is possible to do jus. be read, without note or comment. tice to in one session. The directors conceive that during this last with the views of the Roman Catholic Church, which does not per. session they have made a most valuable addition to the instruction mit the use of the Scriptures at large as a school book, unless acafforded by the School of Arts, in the formation of a class for teach.companied with explanations by the clergy. ing the art of ornamental modelling. It is not the object of the directors, in the formation of this class, to open a nursery for artists: but to teach those engaged in all trades where ornament is in the least concerned, such as silver chasers, jewellers, plasterers, glass. cutters, brass founders, smiths, die-sinkers, and a variety of others, to form their ideas of design on the most approved models of ancient and modern excellence; to enable them, instead of servilely imitating existing patterns with a vague uncertainty and want of acquaintance with the laws regulating art, to classify their labors; and, by accustoming their minds to contemplate and imitate acknow. ledged excellence, gradually to lead the way to that creative skill in the execution of their designs, which will eventually open up a new era in such walks of art, and remove the imputation under which this country at present lies when compared with her Continental neighbors.-Fifth Report Glasgow Educational Society, 1839. State of Education among Children employed in Factories.-Convinced, from a variety of observations, that a much smaller number of persons are educated than is usually imagined, even taking the sim. ple power of reading as the standard, a practical inquiry was lately made into one of the public factories of this city, in which are em. ployed about 600 men, women and children. The boys and girls, to the number of 198, chiefly of the ages of eleven to thirteen years, were separately required to read a few verses of a chapter from the New Testament; and the following is the sad result: Twenty-five could read well. Fifty-seven imperfectly; but not so as to know much of what they read. Forty-nine had been at school, but could not read. The remainder, sixty-seven, had never been at school or taught to read. Thus, 116 out 198 are unable to read. Of these, nineteen could write; some, however, only large text. Not above three or four of, the twenty-five who could read well, could form any distinct impression of the meaning of what they did read. This we conceive is the only mode of ascertaining the actual amount of education. No statistics on this point from the testimony of pa. rents or children, can ascertain the real truth without putting their powers of reading and understanding to the proof. The answer of a large proportion of these totally uneducated children in the first instance was, "I can read." The aid given by Parliament to this association was very considerable, amounting for several years to 25,000l. per annum. These grants ceased in 1837, when the society was superseded, as a means of affording encouragement to education on the part of the the State, by the present Board of National Education. According to tables published by the society, it appears that there were, in 1831, 1621 schools in connexion with it, affording instruction to 137,639 scholars; that 1908 male teachers, and 482 female teach ers, had been trained; 1,464,817 cheap books issued, and 1131 lending libraries had been formed by the society. It is now wholly dependent upon its own private funds, and upon voluntary subscrip. tions. There are in connexion with it about 1091 schools, which are estimated to contain about 81,750 scholars. Its receipts amount annually to between 4000l. and 50001. The members of this Board* have been, the Duke of Leinster, the Protestant Archbishop of Dublin, Dr. Sadlier, (three Protestants); the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Dublin, the Right Hon. A. R. Blake, Chief Remembrancer, (both Catholics); Mr. Holmes, an Arian; and the Rev. Mr. Carlisle, a Presbyterian minister, and the only member of the Board who has received a salary. The fundamental principle upon which the Board has hitherto governed its conduct has been, that united education shall alone be encouraged; that the literary instruction of children of all persuasions shall be given in common, but that their catechetical religious instruction shall be received separately. With a view to unite the children as much as possible, even in a religious instruction, a small volume of extracts from the Scripture has been compiled, in a new version, under the sanction of the Archbishops of the two churches; and these extracts are very generally read in the schools, although their perusal is not compulsory. At least one day in each week is allot. ted to the religious instruction of the children by their own pastors and religious teachers; and by a recent regulation, the Scriptures at large, or other works of a religions character, may be read on other days at stated hours, but the children are permitted to absent them. selves, if their parents so desire. The following are the principal * There has been a recent change in the composition of the Board. Mr. Car lisle has ceased to be a member, and Sir Patrick Bellew (a Catholic) Mr. Henry and Sergeant Greene (Protestants) have been associated with the former members of the Board. conditions upon which assistance has been granted to schools; viz., instruction given is of a Protestant character, the Catholic clergy do that when aid is sought for building, at least one-third of the ex- not encourage or sanction these schools. pense shall be locally contributed, and that the site of the school The Irish Society for promoting the education of the native Irish house shall be vested in trustees approved by the Board; that pro- through the medium of their own language, is another association vision shall be made, by local subscription, towards a permanent which depends exclusively upon voluntary subscriptions. Its income salary for the teacher, for the repair of the school house, and for for the year ending the 17th March, 1838, was 51571. 