On the motion of Mr. Fletcher, seconded by Mr. Powell, the thanks of the meeting were given to Mr. Wade, who was also requested to allow his name to be enrolled as the first honorary member of the Association. Mr. Wade returned thanks, and accepted, with much gratification, the high honour offered to be conferred upon him by the members.

NOTTINGHAMSHIRE AND WEST LINCOLNSHIRE ASSOCIATION.-The quarterly meeting of this Association was held at the Trinity Schools, Nottingham, on December 8th. An excellent paper on "Teaching geography," was read by Mr. Merchant. He recommended the method of commencing the geographical lessons of the children with the schoolroom and its immediate locality, and then gradually extending the range to the county and country, till at last the world, with its physical and political geography, is embraced.

In the afternoon, Mr. Oliff read a paper on "The practicability of rendering schoolmasters' associations channels of more extended usefulness." It was decided that the annual meeting be held in June, instead of December, when it is hoped all the members will be able to be present. As some members might be prevented from attending by the distance of their residences, it was determined that a part of the travelling expenses of such should be defrayed from the surplus fund of the Association.

GLOUCESTER AND BRISTOL DIOCESAN ASSOCIATION.-The annual general meeting of this Association has been held in the Cathedral Library, at Gloucester, and the Ven. Archdeacon Thorp occupied the chair. The meeting was a highly interesting and important one. It was opened with prayers from the Liturgy; after which Mr. Sutcliffe, of the Normal Training College, Cheltenham, and Mr. Percival, of the Practising School, Cheltenham, each gave an interesting and instructive lesson to the boys of the Blue Coat Hospital, who were, with the kind permission of their excellent teacher, Mr. Jeffrey, assembled in the library.

Mr. Bee, the secretary of the Association, then read the minutes of the last annual meeting, and the report of the proceedings of the Association during the past year. This report congratulated the members upon "the great benefit which appears to have already resulted, and which the committee anticipate will yet further result, from the free action of the Association, directly to those who are actually engaged in the routine of elementary instruction, and indirectly to the cause of sound popular education in this our diocese." From the report it appeared that a Schoolmasters' and Schoolmistresses' Association for the city of Gloucester and its neighbourhood has been organised during the past year.

This report having been received by the meeting, the Rev. J. Clements, as secretary of a subcommittee appointed at the last annual meeting "to confer with all existing local associations throughout the diocese, with a view of uniting them into one general association," read a report of the proceedings of that committee. From this report it appeared, that of the seven existing local associations in the diocese, three, viz. those at Cheltenham, Gloucester, and Stroud, were decidedly favourable to union; one, that in the Forest Deanery, was unfavourable; and the remaining three, those at Cirencester, Hawkesbury, and Bristol, had not expressed any opinion on the subject.

This report having been also received, the Rev. J. Clements proposed some alterations in the rules of the Association, which alterations were adopted by the meeting without discussion. The most important of them was the following: "That all members of local associations of Church Schoolmasters and School mistresses throughout the diocese be members of the Diocesan Association without further payment."

On the motion of the Rev. R. E. Blackwell, it was resolved "that the sub-committee be continued to revise the existing rules, so as to embody the resolutions of the report."

On the motion of the Rev. H. W. Bellairs, it was resolved" that the next annual meeting of the Association be held at Cheltenham in the month of November 1856."

In furtherance of this resolution, a sub-committee was appointed to confer with the committee of the Cheltenham Church Schoolmasters' Association, to make arrangements for the next annual meeting.

On the motion of Mr. Bee, it was resolved" that five gentlemen, who were then nominated, be appointed to fill up vacancies in the Committee of Management; and that, with these exceptions, the officers of the Association be re-elected for the ensuing year.'

The preliminary business of the meeting having been thus disposed of, J. C. Symons, Esq., de livered a very able and instructive lecture to the meeting on "The present aspect of the Education question."

