the vestry. For the first quarter of an hour they say to me the collect, prepared at home; for the second they read the epistle and gospel, and answer questions upon them; for the third they practise the singing for the day (or rather rehearse it, having practised it on the Friday evening before); and for the last quarter they read the psalms of the day the first ten minutes, and five minutes before eleven go into the church.

Now, I do not say they are all I could wish; but is there not here some contribution to a solution of the difficulty? And I would say simply, take the lads out of the Sunday-schoolroom; don't march them to church in a row; let them be learning something new, i. e. singing; teach them more as students than school-children. If you have a harsh or bad voice or two among them, bear with it in your singingclass rather than lose the lad from the Church; and let the clergyman teach them himself, or when prevented, get some one of good standing to take his place; and let him help them in buying books, or in any other of the many ways which he can in his position: and I think something may be done in many, though not in all, places towards removing the difficulty.

Dismissals will still be necessary; and if expostulation (repeated as long as possible) fail, and remonstrance at home, &c., all prove useless, then the dismissal of an incorrigible may be made so as to improve the rest.

Apologising for the length of this letter, I am, &c.

CORRESPONDENTS' ANSWERS TO INQUIRIES.

C. C.

"Boj" says the Cottage Gardener's Dictionary, edited by G. W. Johnson, and published by Orr and Co., will meet the want of "W. E. A. N. S." He also says he has a copy to part with. Address, Pirbright School, Guildford.

"

"R. J." says that "A. K." will find the piece of poetry for which he inquires in M'Culloch's Third Reading-Book, price 10d., published by Oliver and Boyd, Tweeddale Court, Edinburgh.

INFORMATION WANTED.

INQUIRIES BY CORRESPONDENTS.

"J. S." asks what works are the best to read on Church History for the first year's examination. "W. G. R." asks what two books to read for the outlines of the Reformation in England and Church History in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries.

"Boj" asks how to clean maps, varnished and unvarnished; also a varnish for, and how to put it on, maps.

At p. 30, Monthly Paper, 1853, two coats of thin starch is recommended as the best and cheapest varnish for maps.-[ED. M. P.]

"Ceiriog" asks where, and at what price, he could procure a book entitled Chemical Experiments illustrative of Moral Truths, by Macaulay, of Chester; also the title, price, and publisher of a good book of recreations, amusements, &c., suitable for the elder lads in holiday-time.

"Maxwell" asks whether it is a desirable plan to have the writing-desks fixed on the gallery, or whether any other part of the room is preferable.

SIR,-Some years ago I came across a work containing a set of exercises on English history. The peculiarity of the exercises was, that the teacher read a scene from the History of England without mentioning the names of the actors, and the mind of the pupil was exercised in discovering these Can any of your readers assist me to the title of the work and the name of its publisher? If you could insert the above, or kindly make the inquiry for me, you would confer a favour on A LANCASHIRE MASTER.

names.

Schoolmasters' and Schoolmistresses' Associations.

BIRKENHEAD AND WIRRAL ASSOCIATION.-On Saturday, April 12th, a meeting of Church schoolmasters was held at St. John's School, Birkenhead, for the purpose of forming an Association for that town and neighbourhood. It was unanimously agreed upon to establish a society for the mutual improvement of masters and mistresses of Church-of-England schools; to hold periodical meetings, at which papers should be read and educational topics discussed. The following were appointed officers for the ensuing year: Mr. W. H. Hoitaway, Oxton National School, secretary; Mr. John Beckett, Tranmere National School, treasurer. Committee: Mr. E. Robinson, St. John's, Birkenhead; Mr. W. Bickerton, St. Mary's, Birkenhead; Mr. Curwen, Liscard National School; Mr. Dunstone, Oxton National School; and Mr. Groome, New Brighton National School. On Saturday, the 28th, a meeting was held, at which Mr. J. Beckett, of Tranmere, read a paper on "The schoolmaster's relation to the Church, to his children, to his managers, to his fellow-teachers," &c., in which it was advocated that the schoolmaster was an officer of the Church rather than the State; and his relation to the former shown from the nature of his mission, the sacredness of his office, by the corresponding office in the primitive Church, and by the motives which had influenced the present generation of teachers to seek the office. His relation to his children was stated to be that of a parent to his child,

