* * * * *

I should recommend the adoption of the following resolutions of an intelligent and zealous committee, and that a copy of them be sent to each master and mistress.

“That as this infant school is established for the express purpose of carrying into the fullest effect the system of Mr. Wilderspin, which the committee are convinced is practicable and excellent, the master be desired to make himself perfectly acquainted with it, in its physical, mental, and moral bearings, by a study of Mr. Wilderspin’s works on the subject, and particularly of the last and most complete edition.

“That the rules as printed be strictly adhered to by the master.  That children who are ill, having hooping-cough, ringworm, or other contagious disease, be refused admission until perfectly restored.  That the business of the school begin precisely at the time appointed, and that during the shortest days the signals for leaving school be not given till four o’clock precisely.

“That except during the time given, according to the system, to play, the whole be occupied by the mistress as well as the master in the instruction of the children, and that the plan laid down in Mr. Wilderspin’s book, be followed as nearly as possible, so that the apparatus already provided may be gradually brought into action, and the children have all the advantages of the system; the master and mistress so dividing their labour that all the children may be occupied.

“That the master and mistress pay the utmost attention to the children learning to read.

“That when a child is absent a week, the master state the cause to the treasurer, to prevent mistakes as to the payments, and that when a child declines attending or is excluded, immediate notice be given to the secretary of the ladies’ committee.

“That the master be desired to go on with the business of the school when visitors who are members of the committee are present, and only to pay particular attention to those who may be strangers, and who require information.

“That all applications from the master be made to the committee through the secretary.

“That all orders from the committee to the teachers be conveyed through the same channel.”

CHAPTER IX.

GALLERY TEACHING—­MORAL AND RELIGIOUS INSTRUCTION.

Original intention of the gallery—­What lessons are adapted for it—­Its misapplication—­Selection of teachers—­Observations—­Gallery lessons an a feather—­A spider—­A piece of bog-turf—­A piece of coal—­Observations on the preceding lessons—­Scripture lessons in the gallery—­The finding of Moses—­Christ with the doctors—­Moral training—­Its neglect in most schools—­Should be commenced in infancy—­Beneficial effects of real moral culture—­Ignorance of teachers—­The gallery most useful in moral training—­Specimen of a moral lesson—­Illustrations of moral culture—­Anecdotes—­Simpson on moral education—­Observations—­Hints to teachers.