promoters to try the experiment of a girls' school also. William Rees, Esq., occupied the chair, and distributed a large number of prizes and rewards to those children who had been most punctual and diligent during their attendance at school.

TYDEE.-Last year we had the pleasure of announcing that this school had, at the end of six months' existence, so outgrown its accommodation that it was necessary to enlarge the premises. Since that addition was made, the school has been more than full, and so continues. A recent examination showed that, notwithstanding all drawbacks arising from insufficient accommodation, the children had steadily and successfully fulfilled their work. For full three hours the interest of a crowded audience, made up of the local gentry, tradespeople, and labourers, was sustained, whilst the children went through their interrogation, recitations, and school-songs, with very much credit to themselves and to their excellent master.

NEATH.-The first public examination of these admirable schools has recently taken place, and with very satisfactory results. The children displayed much useful information, and a clear and prompt intelligence respecting the subjects in which they were examined. The audience was good, but the accommodation was limited. We hope the managers will be emboldened by the success of the present effort to resort to the Town Hall next year. It will give the town the chance of being present, and of stirring up a more general interest in educational progress. The writing exhibited was remarkably clean, legible, and of a really useful kind.

CINDERFORD.-It was feared that the protracted illness of the master would render an examination of this school impracticable, but his recent and remarkable restoration to comparative health has led to the desired meeting of the children and their friends. The attendance of the public was larger than on any previous occasion, and the interest manifested by them was very great. The examination was conducted by Mr. Norton, of the Gloucester British School, and by Mr. Baxter, who, at the close, delivered an address to the assembly.

Public meetings and examinations have also been held at Neath Abbey, Trowbridge, Chipping Sodbury, Coxley, Chard, and other places.

EASTERN DISTRICT.—In addition to his ordinary work as Inspector, Mr. Milne has devoted a considerable amount of time during the past six months to the collection of subscriptions and donations for the New Training College. He has also conducted public examinations, and addressed public meetings recently at Lavenham, Daventry, North Walsham, Norwich, Leighton Buzzard, Downham Market, Over, and Thorpe-le-soken, and met two Teachers' Associations-at Norwich on the 2nd June, and at Leighton Buzzard on the 23rd.

NORTHERN DISTRICT.-Mr. Davis has been engaged in forwarding the interests of the Society in the counties of Lancaster, York, Northumberland, Cumberland, and Lincoln. He has inspected fiftyseven schools, conducted seven public examinations, and addressed four public meetings. He has also met the committees of several schools in his district to advise them on various matters relating to the erection of new schools, or to improved methods in the management of existing ones.

LOUTH.-A public examination of the Louth British Schools was conducted by Mr. Davis, in the Town Hall, on Thursday, June 7th. The chair was taken by J. B. Sharpley, Esq., who was supported by the Mayor of Louth, and other gentle

men. The large hall was well filled with an attentive audience, and the examination was of a pleasing character. On the following day, the scholars were regaled with tea, buns, &c., at the expense of the Mayor, who takes a great interest in the welfare of the schools.

EGERTON.—A very satisfactory public examination of the Egerton British School was conducted by Mr. Davis, on Thursday, June 14th, under the presidency of Edmund Ashworth, Esq., the patron and supporter of the school.

RASTRICK.-Several changes have recently been made in the Rastrick British School, and it is now in a more promising state than it has been for some years. A public examination was conducted by Mr. Davis, on the 21st June, in the presence of the parents of the children, and the friends of the school; and there is reason to believe that the examination has been the means of giving a fresh impetus, for good, to the school.

DONCASTER.-A very successful examination of the Doncaster British School was conducted by the Society's Inspector, on Thursday, August 31, under the presidency of W. B. Wrightson, Esq., M.P. There was a crowded meeting, and the examination was of an interesting character, the results indicating considerable proficiency on the part of the scholars.

Successful public examinations have also been conducted at Warwick (Carlisle), New Molton, and Mold.