158. 2d. There the purchase of school requisites; and lastly, that the school shall were 770 schools in connexion with it, giving education in the Irish be conducted in conformity to the regulations of the Board, and be, tongue to 18,843 scholars, of whom 14,776 were adults. Scriptural in all respects, subject to its control. They do not, however, insist education is the paramount object for which the society was foundupon appointing the teachers, but reserve to themselves the powered, and it is to this object that its labors are chiefly directed. of suspending or removing them. The Board have prepared, for In connexion with the Irish branch of the Baptist Society, there the use of schools, a series of excellent books and treatises, from were, in 1838, forty-one schools, containing about 3000 scholars. many of which even adults would derive much useful information. There exists in Ireland a fraternity connected with the Catholic These books are supplied at half.price to the national schools; and Church, who are entirely devoted to education. They are called to the public they are also sold at a price which is much too high, Brothers of the Christian doctrine. In the Catholic Directory for and which ought to be reduced to the lowest possible amount, with 1838, the number of children taught by persons in immediate con a view to encourage their gratuitous distribution by benevolent indi- nexion with the Roman Catholic Church in Ireland, is stated to be viduals. At the Central Institution in Dublin, there is a model 14,870. Of these schools a considerable proportion are in receipt school; attached to which there is also an infant school, and a train-of aid from the National Board. By a return made to the Parlia ing establishment for teachers. There are twenty-five inspectors, mentary Committee of 1837, it appears that at that time twenty-six exclusive of the Superintendent of the Central School. The amount national schools were taught by nuns, and eighteen by monks. granted by the Board, from its establishment in 1831, to 15th December 1837, in aid of schools, not including the general expenses of the Board, or the cost of the Central School, was apportioned as follows: £ 8. d. 26,298 8 31 9,211 8 7 54,075 18 11 13,666 6 1 £103,252 1 11} Total, Upon the 25th of March, 1838, there were 1,384 school in opera. tion under the Board, with 1,510 teachers, male and female. The average number of scholars on the rolls of these schools at the same period amounted, in the aggregate, to 169,548. There are no accu. rate returns of the relative number of Catholic and Protestant chil. dren at these schools; but the following summary, prepared for the Parliamentary Committee of 1837, by the officers of the Board, is supposed to indicate very fairly the relative proportion upon the whole number of scholars, though the returns do not comprise all It is proposed hereafter greatly to extend the operations of the Board, in every department of its functions, if Parliament should provide the necessary funds. In the second report of the Board, a general view is exhibited of the plan of education contemplated; and a calculation is given, by which it appears that an income of at least 210,000 per annum would be necessary adequately to meet the wants of the country in regard of education. The last annual grant amounted to no more than 50,0001. We now proceed to notice the exertions made in support of education by several societics not yet mentioned, which do not derive aid from Parliament. The London Hibernian Society is supported wholly by voluntary subscriptions. Its income for the year 1837, amounted to 99917. 10s. 9d. There were in connexion with it 1143 day.schools educating 85,673, scholars, and 1279 Sunday and adult schools, educating 53,418 scholars. The teachers of 813 day-schools were paid according to the number and progress of the children, as ascertained by the inspectors of the society. The attendance of scholars at the several inspections was 58,201. The fundamental principle of the society is, that the Bible at large shall be taught in the schools; and also that through the agency of Scripture readers it shall be read and disseminated throughout the country. The attendance of Roman Catholic children on the day.schools, is stated to have amount. ed in 1837 to 31,285; but the Catholic clergy give every opposition in their power to the proceedings of the society, as tending to proselytism, and as inconsistent with the views of their church. The Sunday School Society is also supported by voluntary contributions. Its receipts during the year 1837, amounted to 30571. 18. 