7. JAIL LIBRARIES IN UPPER CANADA.

66

to go on in their good work. I think that the results of such We cannot be At the suggestion of the Chief Superintendent of Education, the meetings as this cannot fail to be highly beneficial. Municipal Council of the County of Oxford have sent to the Educa- too diligent in these matters, and I am pleased to observe that the tional Department the sum of Fifty dollars, to be applied towards people of this Township appear to understand their duty. Great or the purchase of an addition to the county jail library. Lists selected highly beneficial results cannot in any case be looked for without by various ministers in Woodstock have been transmitted to the diligence-without zealous application, but with perseverance and well directed effort is almost sure of success. To the children I will Department, with a request that the Chief Superintendent may be pleased to make such a selection of books (to the amount of the remark that when they see their parents here, they cannot fail to understand that a great interest is taken in their welfare; and I appropriation) from the list sent to the County Council committee, will ask of them to remember the many kindnesses which they as he may consider to be most suitable." receive from them. The object of education is simply to fit us for Steps are being taken at the suggestion of the Chief Superintendent of Education for Upper Canada to procure a library for the the duties of this life and to prepare us for that which is to follow, Wentworth jail. The Hamilton Times thinks the locality inauspi- and with that explanation of the object it seems to me that the cious for the reception of moral influences. But a proper selec- parents of children here are doing their duty well. I have observed tion of books might be instrumental, under the Divine blessing, in with some little surprise that the girls have taken most of the accomplishing unspeakable good even among the most abandoned prizes to-day, I do not know how this happens. I am not sorry to see the girls ahead, as it has been a fair contest, but I would have and degraded inmates of a prison, whilst those who are not far gone been better pleased to see that the boys were not so far behind. To in crime, would unquestionably be benefitted. It is for man to use the girls I would say, you have a duty before you for which you the means and leave the result with God. The Standing Committee on Education reported, that they have are now preparing. The promise is good and we all hope that the To the boys I would say do not taken into their consideration the communication from the Chief happiest benefits will be realized. Superintendent of Education in reference to the establishment of be discouraged, but let your present defeat prompt you to greater libraries in prisons and gaols, your Committee have made inquiries that you have good cause to feel proud of your advancement, exertions in the preparations for another examination. I think of some of the prison officials of the county, and find that a few books furnished by the Sheriff are about the only means of mental although it is not quite as great as it might have been, and I would simply say exert yourselves for further success. improvement now available for prisoners confined in the County observe how 1 could make myself useful to you all-how I could Gaol. Your Committee are of opinion that the well-being of Society advance education among you. As I take deep interest in educaas well as the moral improvement of persons who may be confined tional matters you may always rely upon my doing what I can to in prison, would be beneficially advanced were a library of proper further these interests. It is a pleasure to me, also, to meet here books furnished for that purpose. -Your Committee would therefore recommend that the sum of fifty dollars be appropriated from the so many clergymen who are taking a zealous and active part in profunds of the County, on condition that the city of Hamilton furnish moting the interests of education." the like sum-which said sums would, with the addition of the per centage offered by the Chief Superintendent of Education, furnish a suitable library for the prisoners confined in the County Gaol, and that the Clerk of this Council furnish a copy of this Report to the Municipal authorities of the City of Hamilton.*—Spectator.

8. TOWNSHIP COMPETITIVE SCHOOL EXAMINATIONS.

I came here to

Mr. Robertson was next called

for. This gentleman was formerly engaged as a teacher in the township of Osgoode. He was of opinion that the exhibition on the whole was very creditable, but in some branches they were not up to the mark-as for instance in Canadian History. A few days ago he had attended a similar examination in the Township of Gloucester and the proficiency there when compared to the proficiency shown here to-day was much higher. He was sorry to have to say this. He looked upon Canadian History as one of the most He should be pleased to see some We have already given an interesting account of various muni- important of School studies. cipal competition examinations (among the schools of the township) improvement next year in this matter. These examinations, in his which were instituted last year through the liberalty of the Hon. opinion, were good for both teacher and scholar, if they had a Billa Flint, (see Journal for November, page 174.) The names of tendency to raise the standard of education both in teacher and scholar. They would have a good effect upon the parents, upon the the municipalities in which Mr. Flint's examinations were held, clergy and upon members of the Legislature who witnessed them are: Hungerford, Huntingdon, Madoc, Rawdon, Elzevir, Tudor, and saw the general ability with which the questions were answered. (with the new townships of Wollaston and Limerick) North Fred- Rev. Mr. Whyte remarked that this was a proud day for Osgoode. ricksburgh, South Fredricksburgh, Belmont and Methuen, North He believed that thanks were due to Mr. Dow to the Committee Monaghan, Smith, Asphodel, Thurlow, Marmora, Adolphustown who had labored night and day in making arrangements to the and Dummer. During 1865-6 the following individual municipalities instituted competitive examinations among the various schools of the township, viz. Nassagaweya, East Oxford, Gosfield, Bruce, Nelson, Kincardine, Wallace, (new township), Whitby, Minden, (new township), Derby, North Elmsley, Gloucester, Moore, Otonabee, Finch, Puslinch and Osgoode.