and as a fellow-member of Christ's body. The paper concluded by exhorting teachers to hold out to one another the hand of cordiality and love, and tender to each other that sympathy which they so much need. Afterwards a conversation took place on the method of giving a dictation-lesson. The general opinion was, that the children should read over the passage, get up the spelling, and be examined on the grammar of it, before it was dictated to them; and that it was better to use a variety of methods in correcting than adhere always to the same.

ISLE OF ELY ASSOCIATION.-The first annual meeting of this Association was held at Wisbech, on Saturday, the 19th April. Divine service was held in the parish church; and the Vicar, the Rev. W. Hopkins, preached the anniversary sermon, from which the following is an extract:

"There were two parties upon whom depended the impression which a school was making upon the scholars and their parents-the managers and the master. It was only by the hearty co-operation of both that the school could produce its full effect, and each was able to do much in making it, in its true sense, a Church-school. To the clergy, who were sure to be influential in the management of National schools, it would be almost unnecessary to point out the value of a judicious selection of elementary religious books. These would form the groundwork of the teacher's lessons, and give a colour to the notions which his pupils acquired. But dry teaching would not call forth a love for that which is taught. The mind might be stored whilst the affections were unfruitful. It would be good for the clergyman, when other duties would permit, to give some religious lessons regularly himself, and to try to give life and reality to the lessons he is giving. But where this was impossible, as in many large parishes, a Sunday-school in connection with the day-school, at which the clergy were always present, and in which the more earnest laity would take part, would be found of great value. The scholars learn to value the religious lessons they receive, and to love those who give them. In after-years they would often come back to the school, and to the church with which it is associated; and when far distant they would think of those early lessons, as was often proved by our wounded soldiers in the East, who mentioned by name the clergy and teachers of their Sunday-schools, and dwelt upon their memories in the hours of sickness and pain. Between the clergyman and the master there should exist a thorough and cordial good understanding. In any thriving school the boys will love the master; and we may rest assured that they will be influenced by the way in which the master is treated. The manager and the master ought to be alike members of the same body. If there be a schism in the body one of the members will suffer. If the school be not thriving, the manager will suffer; and if the master suffer and his influence be weakened, the power and usefulness of the school is gone. Let the manager, then, support the master, if he be worthy of support. Let him do this heartily. Let it be evident that the two are one in heart, and one in their endeavour to do good to the scholars; then the master will, in the eyes of the boys, receive something of the authority of the manager, and the manager will also share the love which the master receives. And if the boys thus learn to respect and love their clergyman, they will readily transfer their attachment to the Church." After the sermon, the members repaired to the body of the church to inspect the plans and view the works now in progress for its restoration; they then proceeded to the Boys' National School, where some preliminary business was transacted, and afterwards to the Rose and Crown Hotel, where a dinner was provided for the members. After dinner the treasurer produced his accounts, by which there appeared a balance of 127. in favour of the Association; and Mr. Oliver, the secretary, read his report. The election of officers for the ensuing year concluded the day's proceedings.

NORTH CHESHIRE ASSOCIATION.-The eighth meeting of this Association was held at Stretton, on Tuesday, the 29th April. The chair was taken by the President, Rev. R. Greenall, Incumbent of Stretton, and Rural Dean. The meeting opened with prayer, after which the first topic of discussion was put to the meeting, viz. "The best mode of teaching proportion." Tate's principles were very clearly demonstrated by Mr. Ward, of Wilton, and the meeting almost unanimously adopted them as the best. After dinner the second subject, viz. "How to attach old scholars to the Church." This subject was entirely left to the clergymen. The Rev. J. Livingstone, Curate of Weaversham, gave some excellent suggestions how this might be effected, and named among other methods-" Reunions," "Improvement societies," and "Evening schools;" other suggestions were given by the Rev. F. Elmen, the Rev. T. Greenall, the Rev. W. M'Iver, and the Rev. H. J. Blackburne. The subjects for the next meeting are "The best mode of teaching grammar," and "The best mode of conducting a Sundayschool."