6d.; of which about 600l. were derived from the sale of Bibles and school books, which it distributes largely throughout the country. The number of schools in connexion with the society on the 1st of January, 1838, is stated to have been 2975, in which instruction was given to 214,164 scholars, by 20,885 gratuitous teachers. As the We may here notice, in connexion with Elementary Education, a very ample endowment which exists in Ireland, arising out of a bequest by Erasmus Smith. The estates placed under the administration of the governors of this charity are stated to comprise 7593 acres, giving an annual rental of 75841. These funds are applied to the encouragement of education of every description. A considerable number of elementary schools for the poorer classes are maintained; several academical seminaries have been partially endowed; and in Trinity College, at Dublin, three professorships, viz., mathematics, modern history, and Oriental languages, have been founded by the aid of this charity. The education afforded by the societies and institutions comprised in the foregoing enumeration is for the most part given gratuitously. Where a school fee is required, in the case of schools not deriving aid from any society, it ranges from one shilling and sixpence per quarter, to half-a-crown. For instruction in the higher branches of elementary knowledge it seldom exceeds seven shillings per quarter. The education given in the ordinary elementary schools of Ireland is limited to reading, writing, and arithmetic; but in those of a somewhat higher description, a slight knowledge of geography, history, mensuration, geometry, and algebra, is not unfrequently communicated. The monitorial system of teaching has been adopted by the National Board, and by the various educational societies, and has in other schools been brought into very general operation. The books used in schools which are under the patronage of the societies are of a very excellent description, and though works of an objectionable kind are sometimes to be found in the hedge schools, yet a great improvement has taken place in this respect since the time when the earlier parliamentary commissioners made inquiries into the state of education in Ireland. The general character of the teachers has also been much improved, but it is still very far from having reached that standard which ought to be attained by those who are charged with the care of youth. In the case of those masters who are dependent upon the different societies, or upon benevolent individuals, the fear of losing their situations, in case of misconduct, must operate as a restraint; but where such influences do not exist, the check of public opinion, and the fear of being deserted by their scholars, do not appear to act as motives sufficiently strong to prevent occasional irregularities of conduct. The emoluments of those who devote themselves to the education of the poorer classes in Ireland are so inconsiderable-seldom reaching twenty pounds per annum-that there is not sufficient inducement to tempt persons of character and attainments to apply themselves to a pursuit which does not hold out the recompense which it deserves, either in regard of public esteem or of pecuniary remuneration. With reference to industrial training as a part of education, we regret that scarcely any attempt has yet been made to unite with literary instruction any knowledge of the industrial arts, or the practice of any manual occupations. In all well-regulated female schools, however, needle. work, knitting, straw.plait, &c., form a part of the occupation of tho children. Of the general character of the moral training which prevails in the schools of Ireland, it is difficult to convey a correct impression. tion in 1835, as ascertrined by the Commissioners of Public In. We shall now exhibit the general summary of the state of educa Number of schools in connexion with, or receiving support from The National Board, 115 235 892 and gratuitous source of improvement to the agricultural pupils ; but a short and very expensive trial convinced the subscribers that 203 neither their funds nor existing circumstances would enable them to prosecute the whole scheme; and they then abandoned the more expensive school, and devoted their whole attention to the other. A 618 large and commodious house and offices were built at an expense exceeding 2,400l.; 1,2001. of which the Grocers' Company, their 8,886 liberal landlords, contributed. The house contains a school room 353,809 40 feet long, 21 wide, 15 feet high; four dormitories,-No. 1, 223,900 40 feet long, 21 wide, 13 feet high; No. 2, 40 feet long, 21 wide, 5,700 13 feet high; No. 3, 35 feet long, 16 wide, and 13 feet high; No. 4, 23 feet long, 21 wide, and 15 high. The dormitories contain 76 583,413 beds, each pupil having a separate one; the dining room is 45 feet 771 long, 15 wide, and 15 feet high; besides these, there are rooms for the different masters, matrons, servants, and committee; kitchen, store room, and other requisite offices. The out door buildings consist of two large rooms for pupils' boxes, washing room, dairy, stables, harness room, tool house, cow houses, feeding houses, piggeries, barn; which, together with the farming utensils, are kept Number of schools of which no lists were produced, struction. with the greatest attention to neatness. To qualify a pupil for admission it originally required a nomina. tion from one of the 251. subscribers; but the right of nomination has been extended by the Committee to