SOUTHERN DISTRICT.-During the past quarter, Mr. Vardy has visited forty-two towns and villages, inspected fifty-three schools, met in conference ten committees, and conducted public examinations or addressed public meetings at Athelhampton, Dorchester, Deptford, Folkestone, Gravesend, Rotherhithe, and Wandsworth.

GRAVESEND.-A public meeting was held on the evening of June 22nd, in the Milton Hall, Windmill-street, to establish a new girls' school in that rapidlyincreasing part of the town. The chairman, Robert Oakes, Esq., J.P., having opened the meeting, it was addressed by Mr. Vardy, Dr. Armstrong, Messrs. George Sturge, and William Clarke. On the motion of the Rev. E. Davis, seconded by Mr. Davison, and supported by Mr. Duval, the cordial thanks of the meeting were given to the Committee of the British and Foreign School Society, for their grant of books, slates, &c.; to Mr. Vardy, as the representative of the Society, for his presence and assistance at the meeting; and to the much-esteemed chairman, Robert Oakes, Esq., J.P., for his kindness in presiding, and the liberal aid he has afforded.

ATHELHAMPTON.-The public examination of this school was conducted by Mr. Vardy, on the evening of June 26th. In the absence of the incumbent, the Rev. J. Miles, the chair was taken by G. J. Wood, Esq., who, having read a portion of Scripture, called upon W. Tice, Esq., of Sopley Park, to offer prayer. The examination embraced reading, sacred history, English history, grammar, geography, and mental arithmetic, interspersed with recitations and singing, both of which were admirably executed, and elicited great applause. Short addresses were subsequently delivered by the Chairman, Mr. Tice, and Mr. Vardy, after which the singing of the doxology concluded the proceedings.

Dorchester. The public examination and annual meeting was held on June 27th, in the Town Hall, under the presidency of the Mayor, Matthew Devenish, Esq. The examination comprised the usual subjects, in all of which the children acquitted themselves well. At its close, the report was read, and adopted.

WANDSWORTH.-The public examination of these schools was conducted by Mr. Vardy, on the evening of June 28th, in the Assembly Room of the Spread Eagle Hotel; Dr. Longstaff in the chair, supported by the treasurer, Lucas, Esq., the

secretary, G. F. White, Esq., and other gentlemen, friends of the institution. The subjects taken were grammar, geography, mental arithmetic, English and Scripture history, with reading and singing; the proceedings closing with votes of thanks to the examiner and chairman.

FOLKESTONE.-The public examination and annual meeting of these schools was held August 24th. The examination, which was commenced by Mr. Vardy at 10 o'clock, and concluded at 12.30, embraced the usual subjects, in all of which the children did remarkably well. The report having been read by Mr. Lower, the meeting was addressed by the Revs. D. Jones and Crowther Smith, Messrs. Boarer, Clarke, Coulter, Fagg, Lower, Owens, Porter, Vardy, and the chairman, F. B. Hudson, Esq., the proceedings closing with the national anthem.

HOLYHEAD.-The British Schools continue to work with increasing efficiency, while an excellent room, capable of accommodating a hundred children, has been added to the building within the past year. During the eleven years that the schools have been in operation, nearly 3,000 children have been entered on the books. The number of pupils at present is 525 (331 boys, and 194 girls), whose parents are employed as follows :

1.-On government works, and in the railway and steam-boat service 231 2. As tradesmen, farmers, artisans, &c.

3. Children having no fathers, or fathers disabled

228

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The teachers are under considerable obligations to the parents for their ready and effective co-operation in securing a remarkably regular attendance. The subjects of instruction comprise-scriptural knowledge, reading, writing, arithmetic, dictation, grammar, with translation of English to Welsh, and Welsh to English, geography, history, Euclid, mensuration, algebra, drawing (geometrical, mechanical, and free hand), music from notes, &c. The school is also open to special classes in the Latin, Greek, French, and German languages, and the pupils enjoy the advantages of a lending library.

