EDUCATION IN A SWISS CANTON. 29I 



a commercial division, a pedagogic division for the theoretical 

 and practical training" of Primary School teachers, and a divi- 

 sion which prepares for the " Matriculation " examination with 

 the view of academic study. The girls in this school were 

 clearly of the better class compared with the girls in the Second- 

 ary Schools. On my remarking" on this to the Rector of the 

 latter, he admitted that, though there was not supposed to be 

 any class distinction in the schools, yet such did exist un- 

 doubtedly. 



Allgcmchie Gciucrhcschulc. — In 1887 there was established 

 a General Trades School, the work of which is to give those 

 engaged chiefly in trades the necessary training" for their call- 

 ing" which cannot be given in the workshop. The school has 

 in view on the one side the general training" of those belonging 

 to any trade, on the other the education of capable workmen 

 for the needs of artistic trades. At the same time instruction 

 in drawing, painting", etc., is given in special art classes for 

 those not taking" up trade. Instruction is free, except for the 

 pupils of the special art classes, and is given both during the 

 day time and in the evenings. Many employers have found it 

 to their interest to allow their apprentices certain hours of the 

 day, e.g., two afternoons a week, to attend the classes. 



For entrance into the Lower Division of this school, pupils 

 must have completed their fourteenth year, for the Upper Divi- 

 sion the fifteenth. The Lower Division aims at the confirming" 

 of school subjects already acquired, i.e., writing, drawing", 

 geometry, arithmetic. The work of the Upper Division is to 

 supplement the training given in the workshops to builders, 

 joiners, locksmiths, mechanics, furniture-designers, book- 

 binders, gardeners, etc., and to develop the artistic sense in 

 connection with their tasks. The only aim of the school is to 

 impart vocational knowledge ; no attempt is made to give the 

 smallest measure of liberal education. 



Fraucnarbeiischidc. — The Frauenarbeitschule is intended to 

 train women and girls in women's handiwork and in domestic 

 work generally. In addition, teachers of needlework for the 

 girls' schools are trained here, as also are teachers for the 

 cookery and housekeeping classes in the different schools. In- 

 struction is free and classes are conducted chiefly in the day- 

 time, though also in the evening. Pupils are not admitted 

 imtii they have passed their fifteenth birthday. An attempt 

 is made to widen the general education of the pupils by giving 

 an optional course in German language and literature. 



Charitable Organisations. — For the care of needy children, 

 there are public and private organisations, which distribute 

 food and clothing and send poor children requiring" change of 

 air to holiday homes in the Jura Hills. 



Also in the town there are several children's "refuges," or 

 " homes " for the relief of poorer parents, such as those whose 

 work keeps them away from home all day. In these " Kinder- 

 horte," boys and girls separately are brought together under 

 the supervision of teachers for home exercises, play, and con- 

 versation. 



