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MALE ASYLUM AT MADRAS,

796, under the superintending rend Dr. Bell.

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boys of ages from eleven to fourteen, be entrusted the care and instruction of the three next classes, containing sixty-one boys;—that for the several other classes, where the instruction does not extend beyond mere reading (the letters being taught by writing in sand, as before mentioned) or beyond the elementary parts of writing and arithmetic, there be one master, aged twelve years and eight months, with seven assistants of ages from eight to twelve years.

Let us suppose that the business of these little teachers is not to punish, but to prevent faults; not to deter from misconduct, but to preclude it; and to use that influence, which children naturally possess over their immediate juniors, in forming and regulating the minds of their pupils; and that, when they shall have spent a year as teachers, they shall with pleasure move on to a superior class, into which they shall enter as mere scholars; increased, however, in diligence, in respect that they have been in the situation of instructing others. Let us further suppose that for boys so taught, and teaching, situations readily offer in life; and that few are not sought for before twelve years of age, as apprentices to some advantageous and useful trade. But let the reader beware

how he ventures hastily to reject all this, as impracticable theory;-for it is a plain and literal account of the MALE ASYLUM AT MADRAS,— as it existed in 1796, under the superintending care of the Reverend Dr. Bell.

10th August, 1801.

No. IV:

DAY SCHOOLS AT WESTON.

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In the year 1795, a free school,* for the education of the children of the industrious poor, in the village of Weston, near Bath, was established there by a lady; who has since succeeded, in forming and supporting four other similar schools, in the same village. The children are admitted at a very early age. They are kept very clean and neat: and, as soon as possible, are taught the Lord's Prayer, the Gloria Patri, and the Catechism. Their instruction proceeds until they can read, knit, mend, and make family apparel, and do all sorts of plain work. They attend the church regularly on Sundays; and those who are able, join in singing psalms in the church; forming themselves in a circle round their patroness, and vying with each other in exemplary decency of conduct. Her allowance for each child's schooling, is three shillings a quarter; a sum comparitively small, but yet supplying a very * Reports, No. XCVII.

useful and acceptable charity, and contributing to the comfortable maintenance of five widow women; who thereby not only receive eight or ten pounds a year each, (the five schools containing near eighty children) but are also put in the way of receiving some additional benefit, from the credit of their situation in the schools.

I said that the children were admitted at a ·very early age. The reader will be surprised when I add, that they attend the schools so early, as at two years old: each of the little ones being put under the tutelage and care of one of the elder children, and, as soon as they can speak, being taught the Lord's Prayer, and to be attentive and quiet during school hours. Their parents are, in consequence of their admission to the schools, enabled to go out to work, and to carry their labour to the best and most advantageous market..

the

She never keeps a girl in the schools after

age of twelve. By that time they are sufficiently advanced in reading, and in the use of -the needle, to be of very great benefit at home;

or, if not wanted there, to obtain advantageous situations in service. None of the children are allowed to take any pay for sewing work for

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