annual subscribers, who pay 21. for the first pupil, and 11. for each additional. Of the pupils, one half are at their studies in the house, while the others are pursuing their agricultural studies out of doors; this is the arrangement for the morning. In the afternoon they change, so that the in-door and out-of-door education proceed paripassu. The arrangement of these hours, &c. will be seen in the Appendix. The domestic management of the house is confided to a highly respectable matron, who superintends the cooking, dairy, the house and scholars' linen, and controls the female servants. The in-door establishment consists of a head and second master, who instructs the pupils in spelling, reading, grammar, writing, The present population of Ireland probably amounts to 8,500,000. arithmetic, geography, book-keeping as applicable not only to agriUpon this number eighteen per cent. would give 1,500,000 children cultural but commercial accounts, Euclid's Elements, algebra, trigo. to be educated; of whom 1,200,000, or, at the very lowest computa- nometry, with its application to heights and distances, and land. tion, 1,000,000 belong to those classes for the education of whose surveying, together with the use of the water level, theodolite and children it is the especial duty of the State to afford peculiar facili- chain; and the proficiency displayed by the pupils at the different ties. In this view of the subject we have not taken into account the yearly examinations, many of them in every one of the different children between three years old and five years, although in our branches of education enumerated, has been such as to surprise the opinion infant schools ought to be provided for this portion of the talented persons who, on these occasions, have kindly acted as national offspring. In this paper we have not attempted any sepa-examiners, and to afford the best proof of the judicious selection that rate notice of the infant schools at present existing in Ireland, be- has been made of the master. cause they are not sufficiently numerous to obtain a place in our general classification. To provide a suitable education for one million of children, would probably cost above 300,000l. per annum; and herein lies one of the main difficulties, which terrifies our statesmen. The same minister who cherfully asks from Parliament above a million and a half sterling every year to provide a military and police force for the purpose of coercing the people of Ireland to the observance of order, would shrink from the duty of proposing an annual grant of 200,000l. to instruct the rising generation in their duties as subjects and citizens. Those, however, who demand education for the people, as a right, or solicit it as the greatest of moral blessings, do not come before Parliament as mendicants. They only ask of the legislature to declare that schools open to children of all persuasions shall henceforth be considered at least as essen. tial an adjunct to our social organization as a road, a bridge, or a gaol; and that an adequate machinery shall be by law provided for their erection, support and administration. It wonld lead us into too much prolixity if we were to attempt to elucidate all the details appertaining to a system founded upon such a basis. They would be framed with a view to do no violence to the conscience of any one; to provide for the proper selection and training of the teach. ers; to secure a constant and vigilant inspection and superintend. ence; to ensure a supply of books of the best quality, as well as of other useful accessories to education; to teach the rudiments of the industrial arts; in fine, to send forth into the world a succession of young persons trained in the knowledge and exercise of their moral and religious duties, and competent by mental and physical qualification to apply their industry to the best advantage both for themselves and for their country. AGRICULTURAL SCHOOL AT TEMPLEMOYLE. The agricultural branch of the seminary is entrusted to a skilful and talented young man, a native of Scotland, and whose ability would be better ascertained during a walk round the farm than described by the pen; he has under him a gardener and a ploughman. The farm consists of 135 Cunningham, or 169 statute acres, with a north-eastern aspect, rising gradually from the house, which is 180 feet above the level of the sea, till it attains the height of 313 feet; the soil is mostly a thin retentive clay, on a micacious subsoil, which, together with the height and aspect, will account for the small produce when compared with the skill and labor expended on it. These circumstances occasion the patrons of this establishment a much greater expense than if the soil had been more grateful in its returns; but the disadvantage is lessoned, when it is considered that it presents a much greater field for the instruction of the pupils, who are taught increased vigilance in watching the seasons for ploughing, sowing and reaping, rendered particularly precarious by the above circumstances. The school might have been situated where draining could only have been taught in its theory; here every field is, and, we may say, always will be, a practi cal lesson, as pecuniary means are the only limits to draining such retentive sub-soils. Every description of draining is here practised during the period of the year at which it is practicable; and furrow draining, which is carried