gentlemen who had come so far to conduct the examination, and The Editor remarks:-"In concluding our notice of this very to the seven schools whose pupils had competed for the prizes. interesting meeting we would congratulate the parents, the Clergymen, the Reeve and Committee of management upon the great success which has attended their efforts to advance the standard of

9. RULES FOR THE GRANTING OF SCHOOL PRIZES. The Hamilton Board of School Trustees have adopted the following in carrying out the Resolution of the Board in reference to Prizes in our Public Schools:

In regard to the Puslinch examination the Editor of the Guelph Herald remarks:-"Before closing we beg to express our unquali-education, and we trust that they may still labor with zeal to perfect fied approval of the action of the township Council, and the several what they have so nobly begun. Boards of Trustees in this matter. It evinces a liberal and progressive spirit-in keeping with the age. The interest manifested by the whole community, people, parents, teachers and pupils, proves it was also a popular measure. Competition, we are told, is the life of trade. We believe, too, it is the life of education. Teachers and pupils will both work harder, and be more in earnest, when they know there will be an opportunity given of showing the result of their labor. The effect is magical, and we hope, therefore, that the other townships will copy the good example set them by Puslinch, and have their competitive examinations. We also hope that Puslinch will repeat the experiment the next year, and that it will be even more successful than the last one."

At the Osgoode examination not less than six hundred people attended, and the interest and enthusiam manifested was very great. The success of the examination was chiefly due to the Rev. Mr. Whyte, local superintendent, Mr. Dow, and R. Bell, Esq., ex-M.P.P. In the course of his remarks in delivering the prizes, Mr. Bell said :-"I am very glad to see that so great an interest has been taken by a very large audience; but there are more competitors from school than in previous years; and this will show that inside the schools the interest in the examinations is increasing. This fact should encourage those who have these meetings in charge,

* No remittance for this library has as yet been received by the Educational Department.

The basis on which they shall be awarded shall embrace, care in the preparation of lessons, punctuality and regularity in attendance, correctness in deportment in school, and proficiency in all the studies prescribed in the course.

No pupil shall be eligible to compete for a prize unless he or she has attended school at least one-half the session then closing. The competitors in each Division shall be the twelve pupils who have attained the greatest number of honor cards during the session then closing; but the Principal may select four additional, whom he may consider otherwise worthy. The candidates shall be examined viva voce, or otherwise, by examiners appointed by the Board, who, with the the Principal, shall make all awards. The books to be used by the examiners shall be those in use in the Public Schools. The pupils shall be admitted to the competitive examinations on presenting their honor cards to the Principal, and in case any of them have been lost, the Teacher's roll-book in which the honor cards given are regularly recorded will be the authority in deciding the number obtained by each pupil.

No prize shall be awarded unless the minimum number of marks -one-half the number possible in that Division-will be exceeded.

The prizes will be extended to all the Divisions in the Public School and there shall be five prizes for each Division, one prize for each class in French, two prizes for each sub-section of the First Division, and two prizes for each Form in Classical Department or Grammar School.

The Members of the Board will take charge of the Examinations of the Primary Schools in the respective Wards.

The Board shall appoint the time, place for distribution and amount to be expended for prizes, at the meeting in December or sooner should they prefer it.

The Principal shall make all the arrangements necessary in connection with the Examinations.

10. THE BOOK TRADE OF TORONTO.

ries and not necessaries, yet those engaged in it have reason to congratulate themselves on its appearance and prospects, for they have rarely been better. With diligence and caution they may look to a prosperous future.-Leader Trade Review of 1864.

11. CANADIAN BOOKS FOR FOREIGN COUNTRIES. A large collection of Canadian books has been sent to England to the Trade Commissioners for presentation to the different Governments they will negotiate with.

demies.

