Second year: Straight backstitching; knitting of designs; forked and coarse stitch. ing; embroidery with colored threads; band stitching.

Third year: Sewing; backstitching; double sewing; tucking; knitting with metal needles; embroidery on coarse materials.

Fourth year: Marginal embroidery; simple fastenings; raveling out; practical and simple ideas for cutting and making the principal garments.

In cases where it is impossible to comply with the above programme of compulsory education, a four years' course to comprise the following items will be considered as a sufficient compliance with the law:

Practical ideas of the duties of life; instruction in civics and history of the nation; the national language, comprising reading and writing; arithmetic; such general lessons as may be convenient; gymnastic exercises.

For the primary schools the scholastic year to consist of ten months, to commence January 7 and ending November 2, when the classes shall be suspended to commence the examinations. The scholastic week to consist of five days, from Monday to Friday, inclusive. In the first year the daily work not to exceed four and a half hours, in the second year five hours, five and a half hours in the third, and six hours in the fourth year. In the first year the time occupied in any lesson not to exceed twenty minutes, in the second year twenty-five minutes, thirty in the third, and forty in the fourth year. Half an hour for recreation to be included in the hours for daily work.

No punishments to be administered that may degrade or injure the children.

In the public elementary schools there shall be a director to have charge of not to exceed fifty pupils, an assistant to be appointed for every fifty in excess of this number.

In the schools where not more than one teacher is employed the supplementary programme to be adopted instead of the full course.

In places where from lack of funds it is not possible to establish two schools the same programme shall be used in mixed schools, the boys to attend in the morning and girls in the afternoon, or vice versa.

In order to stimulate teachers prizes consisting of medals and premiums of money are offered as rewards for meritorious and painstaking work, as indicated by successful examinations of their pupils. At the termination of ten years' faithful service teachers are given a bronze medal, a silver one at the end of twenty years, and one of gold at the completion of thirty years' service, when they are entitled to retirement on full pay, or to receive double pay if they choose to continue their work.

In the month of June, 1891, a body called "the superior body of primary instruction" was established, to which all matters relating to elementary education are intrusted.

Committees have been formed in the municipalities of the Federal District and the Territories to see that the law is complied with in respect to compulsory education. In the States, and particularly the less populous ones, and where the Indians predominate, compulsory attendance, although recognized by law, can not yet be enforced. The extension of education among the rural population and the more remote communities is a problem that only time can solve.

The Indian population, although uneducated, have the imitative faculty largely developed, and they display marvelous ingenuity in the construction of an infinite variety of articles. They manipulate straw, wax, wood, marble, grass, and hair; their productions from these substances and in clay and glazed pottery are marvelous. Their feather work also is beautiful, delicate, and artistic. There are profound possibilities in this race; with the dissemination of education among them they will enter the field of industrial competition with an equipment which, combined with their frugality and habits of patient labor, will in time elevate them to much higher social plane.

are still in the mountains

remote parts of Mexico many Indians who

are yet uncivilized, for whom special schools have been established, in which the teachers are young Indians taken from the same tribe and trained in the Government institutions for teachers.

SECONDARY EDUCATION.

The Government of Mexico, while making provision for the dissemination of elementary instruction among the masses of the people, has not been unmindful of its duties in meeting the demand for higher education and scientific training. It has laid under contribution the most advanced scientific research and experiments, and has organized schools and colleges covering almost every branch of education in science and art.

NATIONAL COLLEGE OF ENGINEERS AND MINING.

One of the most famous of the older scientific schools of Mexico was founded by royal ordinance in May, 1783, which ordered the establishment of a seminary for the teaching of metallurgy and mining. The college was opened January 1, 1792. It was afterwards installed in the magnificent building which it still occupies. This fine structure, which was commenced in 1797 and finished in 1813, cost, including repairs which have since been made, $1,500,000. In December, 1867, the national school of engineers was established in the same building, and in November, 1881, together with the school of agriculture, it was taken from the jurisdiction of the secretary of justice and assigned to the secretary of colonization, industry, and commerce. In May, 1883, however, both of these schools were again placed in charge of the secretary of justice and a decree published establishing new rules and regulations for their guidance. At the same time new classes were formed and the programmes promulgated determining the course of study for the different branches of the professions concerned.

In order to be enrolled as a student the candidate must present a certificate from the national preparatory school showing that he has passed a successful examination either at that or some other official school in the States covering the following subjects: Spanish grammar, Greek roots, French, English, elements of German, arithmetic, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, mechanics, experimental physics, natural history, cosmography, physical and political geography (especially that of Mexico), logic, and linear and landscape drawing.

The curricula of professional studies as established by law are as follows:

For assayer and metallurgist: Analytic chemistry and assaying of minerals, sorting and grading ores, coining and management of mints, and industrial chemistry, with practical work in all these branches.

For topographic and hydrographic engineer: Higher algebra, analytic geometry and integral calculus, descriptive geometry, topography, hydrography, meteorology, topographical drawing, and practical work in these branches.