BARNSLEY.-The Associated Church Schoolmasters of this district met at Worsborough, on Saturday, May 10th, on which occasion Mr. Ford, of Silkstone, read an elaborate paper on "Ethnography;" Mr. Burland, of Stainborough, also read a manuscript poem, entitled The Sacking of Kertch. The next meeting will be held at Monk Bretton on the 14th of June.

CHESHIRE ASSOCIATION.-The ninth half-yearly meeting of this Association was held on Friday, May 16th, at Christ Church Schools, Macclesfield. There was a numerous attendance of clergy and schoolmasters, members of the Association. The schools were opened with choral service at ten o'clock; and the morning was spent by the members in viewing the ordinary work of the school. The Scripture-lesson was given by the Incumbent, the Rev. C. O'Neill Pratt; and excellent lessons afterwards on the "Varieties of the human race" and on the" Davy lamp:" the former by Mr. George Bickle, Middlewich National School; and the latter by Mr. John Chadwick, the master of the school in which the meeting was held. The time intervening between the dismissal of the school and the hour of dinner was occupied in listening to an admirable paper on the "Elements of success in teaching," by Mr. George Wade, master of the Astbury National School, and secretary to the Association. The members dined in company; and after dinner turned their attention to the discussion of several subjects then brought forward for that purpose, as, "The great desirability of extending instruction in drawing in National schools"-" The relative values of oral teaching and getting' lessons, and the abuses of either when carried on too exclusively"-" The influence of several recent Poor-law enactments on our National schools," and the question of "Compulsory education." The Rev. J. P. Norris was present, and added much to the value of the meeting by stating the results of his observation on the several points introduced.

This Association is making good progress; the Church-of-England schoolmasters are evidently becoming every day more impressed with the importance and responsibility of their position with reference to those who are conventionally styled "the people;" and the object of each of these meetings is to develop as far as possible the best method of bringing education to bear upon the masses.

THE LEICESTERSHIRE AND RUTLAND CHURCH SCHOOLMASTERS' ASSOCIATION.-The last quarterly meeting of this Association was held at the Temperance Hotel, Leicester, on the 19th April, when a more numerous assembly of teachers than on any previous occasion met together. The chair was taken by the Rev E. Smythies, A.M., president. The Association was much gratified by the presence of Mr. Spencer, of Ruddington, who is a member of the Nottingham Association of Teachers. An elaborate paper on the "Cultivation of the mind" was read by Mr. Coulston, of Buckminster, which was afterwards commented upon by the members. The Association having offered two prizes of books of 10s. each for the best essays on the "Character of David," and on "Keeping a school in order without undue noise," six essays were presented by the secretary, which, by a decision of the meeting, were placed in the hands of the president for adjudication. The prizes will probably be awarded in July. The Association is rapidly increasing its members.

TESTIMONIALS.- Mr. THOMAS LATHAM, on the occasion of his Marriage, a Tea-caddy and Card-box, by the Pupil-teachers and Boys of Archdeacon Cambridge's School, Twickenham.

To Mr. W. OSMOND, a Commentary on the Old and New Testament; and to Miss JACKSON, Leighton on the Epistles of St. Peter, by the Boys and Girls respectively of the Christ Church Schools, Newark.

To Rev. P. WILSON, of All Saints, Moxley, a Silk Gown, Cassock, &c., presented by Mr. FRANCIS, Schoolmaster, on behalf of the School-teachers and Congregation.