12. LOVELL'S SERIES OF CANADIAN SCHOOL BOOKS. The very comprehensive list of school books published in this country to which we call attention in another column-is one of The tendency of those in the book trade, during the past few which Canada may well be proud. They have already received the years, to deal more extensively in the English market, has been highest commendation in England and Ireland; and at the InterThe im- national Exhibition held in both countries they have received the At the late Dublin developed in a large degree during the year just closed. portations have been unusually heavy; it is difficult to make a rewards appropriate to that class of articles. comparison with previous years by the customs returns at this port, Exhibition a silver medal was awarded to them as a cheap and exmany invoices being entered at Montreal; but they have undoubt-cellent series of books. Their practical adaptation to the wants of edly been considerably in excess of 1864, and the great bulk, we the schools in Canada, is best shown by their almost universal should judge from the date in our hands, nearly 80 per cent. has use in both grammar and common schools and in our higher acaThe list to which we call attention comprises no less than been from England. The publishers there have found out at length that the Canadian trade is worth cultivating, and they have been thirty-four excellent works relating to geography, history, grammar, willing to make such terms with our buyers as enable them to offer arithmetic, algebra, elementary philosophy and chemistry, &c.; of books at, and in some cases below, English published prices. This the thirty-four no less than about thirty are written and prepared course, combined with the great increase in the cost of producing in Canada. The spirited enterprise of Mr. John Lovell of Montreal American books, has brought about the result just noted, and we (who has given so strong an impulse to book publishing in Canada) have no doubt that the experience of the past year will lead to a in thus creating and developing native talent and industry, for the continuation and extension of the arrangements at home. This benefit of our schools, deserves the highest commendation and the and the yearly increasing number of books published here will cer- strongest encouragement. See page 48.-Toronto Leader. tainly keep down the importation of American books for many years to come; it is likely to continue to consist, chiefly, now, of medical and educational books, and cheap reprints of English first-class novels and standard works. We are glad to see that we are gradually being supplied with an educational literature of our own. Canadian school books are displacing American in public institutions, and we hope soon that the pupils in all our schools may be taught from books freer from remarks derogatory to the character and institutions of Canada and England.

The trade has been in a healthy condition during the past year, those engaged in it are for the most part men who know their busi ness; credit has been shortened with advantage to buyer and seller, and if the same care continue to be exercised, on both sides, the heavy losses of previous years will not be repeated.

The periodical trade has experienced a marked change of late. A few years ago, all the English magazines brought into Toronto, each month, would not have filled a good-sized case; now the aggre gate is very large. Messrs. Chewett alone tell us that they import about ten thousand a month of the various kinds. Messrs. Irving and Thomson also import largely. It is gratifying to know that not only has the quantity increased so greatly, but the character of the literature is much higher; not only have Sunday Magazine, Good Words, Cornhill, &c., attained an immense circulation, but the older magazines of the same stamp, Leisure Hour, Sunday at It is to be reHome, Chambers Journal, &c., have increased also. gretted that the various attempts to establish a Canadian magazine have been uniformly unsuscessful, and have each entailed heavy pecuniary loss on their projectors. The competition of the cheap English magazines which circulated by the hundred thousand, and can therefore be afforded very cheap, is the explanation of this. In the Stationery trade, the importations have been almost exclusively European, the prices of American goods shutting them out of this market, and with the heavy taxes upon manufacturers on the other side of the lakes, we expect that this will be the experience of the trade for some years to come. For the staple and best book and writing papers none satisfy so well as the English or Scotch mills; for fancy and light papers the German or French makes are preferred, while for ordinary purposes, especially for printing, the demand for Canada-made papers is quite equal to the supply. The immense trade in envelopes (the whole of which were formerly imported from the States) is now transferred to our own makers, with the exception of the finer qualities, which are still supplied from England, and with increased experience and enlarged resources, we have no doubt that soon the great bulk of the paper consumed here will be made in this country. Another result of the high price in the States alike of material and labor, has been that the large trade To in diaries has for the past time been completed by ourselves. Messrs. Brown Brothers, is due the credit of having provided for the wants of the trade and the public in this respect, and they have done it in a way which entitles them to great praise.

While, therefore, the Book and Stationery Trade is one of the last to feel the "good times," as books are often regarded as luxu

III. Papers on Education in Canada.

1. EDUCATION IN LOWER CANADA. The last report of the Superintendent of Education for Lower Canada gives us some figures which may be profitably considered, as they mark so clearly the advancement of that section of the Province. The school-rates raised by assessment for the municipalities increased from $165,843 in 1853 to $593, 264 last year. When it is considered that the Government grant remains at a fixed figure, not increasing in proportion to the increased assessment, this must be considered quite satisfactory. It is doubtful if the plan of keeping the Government grant at a certain fixed sum As the municipalities increase in number the grant is a good one. has to be re-divided, and each necessarily comes in for a smaller share than before. The same amount has to be distributed over a This necessarily acts as a damper upon the old munilarger field. The Superintendent suggests, as a means of getting cipalities. over this difficulty, the increase of the grant. Whether or not this would be the best way to deal with what is evidently a cause of complaint, the difficulty should be met in some way. One that would act as a spur to the municipalities instead of a drawback would, no doubt, produce the best results.