to as considerable an extent as our means and time have permitted, already shows its beneficial influences on the crops that have succeeded it. The seminary derives its origin from the North-West of Ireland Society, many of whose members had individually experienced the great difficulty and expense that attended all their attempts to im. prove their property, and the frequent failures that arose from their The whole farm is labored by the scholars in the alternate hours tenants not being capable, from their education, to appreciate or imi- of their school education; and many of the senior lads, during their tate them. To remedy these evils, and obtain the desired advan-hours of recreation, have surveyed and mapped not only the Tem. tages, the Agricultural School at Templemoyle was founded in the year 1827, in connexion with, and strongly supported by, the NorthWest of Ireland Society: the plan of M. Fellenberg, at Hofwyl, in Switzerland, was taken in some degree as a model. The original plan embraced two schools; one comprising every branch of education, and requiring a considerable payment from the pupils; the other embracing every useful attainment, and adapted to the more limited means of the majority. It was hoped that the industrial school might have its means of support increased by the profit from the principal establishment, and that the general lectures of the professors of the head school would have afforded a valuable plemoyle Farm, but some of the neighboring ones, in a manner that would do credit to a professional surveyor. Within the last year a nursery of forest trees has been made; the spring was particularly unfavorable for planting, but, with the care and attention that was employed, few of the trees failed. It will prove an additional source of instruction to the pupils, and we trust will not be without its profit. The garden, of which the nursery is an enlargement, has, within the same period been rendered more ornamental; and by means of it, and the system and neatness required about the other portions of the establishment, it is hoped that what is now taught as a lesson, may hereafter be adopted from principle, and from the persuasion | varied from twenty guineas to fifty guineas each. The society havthat in that, as in every thing else, neatness is economy. An experienced veterinary surgeon, who had been lecturing in the adjacent towns of Derry, Newtown-Limavady, and Coleraine, and had given great satisfaction, was engaged to give a course of lectures comprehending the treatment of the horse, both as to his food and medicine, under the different uses to which he is applied, and the most approved method of shoeing. The system of cropping adopted on the farm is the four and five shift rotation; 36 Cunningham, or 45 statute acres, being under the four shift and 94 Cunningham, or nearly 118 statute acres, under the five shift course. The situation and division of the fields cause the disparity in the number of acres in each rotation; not that a prejudice existed towards the one rather than the other, but it was thought necessary that the pupils should see each in operation. The tive shift consists of, 1st year, oats after ley; 2d, turnips pota. toes, vetches, beans, or flax, with manure; 3d, wheat, barley, or oats, sown with clover and grasses; 4th, clover for soiling, or hay; 5th, pasture. The four crop rotation is the same, without the 5th or pasture year. We would request all persons disposed to send pupils, to ascer tain, by a personal examination of them, whether they are likely to be benefitted by their fitness at the time of entrance. The pupil should be at least fourteen, able to read and write, and disposed to pay that obedience which the rules require, and which his own dis cretion might know was necessary. In order also to do justice to the Seminary and themselves, they should remain there at least two years; and, should they not have had any previous acquaintance with agricultural pursuits, a longer time would be absolutely nec. essary. ing given upon some occasions indications of party sp.rit, it has not hitherto fully possessed the confidence of the Roman Catholic portion of the community; but there is every reason to hope that such circumstances will never again occur. The annual parliamentary grant is 5300l. The Parliamentary Committee, which was appointed in 1836 to inquire into its management, recommended that it should be enabled, in some degree to supply the void which exists in Ireland with regard to instruction in the experimental sciences, by sending down to the small towns either its own professors, or other qualified persons, to give lectures in this department of science. The society has recently been enabled, by the government, to act upon this suggestion, and lectures upon chemistry, natural philosophy, and mechanics have been given by the professors of the Society, in the towns of Galway, Partarlington, and Wicklow. The valuable paper from which the above information is taken, is from the pen of William S. O'Brien, Esq. M. P., and is contained in the THIRD PUBLICATION OF THE CENTRAL SoCIETY OF EDUCATION. It gives a very good summary of the means and condition of elementary, academical, collegiate, professional, and supplementary education in Ireland. As far as we can judge, the means of academical or secondary education, are more equally distributed, and are capable of greater immediate improvement, than either