For industrial engineer: Higher algebra, analytic geometry and integral calculus, descriptive geometry and hydrography, stereotomy, carpentry, analytic and applied mechanics, industrial mechanics, construction and installation of machinery, analytic and industrial chemistry, meteorology, study of building materials, theory and practice of building, topographical, mechanical, and architectural drawing, and practical work in all.

For road, bridge, and canal engineer: Higher algebra, analytic geometry and integral calculus, descriptive geometry, topography and hydrography, stereotomy and carpentry, analytic and applied mechanics, meteorology, theory and practice of building, study of building materials, roads and railways, bridges, canals, harbor works, graphic statics, topographical, mechanical, and architectural drawing, and practical work.

For mining engineer and metallurgist: Higher algebra, analytic geometry and integral calculus, descriptive geometry, topography and hydrography, analytic and ied mechanics, stereotomy and carpentry, study of building materials, theory

and practice of building, analytic chemistry and assaying, meteorology, mineralogy, paleontology, geology, mining work, artesian wells, mining legislation, metallurgy, graphic statics, topographical, mechanical, and architectural drawing, and practical work in branches named.

For geographical engineer: Higher algebra, analytic geometry and integral calculus, descriptive geometry, topography and hydrography, physics, meteorology, analytic mechanics, elements of cosmography, geodesy, physical and practical astronomy, clements of geology, topographical and geographical drawing, and practical work in all.

There are in connection also with this college schools in various places in the country for the practical teaching of mining and metallurgy and the training of managers and overseers of mines and specialists in the various branches of mining industry. In these schools the prescribed course is: Elementary studies in arithmetic and algebra, geometry, trigonometry, physics, mechanics, chemistry, metallurgy and mining work, and accounts, and in practical application of all these elements to the management and economy of mines and reduction works; Spanish, and linear drawing. These studies, however, are subsidiary to the actual practice which forms the prominent feature in these schools.

The college has a meteorological observatory and a well-assorted library of scientific books; also a museum of building materials, ores and minerals, fossils, and objects connected with geodesy, astronomy, and industrial mechanics.

Two classes of pupils are admitted, viz, those who take the full course with the intention of adopting one of the professions taught in the college, and those who merely wish to attend one or two of the classes. All the classes are open to the public and any person may attend them. The instruction in the college and schools in connection with it is free, and no fee is required on entrance or at time of receiving a degree or diploma.

MEDICAL COLLEGE.

The medical college was founded by royal decree in 1768, and was established in the old convent at Belem. It afterwards occupied various other buildings until 1853, when the Government purchased the structure formerly occupied by the Inquisition for the sum of $50,286 for the use of the college. Its classes were opened there in 1854, and it still occupies the same premises. The established courses are medicine, surgery, obstetrics, and pharmacy. Classes are established and lectures delivered on the following departments of medical science: Descriptive anatomy, pharmacy, physiology, histology, internal and external pathology, therapeutics, operative surgery, obstetrics, hygiene, and meteorology, medical jurisprudence, and medical, surgical, and obstetrical clinics.

For the profession of pharmacist the prescribed studies are: Theoretical and practical pharmacy, chemistry, and chemical analysis, history of drugs and materials used in medicine, and practical pharmaceutics.

Female students are admitted to study for qualification as midwives in classes of theoretical obstetrics and the clinical lectures on that subject.

There are also advanced and post-graduate classes in ophthalmology, gynecology, bacteriology, and pathological anatomy and histology.

NATIONAL MEDICAL INSTITUTE.

This institution was established by the Government in 1888, and was formally opened in July, 1890, for the purpose of the study of the botany, fauna, climatology, and medical geography of the country and their practical application in the science and practice of medicine. It is controlled by the department of colonization and industry, and is governed by a faculty consisting of a director and prefect, subprefect, secretary, assistant secretary, and a treasurer appointed by the General Government. For carwing on its work the following departments have been established: Firshed

charge of three professors, who must be doctors or phar

macists, aided by an assistant professor, two draftsmen, a photographer, a collecting anatomist, and a clerk. Its objects are the collection of plants and animals, to classify and distribute them, and to study their history, properties, and character; to form herbariums and anatomical collections of animals, and to furnish the other institutions such specimens and data as they may require.

Second. Analytic chemistry, in charge of three professors, who must be doctors or pharmacists, and five assistants. It is employed in analyzing and separating the elemental compounds of such products as may be sent to it by other departments, and when they are recent discoveries to make elementary analysis of them and arrange their formula; in making the requisite preparations for experimental use by the third department, and to furnish such data as may be required.

Third. Experimental physiology, in charge of three professors, who must be doctors, and another who is a veterinary surgeon. Its work is to determine the dynamicmedical action of the elements and preparations under consideration by the second department, and to give the results of their studies to the governing board, advising when the same may be applied to therapeutics, or their opinions on the subject.