The present staff of teachers comprises a principal, and a second certificated master, a certificated mistress, with ten male and five female pupil-teachers. Two pupil-teachers completed their apprenticeship last Christmas. One of them competed for and gained a Queen's scholarship of the first class. The other is engaged as assistant in a large school in Glamorganshire.

The Hon. W. O. Stanley, M.P., has, from the commencement, been a munificent patron; the Right Hon. the Lords of the Admiralty, who continue to assist the funds by an annual donation; Messrs. J. and C. Rigby, of Westminster, contractors of the Harbour Works, who most liberally contribute to aid the education of thirty to forty orphan and indigent children; and the trustees of Dr. D. Williams, who pay for the education of thirty boys, grant a premium fee of £9 each to three of them, every year, to assist in bringing them up to a trade, and during the past year made a liberal present of instructive books to the library of the school.

PLYMOUTH.-The boys' school was opened in August, 1809, in a room hired for the purpose in Frankfort-place, now a part of Bedford-street. The girls' school was not formed until 1811, and its first school-room was an apartment of the Guildhall, of which the use was granted by the Mayor. The number of boys at this date was limited to 200, but there were constantly many unsuccessful applications for admission. The girls receiving instruction were about 90. The school continued to make slow but steady progress, until 1824, when a Ladies' Committee was formed for the management of the girls' school; and it is worthy of remark, and a subject of congratulation, that its first secretary is still able to render her valuable services to the institution. At this date, the number of boys had increased to 350, the girls being only 95. In 1828, a legacy of £200 was received from the executor of the late Captain Grove, and in 1829 a most acceptable present of £110 was received

from "some unknown friends." In the year 1831, the anniversary meeting was held at the Mechanics' Institute, with the view of more effectually presenting to the public the claims of the school to support. At this time the number of children was as follows:-boys, 370; girls, 122; and it was stated that 2,826 children had enjoyed the advantage of instruction in the schools. In 1847, the number of boys on the books had increased to 360, and the school was reported as in a very satisfactory condition. A conviction, however, on the part of a majority of the Committee, that an increased income would enable them to extend the operations and usefulness of the school, led to a resolution to accept the aid of Government, under the Committee of Council on Education. The result, it is confidently believed, has proved the wisdom of this course; the number of boys receiving instruction reached 480 in 1850, and, in 1851, it exceeded 500. Under the superintendence of the present master, Mr. Jago, the school has continued steadily to advance, until it has reached the gratifying position of being at once the largest, and, in the opinion of the Government Inspector, the best conducted school of its class in the kingdom. When it is recollected that there have been under instruction, for a longer or shorter period, nearly 10,000 children, and that many of them are now occupying positions of respectability and usefulness in the world and in Christian churches, the Committee may well indulge a feeling of gratitude for the past, and of hope for the future. The number of boys now on the books is 707; admitted during the last twelve months, 313; left during the year, 321; average attendance for past year, 606, being an increase over that of last year of 23; present attendance, 609. The following subjects are taught :—the authorised version of the Scriptures is read daily; 500 read the Scriptures; 207 read easy lessons; 600 write on copy-books, 107 on slates; 460 write sentences from dictation and memory; 600 are taught slate and mental arithmetic ; 354 grammar; 560 history and geography; 90 proportion, practice, mensuration, and geometry. The evening adults' school now contains 70 pupils, most of whom received their education in the day school, and are now employed in some kind of useful work. The Government Inspector, after two hours' examination, declared it the most successful he was acquainted with.

TESTIMONIALS TO TEACHERS.