The amount of education imparted-or we should more correctly In 1853, when only $165,843 say, the number of pupils instructed-bears nothing like an equalized proportion to the assessment. were spent 108,284 children received instruction. Last year there were 196,739 pupils in the schools, while the amount raised by the municipalities, and of course spent, was $593,964. That is to say, with an increase of 90 per cent. in the number of pupils in attend ance at the schools, the expense-taking the assessment alone into the account--increased about 250 per cent. in the course of eleven But the discrepancy may not indicate as much as appears years. at first sight; for the proportion between the rate of attendance and the expenditure has been somewhat uniform since 1856. It was between '53 and 56 that the great increase in the assessment took place, which perhaps may be accounted for by the erection of substantial buildings during that period. It is satisfactory, at all As regards the different branches events, to find that the number of pupils is every succeeding year more than it was the year before. Most of the of education, there is continued progress in all but English gramIn history, mar, which shows a falling off in the last two years. children being French, this is not hard to account for. geography, parsing and French grammar there has been considerable progress made.

This will be enough to indicate the progress made in common school education. The only drawback is that which arises from diversity of religious belief. Sectarianism has done much to hinder the cause of education in Lower Canada, and even now there is no satisfactory plan for the distribution of the taxes of non-residents,

and finance of account of the civil war in the United States, now happily terminated, there has been a larger increase in the receipts and expenditure for the support of schools than during any of the preceding four years, and a corresponding progress in other respects." It is but a few days since we gave a summaried sketch of the progress of common school education in Lower Canada, where considerable progress had to be noted. This progress is small compared with that which has been made in the richer Province of the West. The interest taken in common school education in Upper Canada is perhaps best measured by the disparity, so to speak, between the amount raised by municipal assessment and the grant provided by the Legislature. Last year the legislative grant for the common schools was $177,052,95, whilst the total expenditure upon these schools was $1,285,318, an increase in the latter amount over the previous year of $30,871. The legislative grant is paid to each municipality upon the condition that it provides at least an equal sum by local assessment. Last year the municipalities and school trustees provided in all a sum of $963,762, an increase of $44,238. In school sections the ratepayers have the power of determining whether their schools shall be free or supported by a school rate; in cities, towns and incorporated villages, the trustees decide this point. The Superintendent notices with satisfaction that the rate-bill system is decreasing. The amount raised by rates-a tax of not more than 25. a month for each pupil-last year was $59,636-decrease, $13,043. The receipts from other sources, besides those already named, were as follows:-Clergy Reserves, $105,296 a slight decrease; balances from 1863 $178,438.

and those of corporations and incorporated companies. Mr. Galt, depression from the failure of crops, and the derangement of trade it will be remembered, made some promises to the people of the Eastern Townships upon these subjects, which were easier made than performed. At all events, the proposed changes have not taken place, and there is good ground for the belief that the Protestant portion of the community is not fairly dealt with in the distribution of the Government grant. Protestant and Catholic alike have dissentient schools; the former number 134, with an attendance of 4,629 pupils; the latter 48, with an attendance of 1,830. The superintendent says nothing as to the amount of money expended upon each kind of school. On the financial question generally he remarks :-"The most urgent want of the department is that which I have constantly represented-the regulation, namely, of its financial difficulties. These difficulties existed previous to 1855, before my appointment to office and the passing of the law of superior schools. The Legislature voted an annual grant for superior education, but with a proviso that only a certain portion of the amount should be receivable from the consolidated revenue of the Province, while the residue should be a special charge upon the Jesuits' estates and on the balance of the grant for common schools. Now, the sums voted every year being always in excess of the two last mentioned sources of supply, a considerable deficit was the result. The passing of the law for superior education continued the same state of things. * * The portion of Lower Canada in the annual supplementary grant for common schools is exhausted, without the possibility of increasing the allowance to these schools; nay, a deficit remains, which now nearly equals the capital of the fund for superior education. It follows that it is very difficult to increase the different grants which I have, in this as in many previous reports, represented as insufficient."

There is an increase in every item of expenditure, amounting in all to $30,871. The different items are:-salaries of teachers, $996,956; maps, apparatus, prizes and libraries, $23,149; school sites and buildings $116,056; rents and repairs of school houses $37,003; school books, stationery, fuel, &c., $112,151.