Mr. Symons commenced his lecture by upholding the progress of educational effort as contrasted with the difficulties of the work, and the prevalence and antiquity of ignorance. He dwelt on the peculiarities of the position of the Anglo-Saxon people, for so many generations living under the bondage of their Norman conquerors, as one reason why their intelligence and instruction contrasted unfavourably with the peoples of central Europe and the United States, who had long enjoyed superior advantages. He dwelt also on the bilingual character of our language as another adversity to the teacher; and rapidly traced its successive phases. He glanced at habits of popular drunkenness as aiding the historical and hereditary impediments to the work of the teacher. On these grounds he bespoke a better appreciation of the difficulties of the instructor; and exhorted increased energy in the work, naming some of the most serious defects in teaching yet to be surmounted. He warmly upheld the value of schoolmasters' associations, chiefly because they brought the teachers into friendly co-operation and intercourse with the clergy, who were in every respect so highly qualified to aid, cheer, reward, and dignify their efforts. The lecturer pointed out what he thought ought to be the ambition of the teacher, and how best to raise himself in social rank, and to increase the emoluments and independence of his high and useful office. Mr. Symons emphatically denounced any more legislative meddling with education, and strongly upheld the present equitable system of aiding the Church and each denomination of Christians with grants of public money, preserving the free action of local government and denominational instruction. He passed a high commendation on the schools and educational efforts of Dissenters, but zealously maintained the right of Churchmen to educate their own children in their own way. He also strongly advocated industrial schools, as likely to supply the educational defects illustrated by Sir John M'Neile in his recent lecture, as having been developed in the inaptness of the soldiers in the Crimea for any handicraft employment.

An animated discussion arose out of this lecture, in which the Dean of Hereford, the Rev. H. W. Bellairs, the Rev. C. H. Bromby, the Chairman, Mr. Hyett, Mr. Keiller, and other gentlemen took part. The principal subject of the discussion was, whether it was practicable to combine industrial and mental training in the same school, under the same teacher. The general opinion of the meeting seemed to be that. as a rule, this plan was not feasible. After this a voto of thanks to Mr. Smons

for his valuable lecture, and a requisition to him to allow it to be published, were put from the chair and passed by acclamation.

The apostolic benediction was then pronounced by the Chairman, and the members and friends adjourned to the King's Head Hotel, where seventy of them partook of luncheon together. At the luncheon discussions took place on the following subjects: "The best means of securing regular and larger attendance of children at school;" "The application of the capitation grant;" "The advantages of the simultaneous method of instruction as contrasted with the individual method ;" and "The proposed issue of certificates of merit to deserving scholars," which had been tried successfully in the north of England.

At the request of J. Curtis Howard, Esq., presented by Archdeacon Thorp, amidst great applause, to the Dean of Hereford, the Dean consented (D.V.) to give a lecture to the Association at its next annual meeting. The thanks of the meeting having been presented to Archdeacon Thorp for his able conduct in the chair, the meeting separated.

LEEDS ASSOCIATION.-The monthly meeting of this Association was held on Saturday, December 1st, in St. George's School. A useful and practical paper, on "The advantages which Church Schoolmasters' Associations confer upon teachers and their schools," was read by Mr. G. Tinker, of St. Matthew's School, Leeds. The lecturer pointed out very powerfully the position in which man is placed in this life by his Creator in relation to association; and that man by his natural instinct alone seeks for association of some kind. He dwelt also in a happy way upon the objects which teachers ought to seek through their associations, and the benefits and advantages-morally, practically, and socially-which must result from their deliberations; and discussing the best plans and methods of teaching and educating the youthful mind. An animated and prolonged discussion followed, each speaker bearing testimony to the advantages he had received through the Leeds Association. One new member was admitted, and others have signified their intention to join it.

On the election of officers for the ensuing year, Mr. Thomas Holmes, of Roundhay School, was elected secretary, and Mr. G. Tinker treasurer.

The annual dinner is to take place on Thursday, January 10th, 1856, at the Royal Hotel, Leeds. BRIDGENORTH ASSOCIATION.-The members of this Association have during the past summer employed their leisure time with their usual diligence in preparing subjects for discussion at the monthly meetings. Papers have been read by Mr. W. Bower, on "Climate;" Mr. W. Carter, on "The teaching of zoology;" Mr. H. D. Humphreys, on "The influence of example in the education of youth;" Mr. C. Medcalf, on " Photography, with experiments;" Mr. L. Roach, on "The chemistry of common things;" Mr. S. Jackson, on "The teaching of vocal music;" and Mr. C. Beasley, on "Elementary arithmetic." These several subjects were treated in such a manner as to afford the members both recreation and instruction of the best kind.

