6o THE POPULAR SCIENCE MONTHLY. 



very outset, by setting him tasks which weary him out of propor- 

 tion to their advantage. Moreover, there is a distinct technical 

 loss in completing the vise work during the first year. It must be 

 taken up again in the constructive work of the seniors, and the 

 year's interval without practice means that some time must be 

 devoted to regaining the lost skill. By extending the vise work 

 over the junior and intermediate years no such gap occurs, and 

 we hope for increased efficiency in the senior shop work. The 

 alternation in the wood work is not so necessary, but even here 

 there is a certain gain in the variety of occupation, and no loss in 

 the way of dissipation of energy. 



This plan has only been in operation for the one year, so that 

 its full effects are not yet open to study. Such results as are be- 

 fore us favor its continuance. 



Let us pass now to the second or intermediate year. The work 

 begins, as in the junior year, with but two subjects. In wood it 

 is pattern-making, and in metal smithing and molding. Each has 

 five hours a week. The pattern-making is a continuation of the 

 work already started, and includes problems of increasing diffi- 

 culty. The metal work opens with molding. Lead is used for 

 making the castings on account of its low fusing point. It would 

 not be practicable in schools of this grade to operate a cupola 

 furnace and cast in iron. The same principles are illustrated in 

 the use of lead. When this part of the course is completed the 

 work in smithing is resumed. In the latter terms there is the 

 same bifurcation in the wood and metal work as in the junior 

 year. The pattern-making now occupies but three hours a week, 

 and in the last term gives place to wood-carving. Each boy 

 makes either a complete panel himself or executes a part of the 

 carving on some larger project, such as a chair or chest. The 

 thirty-six hours given to the subject do not permit any very 

 elaborate undertakings. The remaining two hours in wood work 

 are devoted to the construction of some finished project in joinery, 

 such as a shutter or door or staircase, and to the putting together 

 of a panel in parquetry. Smithing and vise work alternate during 

 the second term of this year, and in the third term the smithing 

 gives place to ornamental iron work. No formal exercises are 

 introduced, for the previous work in smithing has served the pur- 

 pose. The ornamental work is entirely in the shape of finished 

 projects, such as grills, electroliers, lamps, andirons, brackets, and 

 the like. Some of these are of considerable beauty. As with the 

 wood-carving, the limited time does not permit very elaborate 

 accomplishment. I place a high value, however, on both of these 

 lines of work. They are technically admirable. They have a 

 large subjective value, and they do not a little toward the culti- 

 vation of the aesthetic sense. 