BATH AND BATHFORUM.-The fiftieth anniversary of this school, which was one of those founded by Joseph Lancaster, was celebrated at the school-room, in Kingsmead-street, on Thursday, the 12th of July last. The annual examination of the boys was held at the same time and place. There was a large assemblage of ladies and gentlemen in attendance. The Mayor had consented to take the chair, but his Worship, who is abroad, had found it impossible to return to Bath in time, and in this emergency the Rev. C. Kemble, Rector of Bath,who had engaged to examine the boys in their knowledge of Scripture, also consented to preside on this occasion. The Rev. Chairman, in opening the proceedings, said, this was the first opportunity he had had of visiting the school. He could not but rejoice at such an orderly assemblage of children as were gathered together on this occasion, and who he knew were trained in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, according to the principles laid down in that Book which was given to make them wise unto salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. It was also a matter of thankfulness that the friends of this institution, which had been now established fifty years, had not been content to allow it to remain as it was when it was first formed. When the school was established all the available appliances for education were adopted; but in the course of the last fifty years the whole system of education had been revolutionized. In many institutions of long standing there was an inclination to remain stationary, and

to resist, as it was said, innovations; but it was satisfactory to find in this school that they were surrounded with all the additions which from time to time had been introduced to aid the schoolmaster and schoolmistress in carrying out the work of education.

The Report of the Committee stated, among other things, that the average attendance was 152; and that the school is divided into four sections, which are again sub-divided into sixteen classes; the teaching power for which consists of the master, three pupil-teachers, and several monitors. The subjects of instruction, besides writing and arithmetic, still comprehend the Holy Scripture both in its principles and text, grammar, history, geography, drawing, and general science. The application and progress of the school were satisfactory. 118 boys write a good hand in copy-books, 150 are in different rules of arithmetic, and their skill in drawing has been sufficient to gain ten prizes from the School of Arts at the last examinations. The Rev. Edward Owen, of the Laura Episcopal Chapel, moved the adoption of the Report and audited accounts. He said, that during the many years he had been in the ministry he had had ample opportunities of witnessing the excellence and efficiency of the British Schools. He also admired the principle upon which they were established and conducted; namely, that the Holy Scriptures contain all the things that are necessary to salvation, and that anything not contained therein is not necessary to the salvation of man. After a most satisfactory examination, the Rev. Chairman commended the attention, intelligence, and learning of the boys, and especially their quiet and orderly conduct, which was the best evidence of sound instruction and careful discipline. He then proceeded to the performance of a duty equally satisfactory, the presentation of a mark of esteem from the Committee to the excellent master, Mr. Wadsworth. The rev. gentleman dwelt upon the difficulties and anxieties in the teaching of youth, and the many causes there were to make them despairing unless their hearts and souls were in their work. He then spoke highly of the conduct and qualifications of Mr. Wadsworth, and said it gave him great pleasure to be the mouthpiece of the Committee at this Jubilee meeting, in presenting him with a small but not unsubstantial token of their sincere satisfaction and esteem. The testimonial was a very handsome time-piece, of the value of twenty guineas, supplied by Messrs. Wright, of Milsom-street, and bearing, upon a scroll in front, the following inscription :-" Presented in the Jubilee year of the Bath and Bathforum British School, by the Committee and Subscribers, to Mr. John Wadsworth, in testimony of his earnest and efficient services as master of that school for 24 years. July 12, 1860."

Mr. Wadsworth, in acknowledging the compliment, alluded to some very satisfactory instances of boys who had been educated at this school, and who now occupy good positions in life; and remarked that he believed, during the 24 years he had been connected with the school, there had been no instance of disagreement between himself and the Committee. On their side they had exhibited confidence in him, and he had endeavoured to show fidelity to the trust reposed in him. Should Providence please to continue him in the same situation, he hoped the same feelings would continue to exist between them, and that there would be found still more encouraging proofs of success. The Chairman then delivered the prizes, consisting of a large number of books, to the most deserving boys. The Jubilee was also further celebrated, on the following day, by a treat given to the whole of the boys in the beautiful grounds of Prior Park, which were kindly placed at the disposal of the Committee by Thomas Thompson, Esq.

DOVER BRITISH SCHOOLS.-On the 13th of July last, the children of these schools took their farewell of Mr. and Mrs. Roberts, who have been their instructors for several years. In order to show their affection and gratitude, the children had provided some testimonials, which were then presented to their master and mistress; several of the parents and friends being present to witness the pleasing scene. In the afternoon the senior teacher, after a few words expressive of the feelings enter