are at present inadequate to the support of more than a few, yet there is little doubt but that liberal contributions will soon furnish means for carrying out this benevolent undertaking to a still wider

extent.

But the still more important work, that of providing the very best education for Teachers, is in full operation, and is already realizing the sanguine expectations of its founders, and encouraging the earnest zeal of those professors who have heartily aided in the scheme.

As Queen's College, so named by royal permission, may be unknown to many into whose hands this book may fall, a sketch of the plan of this admirable institution shall be here given.

Classes are formed on all subjects, to which ladies above the age of twelve are admitted. After mature deliberation, it was determined that a greater advantage would be secured by placing side by side different ranks of society, than by restricting the College to one only. The exclusive feeling which the teaching a peculiar class would create was thus prevented, and it was thought that the future governess would be raised in the estimation of her employers, if distinguished amongst them by successful industry. Many of her fellow-students might be connected with families to which hereafter she might be introduced, and they would early learn to respect and esteem their companion in study. Another strong reason which prompted this decision was, that so many now in affluence may hereafter, through un

foreseen trials, be obliged to support themselves, and how can they be so well fitted to meet reverses as by disciplining their minds for whatever may befall them, and enabling them to qualify themselves for any station they may be called to fill? Many have complained of the injury which would accrue to private establishments in consequence of the superior advantages offered on reasonable terms in this public institution; but private good must always be sacrificed to public advantage-as railroads were not prevented because the reduced number of travellers would injure the turnpike roads; so the rapid movements of education cannot be kept back for a similar reason. Combination is necessary to accomplish a great end, and without the admission of a large number of pupils, the services of the first-rate professors could not be obtained. Schools are, however, allowed to share the same privileges, and some are gladly availing themselves of the permission.

Separate classes are formed for theology, moral, mental, and natural philosophy, modern and ancient history, English literature, composition, and grammar, reading, geography, arithmetic, and the mathematics. Also for the Latin, German, French, and Italian languages, for drawing and painting, either in figure or landscape, for music, both vocal, instrumental, and scientific, and for instruction in the art of teaching.

To these are added gratuitous Evening Classes, on the same subjects, for Governesses who are employed during the day, and classes are now com

menced for younger pupils, to prepare them for deriving the full benefit of afterwards being admitted to the College.

Courses of Lectures are also given on different branches of science. Each pupil is allowed to select the studies to which she desires to attend, and to join only in such as she thinks desirable.

The rapid increase of the students proves that the public is beginning duly to estimate the advantages thus provided for female education.

Every arrangement is made to promote the comfort and accommodation of the pupils, who, though not resident, may remain at the College during the class hours, and pursue their studies in the intervals between the lessons.

A Library for reference is in the course of formation, and maps and other facilities for improvement are provided.

Ladies are appointed as visitors, who are present in rotation, to see that the regulations of the College* are duly observed. The studies are so varied as to produce the strongest motive to exertion, without the false stimulus of emulation.

Those who have hitherto learned on the ordinary method, can here share benefits which can be met with only in a public institution, where the Professors consecrate their talents to the noble object of training the future instructors of the

As other Institutions have adopted a similar title, it should be observed that Queen's College, instituted by royal charter, is at 67, Harley-street, Cavendish-square.

rising generation. However excellent the teaching of some women may be for young children, it must be admitted, that after the elements of education have been imparted, the highest advantage is derived from the teaching of superior men. Their greater depth of thought and reflection, and the mental discipline to which they have been subjected, enable them most effectually to inform and enlarge the minds of others. Their acquaintance with the laws of language, and the sources whence it is derived, lead them to regard with solemnity the words they employ, and thus give a depth of meaning to phrases and forms of speech of which those not so initiated have no conception. The tendency of women's minds to use desultory and unmeaning phraseology is corrected when they have the benefit of such instruction, and they unconsciously receive a stimulus to exertion. They see that education is not learning by heart, that task-work is not development of mind, and that the knowledge of books is not wisdom. They perceive that if ever they are to exercise a useful influence over others it must be by awakening their faculties, by calling out their energies, by showing them that the cultivation of the mind is the highest prerogative, and will bring rich fruits to reward the toil.

Another advantage to be derived from this source is, that of effectually destroying all conceit of their own superiority. Pigmies who lived in the society of giants would not boast of their height. Those persons who always revolve within

their own narrow circle, fancy that all beyond it are in error; but let them once get into a larger sphere, and they will find that in thus "comparing themselves with themselves, they were not wise."

But what human plan was ever devised which has escaped opposition? The education of a woman, some say, and truly, does not consist so much in what she learns, as in the formation of her habits, character, and principles. But this, though apparently a formidable objection to the college system, is, in reality, its recommendation. It would be sinful to take the responsibility of training girls out of the hands of the mother; to her it legitimately belongs, and to liberate her from her duties would be to strike at the root of all that is sacred; but it is to enable her to fulfil those duties with a freer mind, that the offices of teacher and educator are thus separated. Many a girl goes out into the world, or enters a family as a governess, who never supposed that any plans but those adopted in the school where she was brought up could be right. She has no notions beyond the routine she there pursued, and her mind, being dwarfed and stunted, never expands to a healthy growth. The training pursued at Queen's College is admirably adapted to correct these erroneous views, because a higher standard is raised, and wider views of things opened. The very fact that each subject is taught by a separate professor, secures variety, and necessarily brings subjects of thought in different ways before the mind.