To Mr. GREEN WOOD, on the occasion of his gaining a Certificate of Merit, a China Tea-service, by the Pupil-teachers and a few Friends of the Wharton School.

To Mr. THOMAS ROWLAND, late Master of the Rydleuth National School, on his leaving, a Timepiece and Box of Mathematical Instruments, from some of his late Pupils.

APPOINTMENTS. Mr. JOHN HERBERT, from Little Stanmore, to Ratcliff Green-Coat Schools,

Stepney.

Mr. W. G. FRETTON, from Southam, to Bayley's Charity School, Coventry.

OBITUARY.- April 3d, at the Hotwells, Clifton, near Bristol, Mr. THOMAS BIGGS, late Master of St. George's School, Sheffield.

On the 22d April, in the 30th year of his age, Mr. STUART COVERLEY, for many years Master of the National School, Rhuddlan, Flintshire.

May 3d, Mrs. MARY ANN COTTON, late Mistress of Alberbury School, near Shrewsbury.

At Oxford, on Friday, May 9th, Robert Kinstray, aged 20 years and 9 months, recently a student in St. Mark's College, Chelsea.

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.

"A. R. M." We should not think that it is usual. It is a point for the managers of the school to settle.

"T. R. L." It is absolutely necessary to have been apprenticed to obtain a Queen's scholarship. The only exception, we believe, is in the case of persons taking charge of night-schools under certain conditions.

"Progress." The Honorary Secretary to the Board is the Ven. Archdeacon Williams, Llanvapley, Abergavenny, who, no doubt, would supply a copy of the Report.

"A Churchman." You must be guided by the judgment of the managers of your school. "M. M." is thanked. His communication is referred to the Depository.

"W. G. R." You cannot be admitted to examination except upon the application of the managers of your school, which must be under inspection, or the managers willing to place it under.

"John Dingle." We cannot spare the necessary room for the rules of the Association, but will be glad from time to time to report proceedings, if forwarded to us in a condensed form.

"J. Thompson." 1. No. 2. Yes, provided the managers of your school will place it under inspection, and are willing to make application to the Committee of Council for you to be examined. The Ripon Board Report in our next.

We must remind our correspondents that we cannot undertake to attend to communications received after the 20th of the month.

THE Meetings of the Committee of the National Society have been attended during the past month by his Grace the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Earls of Powis and Romney, the Bishops of Winchester, Bangor, Oxford, St. Asaph, St. David's, Salisbury, Bath and Wells, and Worcester; Lord Redesdale, Lord Robert Grosvenor, Rev. Lord John Thynne, Right Hon. J. W. Henley, M.P., Rev. Sir Henry Thompson, Bart.; Sir Thomas Phillips, Ven. Archdeacon Sinclair, William Cotton, Esq., C. B. Adderley, Esq., C. W. Puller, Esq., and Rev. John Jennings.

New Vice-President.

The President and Vice-Presidents have nominated the Right Hon. Lord Lyttelton to be a Vice-President of the Society, in the place of the late Right Hon. Henry Goulburn, M.P.

Choral Festival.-Westminster Abbey.

This festival, kindly granted by the Dean and Chapter of Westminster to assist in making up the deficiency caused by the refusal to grant a Queen's Letter in behalf of the Society, was held on Tuesday, June 3d, at three o'clock. His Grace the President attended, and was accompanied by several of the Bishops and members of the Committee. The Abbey was crowded with the friends and members of the Society. The Bishop of Lichfield preached the sermon. The musical arrangements were under the direction of the Precentor and Organist of the Abbey. The choir was composed of the members of the choirs of the Abbey, St. Paul's, the Chapel Royal, and Windsor. The collection at the doors at the close of the service amounted to 1337. 5s. 7d.

Annual Meeting.