TESTIMONIALS.-To Rev. J. BATEMAN, Vicar of Huddersfield and Rural Dean, on his leaving the parish, a Silver Inkstand, by the Teachers and Children of the St. Peter's National and Infant Schools, Seed Hill, Huddersfield.

To BENJAMIN JOHNSON, on his leaving St. James's Schools, West Bromwich, for the Training College, Cheltenham, a Writing-Desk, by the Teachers and Children.

To Mr. J. MUMBY, a Church-Service, by the Choir at Waltham Abbey, and a Papier Maché Ink. stand, by the Children of the School.

To ISAAC PERRY, on his leaving Donnington Wood School for a Training College, Two suitable Volumes, by the Boys.

To Miss S. ROBINSON, Volumes of Poems, &c., by the Committee, Teachers, and Children, on her leaving the Exeter National School.

To WILLIAM GARNON and THOMAS MORSE, on the Completion of their Apprenticeship, Church Services, by the Manager, Teachers, and Children of the Fishguard National School.

APPOINTMENTS.-Mr. JOHN HERBERT, from Little Woolton, to the Endowed School, Little

Stanmore.

Miss ROBINSON, from Exeter, to the Gray National School, Sunderland.

Mr. EDWIN ADAMS, from Hitchin, to the Sheldwick Leys National School, Faversham, Kent. Mr. THOMAS COPLEY, from Topcliffe, to the New School at Acomb, York.

OBITUARY.-On the 1st December, Mr. RoYDS, in the 63d year of his age; for more than thirty years Master of the Endowed School, Hollingworth, Rochdale.

NOTICES TO CORRESPONDENTS.

We cannot undertake to notice anonymous communications, nor to insert letters or information received after the 20th. The name and address of our correspondents should always be sent, though not necessarily for publication.

"Veritas, Herts," is thanked. We are unable to spare room for the letters.

"J. Hill." You should address your inquiry to the Secretary, Rev. W. J. Chesshyre, at Canterbury. "W. B." Your inquiry should be addressed to the Secretary of the Committee of Council. "M. P." You will find rules for a Shoe-club at pages 318 and 346 of this Paper for 1854.

"W. H. B." Your notice came to hand too late last month, and it is past the time to continue the schedule now.

"A Practical Teacher." We have inserted as much of your communication as we found available. We cannot undertake to return or notice the subjects of papers which we do not insert. The stamps sent have been taken as your subscription for the year.

"A Schoolmaster" will find an answer to his inquiry at page 272 in our last Number.

"George Sydenham" is thanked for his communication; but we do not expect that we shall be able to insert it. "J. S. and Doceo" declined.

Several communications, received after the 20th, came to hand too late to notice in this Number.

A VACANCY in the List of Vice-Presidents of the Society is occasioned by the death of the late Right Hon. H. Goulburn.

Half-Yearly Abstract.

The usual Half-Yearly Abstract is now ready, and will be forwarded to the several Local Treasurers of the Society, and others desirous of raising Subscriptions on its behalf. The Paper is adapted for parochial distribution, and contains a Woodcut of the new National Schools at Reigate. The following particulars respecting the Society's Depository and the Welsh Education Fund are extracted from the Paper:

"THE SOCIETY'S DEPOSITORY FOR SCHOOL BOOKS AND MATERIALS.

During the autumn the Committee have been able to provide a spacious and convenient salesroom for the Depository, which is now on the ground-floor of the Society's premises at the Sanctuary, Westminster, and is approached by a separate entrance, although it communicates with the office of the Society. It is hoped that by the new arrangement purchasers will not only meet with immediate attention, which in the limited space of the old Depository was often impossible, but also that they will be able to see and examine the numerous articles of various kinds in the Society's Catalogue. These are now displayed to view, either on the ground-floor of the new salesroom, or in the gallery which runs round it. Increased accommodation has also been gained for the packing of parcels and heavy goods, and it is confidently hoped that orders from the country will be both more quickly and more accurately despatched than was possible before the late alterations were made. It seems right to add that though the new Depository has been obtained by diminishing the space hitherto allotted to the Boys' School, yet that ample accommodation has been left in the School and Class-room for 180 boys, a number quite sufficient for the purposes of a model school, and considering the numerous new schools lately opened in Westminster, quite adequate to the wants of the population.