Fourth. Clinical therapeutics, with two professors, one of whom is a physician, the other a surgeon, and six assistant doctors, assisted by such military surgeons and physicians, attached to public hospitals and private medical institutions, as may wish to become attached as coworkers. The subject being the study of clinical application that can be made of the substances that have been considered by the first, second, and third departments.

Fifth. Climatology and medical geography, with two medical professors, an assistant, and a clerk. Its objects are the study of the distribution of epidemic diseases in all parts of the Republic; the distribution and spread of epidemics; local etiological conditions in relation to the preceding subjects, and the nature of the diseases; climatic conditions and classification of the variations of the climate throughout the country for the purpose of forming a general climatological chart; distribution of water for the purpose of forming a hydrographical map, and the distribution of the races comprising the population and their classification.

Gold and silver medals and diplomas are conferred on such professors as may lend efficient services, or who publish original works on subjects comprehended in the plan of the institution.

The work done by the Mexican Medical College within the past few years is excellent, and it is now fairly entitled to be classed with the best institutions of this character in Europe and America.

NATIONAL COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE AND VETERINARY SURGERY.

An attempt to introduce the scientific teaching of agriculture in Mexico was made in 1850 by the establishment of professorships in the old college of San Gregorio. Classes were formed for theoretical teaching, and practical instruction was given on farms belonging to the college. In 1853 the Government founded an agricultural and veterinary school, which was established in February, 1854, in the building formerly used as the convent of San Jacinto, which was purchased for that purpose. By a law passed in 1883 the whole subject of agricultural and veterinary instruction received complete reorganization, and was placed under the supervision of the minister of public works.

Pupils are now admitted at 12 years of age and upward, the only qualification for admission being a good primary education, and passing a successful examination. The full course of instruction occupies seven years, and is judiciously divided between literary and scientific subjects, theory and practice. For the latter a thoroughly equipped experimental farm has been provided.

The degrees granted by the college are agricultural engineer and veterinary surgeon; the courses of study are as follows: For agricultural engineer, arithmetic, algebra, trigonometry, analytic and descriptive geometry, integral calculus, analytic

and applied mechanics, topography and hydrography, cosmography and geography, especially that of Mexico, physics, meteorology, agricultural chemistry and technology, botany, zoology, geology, agronomy, hydrography, drainage and irrigation, farm buildings, zootomy, farm accounts, management and economy, agricultural legislation, Spanish language, Greek and Latin roots, French, English, and elements of German, landscape, topographical, mechanical, and architectural drawing, microbiology, political economy and logic; also practical work on the farm.

For veterinary surgeon, arithmetic, algebra, geometry, physics, meteorology, chemistry, botany, zoology, comparative and descriptive anatomy, study of domestic animals, farriery, veterinary physiology, surgery, obstetrics, hygiene, therapeutics, zootomy, medical jurisprudence and veterinary legislation, Spanish language, Greek and Latin roots, French, English, and elements of German, anatomical and landscape drawing, clinics, and practical work.

For the veterinary school there is a large hospital with stables and cattle sheds, containing various types of domestic animals. There are also farriery shops and other adjuncts.

At the termination of each college year scientific excursions are made to different parts of the country, giving the pupils the opportunity of studying the flora and fauna and the methods of cultivation appropriate to tropical, temperate, and cold climates, Mexico, in consequence of its peculiar topographical features, possessing all these variations of climate according to altitude. Industrial and agricultural establishments are also visited and inspected, so that at the end of the course the pupil is not only thoroughly equipped with professional knowledge, but he has acquired a practical knowledge of his native country and the various conditions he may have to encounter in his future professional career.

There is also in connection with the college a completely equipped meteorological and astronomical observatory, the observations of which are transmitted every month to the National Observatory through the minister of public works.

In addition to the appropriations for the support of the college the Government has established sixteen scholarships of $300 each for poor pupils, the retention of which, however, is subject to the condition of passing successful examinations.

The college is at once an institution of higher instruction and a first-class secondary school. The Government has been prodigal of expense in its establishment and maintenance.

COMMERCIAL COLLEGE.

This institution was established in the year 1868 in compliance with the law of December, 1867, as a higher school of commerce and administration. It occupies a fine building, which was erected in 1756 by a religious corporation; having been confiscated in 1861, it was afterwards purchased from the holder by the Government for $75,000 and devoted to its present use.

The regulations at present in use by the government of the college were promulgated in August, 1887.

For enrollment as a pupil the applicant must not be less than 14 years of age, he must have completed a satisfactory primary education, and if a minor must be presented by his father or guardian.

The following is the course of study: Arithmetic, fiscal accounts, bookkeeping, commercial correspondence, commercial geography, political economy, theory of credit, international law, diplomatic correspondence and usage, commercial, consular, and maritime law, administrative and constitutional law, practical knowledge of national and foreign finance, commercial chemistry, commercial handwriting, history, and particularly that of Mexico, statistics and history of commerce, financial, banking, and exchange operations, Spanish, French, English, and German languages.

There is a library of about 5,000 volumes for use of the students.

ED 96-21*