of the other classes. By being placed under the control of the National Board, in connection with the elementary schools, these institutions would Twenty-one counties having sent scholars, may justify its being termed a National Establishment, and afford another proof of the constitute parts of a regular system, and could be made to disinterestedness of its founders and supporters. The improve- furnish a highly useful education to all classes of the commument of their own properties, or even the surrounding country, was nity. Great expectations are entertained from the continued not the limits they assigned to this institution. They hail, with action of the National Board. The Normal School which has pleasure, the satisfactory intelligence that its beneficial effects are already felt in some of the remotest parts of their country; and they been recently completed at Dublin, will afford to the future trust that ere long they may see similar establishments rising in teacher the opportunities of learning the principles and pracevery province of Ireland. Should their best and most sanguine wishes, in that way be realized, they will then have obtained the tices of his future calling, and will lead to the improvement of highest and only reward to which they have ever aspired,-that the the quality and quantity of instruction communicated in the agricultural seminary at Templemoyle has been the parent of estab-national schools. The Board has been instrumental in lishments productive of prosperity and happiness to their native country.-Annual Report of Society 1839. SUPPLEMENTARY EDUCATION. In this class may be placed scientific and literary associations, mechanics' institutions, public libraries, museums, botanic gardens, galleries of paintings, schools of art, &c. Institutions of this class are chiefly confined to the metropolis; and may be stated, in general terms, as consisting of several associations connected with the study and pursuit of the profession of law and medicine; a geological and a zoological society; a society of civil engineers; several musical societies; and a society for promoting the fine arts in Dublin; a similar society in Cork; horticultural and agricultural societies in Dublin and in the provinces; a few scientific and litera. ry associations and mechanics' institutions in some of the principal towns. Upon the whole, Ireland is sadly deficient in these aids to education. Neither in number nor efficiency can the very few insti. tutions of this nature which exist, be said to indicate a just appreciation of the enjoyments and advantages of literature, science, and We add a notice of the the arts. DUBLIN SOCIETY. providing a supply of a uniform set of text books, which will We "We have now completed this review of the educational institutions of Ireland; and we deduce from the facts before us the conclusion, that the provision heretofore made for the instruction of the people either by the voluntary efforts of individuals, or by the fostering aid of the State, is wholly inadequate; that the endowments founded by private or by royal munificence have, through a defective administration, failed to produce benefits commensurate with the means of usefulness which they possess; that the instruction at present afforded to the different classes of society is seldom the most suitable that could be given in reference to the circumstances of the individuals receiving it; and that its quality requires to be The Dublin Society was founded above a century since; and was improved, and its range to be enlarged. If these results canmuch encouraged, and most liberally supported, by the parliament not be fairly deduced from the facts which are before us, we of Ireland. An enumeration of the objects which it embraces, will are at liberty to stand still; but if neither the facts can be show how comprehensive is the range of useful action which it assumes to itself. It possesses a museum, a library, and a botanic denied, nor the conclusion be controverted, then we are entigarden, which are open to the public. It maintains four professors, tled to call upon the Legislature, upon the Government, and who give gratuitous lectures, which are numerously attended by the public, in chemistry, natural philosophy, botany, mineralogy, and upon the people to begird themselves strenuously to the noblest geology. The botanic garden, which is one of the finest in Europe, task that can occupy the human energies-that of enlightenis a practical school for young men seeking instruction in garden- ing the minds, refining the tastes, and improving the habits ing. There are also four schools of art, in which several most dis- of a nation; and, above all, of teaching them the practical tinguished artists have received the rudiments of their education. They are as follows:-A figure school, a school for landscape and exercise of that religion which was announced by its divine ornamental drawing, a school of architecture, and a school for mod. herald as the harbinger of peace on earth and good will to elling in clay. Exhibitions of Irish manufactures and agricultural implements are also held once every year under the auspices of the society. Evening meetings frequently take place, for conversation and mutual instruction in regard to objects connected with literature, science, and the arts. About nine hundred members have been admitted since the Union, upon payment of a sum which has man." |