important advantage derived from this plan, is the certainty to the teacher, that every boy in the class is employed, and that none sit idle while others are waiting the master's partial instructions; and three times the usual number of sums are done and repeated by every boy, while no inconsiderable degree of competition is excited.

The new method of spelling already described, only applies to those who can write; but in all large day-schools there are many children who have not acquired this art, and who are sent to school solely to learn to read. To obviate this difficulty the following plan, nearly similar to that which has been successfully practised by Dr. Bell, in the Male Asylum at Madras, and mentioned in the account of the schools at Kendal,* has been adopted. The scholars have a desk before them, with ledges on every side, and it is filled with sand to a level with these ledges. Every boy is furnished with a sharp-pointed wire to write, or rather to print with. A word is then dictated by the monitor, for instance BEER, and it is immediately sketched in the sand by every boy with the point of his skewer, and when inspected.

See the Reports of the Society, No. XC.

by the monitor, another word is dictated. It possesses part of the advantages before described, to be attached to spelling on the slate. This class of children lose more than two-thirds of their time, when taught in the usual method.

The importance of moral and religious instruction is too evident to admit of a question. To promote it in a manner the most economical, to augment the happiness of the scholars, and to induce them to make the most beneficial use of their time, are objects highly deserving of consideration. When a general system of edu cation is become so very desirable, and is so much desired, it is therefore no small merit for Mr. Lancaster to have introduced a method, which to the economy of time and attention, adds a very great pecuniary saving. The expense of his school, including books, rewards, slates, &c. does not amount to 7s. 6d. a year for each pupil. In the usual mode of teaching sixty boys, they would require sixty slates, sixty spelling-books, and thirty bibles. In Mr. Lancaster's school, the same number of boys have only two bibles, three spelling books, and sixty slates; being a saving of £6. 7s. 9d. or above four-fifths of that part of the expense.

4th June, 1804.

No. VI.

DAY SCHOOL AT CAMPSAL.

THE school for poor children at Campsall,* in the county of York, was established by three young ladies, the daughters of Mr. Frank; who undertook, as soon as their own education was completed, to instruct at their father's house, a few poor girls in reading, plain work, and knitting; and they likewise gave them some necessary articles of clothing. They have been since induced by the solicitations both of the poor children in their neighbourhood, and of their parents, gradually to increase the number of their scholars; and it now amounts to between sixty and seventy, all of whom they teach themselves.

On Sundays, the children attend the school in the morning and afternoon, and go regularly to church; where they have been much noticed, on account of the neatness of their appearance, and the propriety of their behaviour. week days, the school hours are from nine in

* Reports, No. CXXV.

On

the morning till noon, and from one till four in the afternoon. All the children are taught reading, knitting, and plain work; and such as appear most capable of improvement, are also instructed in writing and in accounts. Great pains are taken to make them acquainted with the leading principles of religion and morality, and with the peculiar duties of those useful, though humble stations in life, which it will probably be their lot to fill.

They seem in general to make as much proficiency, in the various branches of their education, as could reasonably be expected; and appear gratefully attached to their benevolent teachers, whose instructions they receive with much satisfaction, as well as docility. In these respects, the distribution of little rewards for improvement has produced so powerful an effect on their minds, as to have rendered any other method of exciting diligence, and ensuring regular attendance, almost unnecessary.

The age at which children are admitted, and the time they may continue in the school, are not fixed by any general regulations. The attendance there is perfectly voluntary: it is not expected during harvest, or at any other time when their parents can find more profit

able employment for them, or particularly need their services at home. They are permitted to bring work to school, when their parents or friends can supply them with it. When they are not thus provided with employment, they are furnished with work by the ladies, and are allowed the usual price for it. This was for some years paid them in money, as soon as each article was finished; but it was determined a few months ago, to keep their earnings till the end of the year, in a box provided for that purpose, with a separate division for each girl; and then after deducting the payment of a female friendly society which has been established by the Miss Franks, to give the value of the remainder in some of the most useful articles of clothing; as shifts, petticoats, &c. These they are taught to cut out, and to make at school; for which purpose, and for knitting their own stockings, three weeks are allowed. None of the parents have expressed the slightest disapprobation of this alteration, in the manner of disposing of their children's earnings. The children themselves appear highly delighted with it. Many of them remember exactly how much money they have in the box, and are very solicitous to add