The Annual Meeting of the Members of the Society was held in the Central School, at Westminster, on the 4th June. His Grace the Archbishop of Canterbury presided; and among the gentlemen on the platform were the Bishops of St. David's, Oxford, St. Asaph, and Lincoln; Lords Redesdale and Radstock; the Rev. Lord John Thynne, the Rev. Sir Henry Thompson, the Rev. Sir Charles Farnaby, Sir Edwin Pearson, Sir G. Baker, Sir Thomas Phillips, the Dean of

VOL. X.

H

Norwich, Archdeacons Sinclair and Thorpe, Rev. Dr. Wordsworth, W. Cotton, Esq.; F. H. Dickinson, Esq.; A. Beresford Hope, Esq.; C. W. Puller, Esq.; and Harry Chester, Esq.

His Grace opened the meeting with prayer.

R. W. S. Lutwidge, Esq., and C. J. Sharpe, Esq., were re-elected auditors of the Society's accounts for the ensuing year.

The Secretary then read the Annual Report of the proceedings of the Committee for the past year.

At the conclusion of the Report his Grace announced the result of the ballot; the election for members to serve on the Committee having fallen on Vice-Chancellor Sir W. Page Wood, the Ven. Archdeacon Harrison, the Rev. Canon Jennings, and C. W. Puller, Esq.

A discussion ensued on the interpretation to be placed on the words of the charter of the Society with reference to proposing to the meeting a resolution that the Report of the Committee should be received; on which point a suggestion was made, that in future a vote of thanks might be proposed to the Committee for their report. Some remarks were also made on the present mode of application of the Society's funds, and on the observance of the first of the Society's Terms of Union in Schools in union.

Among those who took part in these discussions were the Bishops of St. David's and Oxford, Lord Redesdale, the Rev. Sir Henry Thompson, Bart., Sir T. Phillips, the Ven. Archdeacon Sinclair, Harry Chester, Esq., F. H. Dickinson, Esq., W. Cotton, Esq., the Revs. Richard Burgess, W. Mayow, and W. Downes Willis.

A vote of thanks was proposed to his Grace the Chairman, who pronounced the benediction, and the meeting separated.

Annual Meeting of Secretaries.

The Annual Meeting of Secretaries of Diocesan and District Boards and Societies in Union with the Parent Society, and of others interested in Church Education, was held in the Central Schools, Westminster, on Tuesday, 3d June.

The Bishop of Oxford presided on the occasion. There were also present the Bishops of St. David's, St. Asaph, Bath and Wells, and Salisbury, Rev. Sir Henry Thompson, Bart., Sir Thomas Phillips, F. H. Dickinson, Esq., Bath and Wells; Ven. Archdeacon Thorp, Bristol; Ven. Archdeacon Allen, Salop; Rev. Canon Jacob, Winchester; Rev. John G. Lonsdale; The Reverends H. D. Blanchard, Middleton, York; P. Marshall, Manchester; J. C. Ebden, Huntingdon; H. P. Ffoulkes, St. Asaph; W. Potter, East Suffolk; J. Horner, Frome; R. Greenall, Chester; John Bramstone, Essex; John Wells, Salisbury'; John D. Glennie, London; Edwin Prodgers, Hertford; G. B. Blomfield, Hertford; J. Brunskill, Carlisle; Evelyn Vernon, Retford; B. F. Smith, Canterbury; Edmund Yates, Aylsham; H. L. Majendie, Essex; E. A. Ommaney, Chew, Somerset ; Newton Smart, Salisbury; M. Onslow, Canterbury; John C. B. Riddell, Canterbury; J. Latham, Derby; Rev. W. Ady, Essex; Arthur Pearson, Essex; Alfred Pott, Oxford; J. H. Blunt, Ely; W. Fry, Leicester; W. E. Bromehead, Windsor; F. H. Murray, Canterbury; G. W. Procter, Devonport; C. C. B. Pownall, Bedford; H. J. Hastings, Worcester; T. E. Morris, Carleton, York; S. Clark, Battersea ; Harry Baber, Whitelands; and Alexander Wilson, Westminster.

The meeting having been opened with prayer, the minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed.