168 ANNUAL REPORT OF THE OfE. Do^. 



they have not done what they might have done, had they had a 

 stronger physique. Hence we must see to it that we have the best 

 buildings, the best surroundings, the best equipment, to produce and 

 maintain the health of the child. 



Some of the chief dangers in the school are, poor light, poor 

 ventilation, and the dangers that come from contact with other pu- 

 pils, which may to some extent be overcome. There we have the 

 danger of contagion and infection. Now, how can you, as citizens, 

 overcome these difficulties? Many of these things belong directly to 

 the directors and teachers, but they are not overcome unless you, as 

 citizens, know your rights and insist upon them. Dressier, one of 

 our best authorities on teaching says, that no mental training is com- 

 plete which overlooks the training of the body as well. 



Now suppose that in your community your are going to remodel 

 your old building, or erect a new one. Tlie same thing applies in 

 both cases. Now what are some of the things which you, as citi- 

 zens, should consider? The first thing is the site. Where should 

 you place it? Preferably near the centre of population, but with 

 our improved means of travel, this is not so important as it once was. 

 It should be on a reasonable elevation because of the drainage, be- 

 cause of the ventilation, so that you can get away from the damp- 

 ness. You should purchase sufficient ground for a playground, so 

 as to provide for the physical development of the pupil. I think the 

 best authorities allow about thirty square feet of space to each 

 pupil. When purchasing, you should look into the future and take 

 into consideration the necessary changes that will come in a growing 

 community. The length of life of that property and the security of 

 your investment will depend upon how long that property is avail- 

 able for the purpose for which it was intended. You should know 

 how long it remains useful. 



Then of what should you build your building? Preferably of 

 brick or stone. It is practically fire proof, and stands the stress 

 of storm and time, and is probably more satisfactory than anything 

 else. Every building should have a basement. Now, in the coun- 

 try, where there is plenty of room to spread out, why go into a base- 

 ment? It is needed for ventilation, needed for warmth, needed to 

 keep out the gases and to keep the air dry. It should be at least ten 

 feet high to sustain a sufficient current of air. It can be used for 

 storage purposes, and for a play ground in bad weather. 



How many stories should you have? That depends upon the value 

 of ground where you purchase. In cities, we have to go up. In the 

 country there is seldom necessity for more than two. If you in- 

 crease the height, you also increase the fire danger, and the noise of 

 the children in going up and down stairs. 



Now we get to the most important part of the building, and that 

 is to the school room itself. Unfortunately, most of our buildings 

 have been planned for four large rooms, and then divided accord- 

 ingly. Calculate on how many rooms you will need in the life of 

 your school, and then get the best light possible, and cut your win- 

 dows accordingly. The school room is the place where the child 

 spends most of the time, so every care should be taken to make it as 

 comfortable as possible, and to have the best possible light. Ft 

 should not only be light, but it should be sanitary and well venti- 