Passing from the teachers and the common school fund we come to an interesting portion of the report that which refers to the establishment of normal schools some six or seven years ago. In Upper Canada one central normal school is sufficient, but Lower The school population of Upper Canada-that is children between Canada has three. "In establishing these schools," says M, Chau- the ages of 5 and 16-number 424,565. Of this number 350,925 veau, the same principle that obtained in the establishment of attended the common schools last year, of which 198,024 were dissentient schools led to the granting of separate normal schools boys. The number of children reported as not attending any for the two great religious divisions of the population, the Catholics school was 40,483-a decrease of 4,492; these figures are not the and the Protestants." But, why, working upon this basis, should result of careful inquiry; but with regard to them the Chief Superthere be more than one normal school? The Superintendent ex- intendent remarks."Making all reasonable allowance on this plains: An almost necessary consequence of this division was ground, yet judging from reports of Local Superintendents themthe establishment of two Catholic normal schools, and one Protes- selves, the number not attending any school must be considerable, tant normal school; the great mass of the Protestant population of such as to contribute a public blot, disgrace and danger, which Lower Conada being located in the western section, it followed that every friend of the country and of humanity should endeavor, by the Protestant normal school must be established at Montreal. But all possible means to remove." Out of 4,225 schools reported as as the Catholic population of the Montreal section is numerically, open, 3,459, or more than four-fifths, are free. The number if not relatively, more considerable than that of the Quebec section, partly free is 711 and in which monthly rate-bills are imposed 55. it was difficult to avoid placing a Catholic normal school at Mon- Farther on his in report, Dr. Ryerson makes some remarks upon treal; while on the other hand it was evident that the geographical this subject, which may call for consideration at another time. position of that city, by no means a central one as regards the rest The table referring to the number of teachers employed shows an of Lower Canada, did not entitle it to enjoy alone the advantage of average of one for about every 70 pupils. There were, in all possessing these institutions." This arrangement may have been 4,625 teachers employed last year, of which 3,011 were males. necessary, but it is unfortunate that three normal schools should There is no explanation of the somewhat striking fact that whilst be required to do what one would have done as well but for the there was a decrease of 83 male there was an increase of 204 female irreconcilable differences which religious distinctions create. M. teachers. They are reported to be of the following religious Chauveau, however, defends the system by its results. "There denominations :-Church of England, 854, church of Rome, 544, is no doubt, whatever," he says, "but that the three normal schools Presbyterians, 1,397, Methodists, 1,286, Baptists, 227, Congregahave attracted a far larger number of pupils and popularized the tionalists, 80, Lutherans 17, Quakers 16, Disciples or Christians, new systems of teaching much more effectually than a single school | 32, reported as Protestants 76, Unitarian 2, other persuasions 17, would have done. Last year there were 213 pupil teachers attend-not reported 77. As to the proficiency of the teachers we must ing the three schools,-97 males and 116 females. The Superin- take for a standard the certificates they held which were as follows: tendent goes pretty largely into details to show that these schools First class Normal school 216, second class 358; First class County have answered the fullest expectations, and that the great majority Board 1,396, second class 2,054; third class 475; unclassified 124. of those who have received diplomas from them have continued The salaries range from $84 to $1,300; the average being, for teaching. Altogether something like 840 teachers have been turned males $436-females $224. out of the three schools, of whom over 600 were teaching at the date of the last reports.-Leader.

2. EDUCATION IN UPPER CANADA.

Of the whole number of school houses reported-4,246-529 are brick, 366 stone, and 1,671 log. There is a gratifying increase of substantial structures; the total number of schools built last year was 126, of which 47 were brick and 13 stone.

The average time of keeping open the schools is reported to be, In the last report of the Chief Superintendent of Education for in counties, 11 months; in cities, 12 months; in towns, 11 months, Upper Canada, we have an abstract of the work done by the Nor-29 days; in villages, 11 months, 25 days.

mal, Model, Grammar and Common Schools of the Western Pro- In former reports it used to be an argument in favor of pervince during the year 1864. It is full of figures, which, though mitting the Separate School system to run its course into disuedry reading generally, are in this case of so much general interest tude, that the number of schools of this class was yearly diminishthat we shall be excused if we give more of them than ordinarily ing. This year we find an increase of 27, the total number reported take up much space in these columns. The Chief Superintendent's being 147. The amount of the legislative grant appropriated to report, too, is suggestive upon many topics; and if we do not these schools was $8,892. The amount towards the support of touch upon them to-day, it is because the figures which form the these schools obtained from self-imposed rates and subscriptions basis of the report are so extensive that it would be impossible to was $42,150; increase, $7,341. The number of pupils attending go over the whole ground in one article of reasonable length. these schools last year was 17,365, an increase of 1,506. The number of teachers employed was 190, of which 107 were females.

Dr. Ryerson remarks that the satisfaction with which he presents this report to the Governor General exceeds that of any previous year, inasmuch as "though the last year has been one of a series of

With these figures, we leave the common schools. Of grammar schools there are 95 in operation. The amount received by these

In 1863 the school account for the different Counties shewed the following;

schools out of the legislative grant was $45,604. From local There was also during a portion of the year 1847, a school kept open sources there was obtained as follows: municipal grant $15,913; at Beamsville by the Rev. Mr. Close, in which English, Latin and fees $19,353. The number of pupils attending these schools was Greek were taught and one at Dunnville by Mr. Jukes, in which the 5,589. With regard to this class of schools we quote the following same branches were taught, and which is reported as having been remarks from the report :-"The increase of the grant and fund well conducted. has only contributed to afford additional aid to existing schools for one year, as the several County Councils have been induced by local influences to establish additional feeble and next to useless grammar schools the moment it was perceived that the increased grant enabled them to do so. The result is, that increased aid obtained for grammar schools will not advance, as was intended, the "character and efficiency of the grammar schools; but will only multiply the number of feeble schools-grammar schools only in name, but little more than common schools (and some poor ones too) in Clergy Reserve Fund reality. It is to be hoped the law will be amended so as to prevent the increase of this evil." Among the head masters of grammar schools are found the names of 16 who have graduated at the University of Toronto.

Teachers Salaries.......
For Apparatus.....
Municipal Assistant.
Trustees do........
Rate Bill

Balance

Totals. ......

Lincoln.

Welland.

Haldimand.

$2116

2255

2355

68

75

169

2450

2595

3120

crease over 1847 of $74137, and this was for Common Schools alone. The total expenditure for Common School purposes in 1863 was $77,511 in the counties, an increase of $68,011.

The entire receipts, including the different town and village munOf the Normal School here there is little to be said. The re-icipalities, for the three counties having been over $87337, an inport is that it continues to do its work of training teachers satisfactorily. Last year 316 persons were admitted to this school. Since the school was established 4,297 persons have been trained in it for the work of educating in Upper Canada. Each of the Model Schools is limited to 150 pupils, who pay 25 cents a week each pupil.

It is not the duty of the Chief Superintendent to collect facts with regard to a higher education; but as we are singularly deficient in statistical information regarding our colleges and private academies, the few brief, and no doubt, imperfect statistics which are given in the report are worth reproducing here. The number of colleges reported is 16, they are attended by 1,820 pupils, and their income-from legislative aid $150,000, from fees $44,000. The number of academies and private schools is set down at 225, which are attended by 25,818 pupils, whose fees are $48,771.Leader.

3. EDUCATION IN THE OLD NIAGARA DISTRICT.

The school population of the counties in 1865 was 21,219, the number at school 18,621, and the average attendance 7,173, or one-third of the population. In that year there were seven Separate Schools in the three counties, and nine Grammar Schools.

It will thus be seen that great progress has been made in the facilities for acquiring education, but unfortunately the same authority from which we gather the information shows also that only one child in every three received the benefit of the munificent provision made for supporting schools, demonstrating beyond boubt that a law making it compulsory in all children of school age to attend school was called for then, and is more necessary now.

IV. Papers on Agriculture in the Schools.

DIAN SCHOOLS.

It is occassionally interesting to refer to the early history of our 1. NATURAL HISTORY AND AGRICULTURE IN CANAcountry, and more especially to that section of it lying between Lakes-Erie and Ontario, known as the Niagara Peninsula. This An energetic local superintendent writes to the Educational Depart of Canada was one of the earliest settled portions of the count-partment, as follows:ry, and possessing great natural facilities for the prosecution of trade "I find several of the schools of this township very destitute of and commerce it is somewhat wonderful that the progress in wealth proper apparatus, and the people generally sadly in need of encoupopulation and educational institutions did not keep pace with other ragement to spend more time, and find more delight, in reading. sections of the country. The reason, we imagine, may be discover- "I am offering a number of prizes, to be competed for by all the ed in the fact that its proximity to the frontier made capitalists schools in the township, in order to encourage the teachers to emudonbtful of the desirability of investing here, and then there was a late one another in faithfulness and energy; and am, at the same large Western portion of the Peninsula covered by a marsh, which time, endeavouring to induce trustees to furnish prizes for compewas unavailable until within a few years. The Peninsula has, how-tition in their several schools. ever, advanced, and the foolish idea that the Americans would come "Will the department give anything, to supplement what I may over some fine morning and "gobble" us up before breakfast has give, and what may be raised by local effort, for a scholarship in given place to one more rational. We purpose at present showing the County Grammar School, to be competed for by candidates the advancement in educational facilities, and for that purpose in- from the several Common Schools in this township? This, it aptend contrasting the years 1847 and 1863. In the former year John pears to me, is one of the simplest and best ways of stimulating Scholfield, Esq. of Pelham, was Assistant Superintendent of Schools pupils, teachers, parents, and trustees, at the same time.* for the Niagara District, composed of the present Counties of Lin- Are Natural History collections legitimate subjects of compecoln, Welland and Haldimand, and visited every school section in tition for prizes, 100 per cent. of which are furnished by the Dethe three counties, presenting his report to the District Council.partment of Public Instruction?† I am offering a number of NaFrom this report we learn that there were 181 school sections in the tural History prizes, to be competed for by the several schools, 3 counties. 36 of which were unions. The school houses numbered with a view to promote intelligent and accurate observation of the 180, of which 14 were brick, 5 stone, 128 frame, and 36 log erections objects in nature, and a more enlightened study of agriculture. 73 were held in fee simple, 46 under lease and 62 no title at all. For example: (1.) A township prize for the largest and best collecThe children of school age numbered 12,963, of which 8,948 attend- tion of specimens of rocks and soils, found in the township, with ed school, showing an increase over 1846 of 1885. The number of list, named, described, locality, plants grown on or near, character qualified teachers was 252-103 males and 69 females. There were of land around, large or small quantity where found, of what use is in the schools 51 maps 45 black-boards, 2 clocks and one set mathe-it, to what use applied in the township, in what part of the townmatical blocks. The government grant for all educational purposes ship does it exist in largest quantities? (2.) Insects, found in then amounted to $13,200, and about $9,500 was paid to teachers. township, named and classified; especially those injurious to agri-The average attendance at school was 4,519, there being 1,043 culture. (3.) Cereals, grown in township, properly preserved, etc., studying Grammar, 977 geography; 183 history; 3,336 writing; soils and manures best adapted for each, situations most suitable, 60 book-keeping; 29 mensuration, and 29 algebra. most common uses of each, other uses, the value per acre and per The only Grammar Schools in the Counties were one at Niagara, bushel, cost of raising per acre and per bushel, profit (average) per the late Mr. John Whitelaw being Principal, and Mr. George Mal-acre and bushel, date of sowing and harvesting, probable number of colmson, now of the propeller Magnet, Assistant.-There was no public school house 40 scholars were on the register, and Latin and *The department already applies the whole of the Grammar School Greek were taught. "Grantham Academy," at St. Catharines, fund in aid of the Grammar Schools, and has nothing left for scholarships. Mr. Wm. Hubbard, Principal, and the Rev. Wm. Hewson, Assist- +These collections are not only legitimate objects for prizes, but the ant In this school 25 were in the classics, and 55 in the primary department will be happy to supply them to the cabinets for that purpose. department. See pages 26-28 of the new prize catalogue.

The Rev. J. Russell had a small school at Stamford where six pupils were taught classics and mathematics.

During this year the Rev. Dr. Lundy started a school at Niagara, in which Latin, Greek, French and other branches were taught,

The department has also, in the columns of this Journal, tried to stimulate parties to collect these interesting specimens, and has inserted a column in the trustees' return for a report of any school collections or museums of them.

acres of each sowed in the township per annum. (4.) Grasses. of St. Sulpice, Montreal, breathed his last, having been sick for (5.) General collection of native plants, found in township, properly prepared.

"I consider that an early love of the study of nature is of inestimable benefit to children, even though their general knowledge is otherwise very defective."

Another local superintendent writes as follows:

"I have been endeavouring, during the last year, to get some classes formed of young men in our schools, for the study of agriculture, and have been recommending Dr. Dawson's "First Lessons in Scientific Agriculture," published by John Lovell, as a text-book. But some in this enlightened age tell me that it is an unlawful study. That the Council of Public Instruction has not authorized this study in our schools of Upper Canada. You will please inform me whether this study may be lawfully introduced into the schools of an almost entirely agricultural population, and oblige."

The following reply was sent to this communication: "Agriculture is not only a lawful, but a praiseworthy study in our Common Schools. The fourth and fifth Books treat of subjects akin to it, and the Department has provided an extensive list of Books on the subject for school libraries including Dawson's Work. It was not formally directed that the subject should be taught; that has however arisen from the difficulty experienced in finding persons proporly qualified to teach it, but where such persons can be found, the Department will in all cases sanction the teaching of Agriculture in the schools.”*

OF EDUCATION

several months. He was born on the 24th of August, 1810, in France, at Espalem, in the diocese of Puy, came to this country in 1843, and was professor of Theology in the Seminary until in 1856, he succeeded the Rev. Mr. Billaudelle as Superior of the Seminary.

No. 18.-F. X. GARNEAU, ESQ.

The death of Mr. F. X. Garneau, an historian of Canada, which has been expected for some time, took place at Quebec, on the 3rd ult. The deceased, who was, without exception, one of the most remarkable literary men British North America has ever produced, was born in this city, in 1809, and was, therefore, in the thirtyseventh year of his age at the time of his death. He was educated in the Seminary of Quebec, and adopted the notarial profession, but never practised. He was for some time employed as clerk of the Legislative Assembly; but afterwards received the appointment of City Clerk, which he held up to May, 1864, when he retired, in consequence of ill health, receiving, at the same time, a handsome retiring pension from the Corporation. He commenced his labors in the field of literature at a very early age, and his contributions to the periodicals of the day gave evidence of great ability. In 1831, '32, and '33, he was in Europe, and his talents soon obtained him admission into the literary society of France and England. While in Paris, he was made a member of the "Society of Friends of Poland"-which was organized immediately after the Polish outbreak of 1830-and enjoyed the friendship of Prince Adam Czartoryski and other distinguished men. The narrative of his travels and residence in Europe was afterwards published in the form of a series of letters. His poetic productions, many of which are to be found in Hudson's Repertoire National, are characterized by great beauty and vigor. His fame, however, as a writer, rests entirely upon his history of Canada, which cost him many years of toil and research. The first volume was published, we believe, in 1845. by Mr. Bell was afterwards published by Mr. Lovell. It immediately directed the attention of American literary men to the author, and Mr. Garneau was looked upon as an authority in all matters connected with the early history of the continent. He was made an honorary member of all the leading literary societies of the Republic, and enjoyed the personal esteem of many of its most distinguished men. Naturally of a delicate constitution, the labors of writing his greatest work told considerably upon his health, which had been feeble for many years. Personally, Mr. Garneau was a most estimable man. Mild an unassuming in the highest degree, he was in every respect a thorough gentleman. His death will not be regretted by his wide circle of friends alone. upon throughout the country as a national loss.-Quebec Chronicle.

2. CARLYLE ON NATURAL HISTORY AS A BRANCH Mr. Adam White, of Edinburgh, for many years in the natural history department of the British Museum, proposes to introduce the teaching of natusal history into boarding-school and private families. On his project, and on the general introduction of that delightful science into the curriculum of ordinary education; Mr. White has been favored by Mr. Thomas Carlyle with a characteris-The work ran through several editions; and an English translation tic letter, from which the following is an extract:-" For many years it has been one of my constant regrets, that no school-master of mine had a knowledge of natural history, so far at least as to have taught me the grasses that grow by the wayside, and the little winged and wingless neighbours that are continually meeting me, with a salutation which I cannot answer, as things are! Why didn't somebody teach me the constellations, too, and make me at home in the starry heavens, which are always over head and which I don't above half know to this day? I love to prophesy that there will come a time, when not in Edinburgh only, but in all Scottish and European towns, and villages, the school-master will be strictly required to possess these two capabilities (neither Greek nor Latin more strict!), and that no ingenuous little denizen of this universe be henceforth debared from his right of liberty in these two departments and doomed to look on them as if across grated fences all his life. For the rest. I cannot doubt but, one way or other, you will by and by make your valuable indubitable gift available in Edinburgh, either to the young or the older, on such conditions as there are, and I much recommend a zealous and judicious persistence till you do succeed. -Believe me yours very sincerly, T. Carlyle."

V. Biographical Sketches.

No. 16.-THE REV. DR. ATKINSON.

On Monday morning the sad news reached here from Toronto of the death of this highly esteemed clergyman, throwing a gloom over society generally. For the space of nearly twenty-five years he had filled the position of Rector of St. George's Church, and every year as it passed away seemed to bind him more closely-with stronger cords of affection-to the hearts of his people. When, through a sense of his failing strength, he determined, two years since, to retire from St. Catharine's, his congregation sought by every means in their power to induce him to remain. But he felt that his strength was departing, and a high, conscientious sense of duty compelled him to retire. Since his removal to Toronto, his health gradually failed, until at length, on Saturday evening last, he fell asleep in Jesus. His death, like his life, was very beautiful. He died full of hope in the merits of his Redeemer, looking forward joyfully to a glorious resurrection.-St. Catharines Constitutional.

No. 17.-REV. MR. GRANET.

It will be looked

No. 18. JAMES SCOTT HOWARD, ESQ. We regret to learn that Mr. James Scott Howard, died suddenly of apoplexy, on the 1st inst., at the advanced age of 68 years. It was remarked that he never was in better health or spirits than when he left home for his office in the morning. He was a native of Ireland and emigrated to Canada many years ago. He was formerly Postmaster of this city, but was removed by Sir Francis Bond Head during the crisis of 1837-8. He afterwards, for many years, was treasurer of the Home District, upon the abolishment of which he was appointed treasurer of the United Counties of York and Peel, which office he held till his death, and all the duties of which of the Council of Public Instruction for Upper Canada since 1846. he most satisfactorily filled. Mr. Howard was an active member For many years he was Senior Secretary of the U. C. Bible Society. Both of these bodies have passed resolutions of sympathy with his bereaved family. His loss is deeply deplored.

No. 19.-JOHN BRUCE, ESQ.

It is with deep regret that we have to announce the death of John Bruce, Esq., Inspector of Schools, who expired suddenly while addressing the pupils at the College of Lachute, on the 19th January. At the time of the painful occurrence he appeared to be in excellent health and spirits, and only a few moments before had been jesting with the children. He was 65 years of age.

Mr. Bruce was born in Scotland and was very respectably connected. While still a young man he came to Canada, adopted the vocation of teacher, and opened a school in Montreal, where his ability and success soon made him known. Many years of his active life were devoted to the exercise of his profession, during which he rendered important services to the cause of education. When the law creating the office of School Inspector was put in

On Friday evening the Rev. Mr. Granet, Superior of the House See the article on the "necessity for educated farmers in Canada" and the recommendation of the North Oxford Agricultural Society on this sub-force, he was one of those first appointed, and continued to disject, in the Journal for last month, page 22.

charge the duties of his official position until death removed him