The following new books and maps have been published by the Society during the year 1855, at the prices annexed to each :

General Atlas, containing Twenty-nine Coloured Maps, with Index

School Atlas of Physical Geography, containing Maps, with Explanatory Preface
VOL. X.

C

It is gratifying to record that the receipts at the Depository for the year 1855 have amounted to 12,7787., being an increase of 8087. over those of 1854.

WELSH EDUCATION FUND.

At Midsummer 1855, the Welsh Education Committee were at length enabled to mature a plan, which, since the foundation of the South Wales Training School, they have considered essential to the well-being of the Institution, viz. the formation of a Local Council, who, on the receipt of a certain annual allowance from the Welsh Education Fund, should undertake the management and pecuniary responsibility of the school. The Lord Bishop of St. David's is President of the Council; and the terms agreed on between the Welsh Education Committee and the Council correspond in all essential points with those existing between the Committee of the Society and the councils of their several Training Institutions in the metropolis. The Institution at Carmarthen now numbers 36 pupils in residence. The premises at Carnarvon, for the last few years used as a training school, are about to be purchased, and conveyed to the Bishops of Bangor and St. Asaph as trustees, for the purpose of a Training School for North Wales. The Welsh Education Committee have defrayed the purchase-money, 2500l., which sum had been set apart for this particular purpose; and they have also allotted an annual sum towards the maintenance of the institution."

Whitelands Training Institution.

The usual Christmas Examinations were held at this Institution, beginning on December 10th and ending December 20th. Forty-one pupils who had previously obtained places in the Government Class-List, and fifty-three pupils who had not yet been placed on the Government Class-List, were presented for examination. At the same time six of the former pupils, and thirty untrained schoolmistresses, presented themselves for examination. A second room was placed at the disposal of the Government, and a second inspector provided. This arrangement will be continued in all future years, so that any schoolmistress who may find it convenient to pass her examination in London can obtain a seat at Whitelands, if she will apply to the Chaplain before the 20th November in each year.

Fifty-nine pupil-teachers tried for Queen's Scholarships at Whitelands. Fortyeight, who passed the examination, can be received.

The Institution has re-opened with its numbers filled up for the current year. The Rev. W. Fry, the well-known promoter of Education, most kindly offered prizes for the best papers on certain subjects. They have been awarded to Mary Ann Weeks, for Grammar; Emma Taylor, for School-management; and Elizabeth Freeman, for Domestic Economy.

New Subscriptions.

The following Donations and new Annual Subscriptions have been contributed since the last announcement, and are hereby thankfully acknowledged. The List is made up to the 20th January.

The Committee desire specially to acknowledge in the following List several Annual Subscriptions of 5s. each from Schoolmasters at Manchester, entitling to the privilege of purchasing books, &c., for their schools at the Society's Depositories at Members' prices.

Contributions may be paid to Messrs. DRUMMOND, Bankers, Charing Cross; to Mr. HENRY STRETTON, the Society's Receiver, 67 Lincoln's Inn Fields, to whom all Remittances should be made; or they will be received at the National Society's Office, Sanctuary, Westminster, or by any of the Local Treasurers to the Society, or by the Society's Travelling Agents.

Local Collectors.

The following Schoolmasters have kindly undertaken to be the first to act as honorary Local Collectors on behalf of the Society, and the Secretary has forwarded to them collecting cards and boxes, together with papers suitable for the object in view. The Secretary will be glad to add to the list the names of other masters or mistresses who may be disposed to assist the Society.

Brooke, Mr. H. D. National School, Sproughton, Ipswich.

Hiscox, Mr. George D. National School, Hornsea, Hull.

Snaith, Mr. W. A. St. Bartholomew's School, Clay Cross, Chesterfield.

Squire, Mr. St. Mary's School, Horncastle.

Woodcock, Mr. Leonard, National School, Longford, Derby.

Canterbury Diocesan Board.

The following is the Sixteenth Annual Report of this Board:

"The Canterbury Diocesan Board of Education, in presenting to the members of the Society their Sixteenth Annual Report, have first to state, that collections made under the sanction of the Archbishop of Canterbury's letter, issued in 1854, have been received from 118 parishes, amounting to 4851. 4s. 3d. They trust that this sum may yet be increased by contributions from the other parishes of the diocese, and they await with interest the result of the returns which may be expected, as many undertakings in which