The experience, then, of Aberdeen appears to demonstrate the possibility of reclaiming even the most abject and depraved of our juvenile population at a very moderate expense.  The schools have been so long in operation, that, if there had been anything erroneous in the principles or the management of them, it must ere now have appeared; and if all the results have been encouraging, why should not the system be extended and established in other places?  There is nothing in it which may not easily be copied in any town or village of our land where it is required.

I cannot help adding to this account some directions, which a very experienced teacher in these schools gives to those who are desirous of undertaking this enterprise.

“1.  The school rooms and appurtenances ought to be of the plainest and most unpretending description.  This is perfectly consistent with the most scrupulous cleanliness and complete ventilation.  In like manner, the food should be wholesome, substantial, and abundant, but very plain—­such as the boys or girls may soon be able to attain, or even surpass, by their own exertions after leaving school.

“2.  The teachers must ever be of the best description, patient and persevering, not easily discouraged, and thoroughly versed in whatever branch they may have to teach; and, above all things, they must be persons of solid and undoubted piety—­for without this qualification, all others will, in the end, prove worthless and unavailing.

“Throughout the day, the children must ever be kept in mind that, after all, religion is ‘the one thing needful;’ that the soul is of more value than the body.

“3. The schools must be kept of moderate size:  from their nature this is absolutely necessary.  It is a task of the greatest difficulty to manage, in a satisfactory manner, a large school of children, even of the higher classes, with all the advantages of careful home-training and superintendence; but with industrial schools it is folly to attempt it.

“From eighty to one hundred scholars is the largest number that ever should be gathered into one institution; when they exceed this, let additional schools be opened; in other words, increase the number, not the size, of the schools.  They should be put down in the localities most convenient for the scholars, so that distance may be no bar to attendance; and if circumstances permit, a garden, either at the school or at no very great distance, will be of great utility.

“4.  As soon as practicable, the children should be taught, and kept steadily at, some trade or other, by which they may earn their subsistence on leaving school; for the longer they have pursued this particular occupation at school, the more easily will they be able thereby to support themselves afterwards.