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SIXTH REPORT — 1836. 



On the Statistics of Popular Education in Bristol. ByC.B. Fripp, Esq. 



After some general remarks on the importance of statistical inquiries 

 into the state of education in the different tovras of the kingdom, with 

 the view of comparing their condition in this respect, and of illustrating 

 the deficiencies which exist in our present means of instruction, the 

 author stated that, as the best means in his power of obtaining the re- 

 quisite information in Bristol, he had addressed eighty circulars to the 

 clergy and other ministers of religion, soliciting their replies to various 

 queries annexed in a schedule. With very few and unimportant ex- 

 ceptions, these schedules were returned duly filled up, and from these 

 returns various tables were compiled, exhibiting the details in such a 

 manner as to admit of their comparison with those published by the 

 Manchester Statistical Society. Due care was taken to avoid errors 

 from duplicate returns where the children attended more than one 

 school, and although some errors of omission may have occurred, the 

 author considers the returns as indicating very nearly the actual extent 

 of popular education in Bristol. It is to be observed however that the 

 returns are confined to public schools, whether day, infant, or Sunday, 

 and do not include the children attending private schools or dame 

 schools. The instruction given in the latter class of schools is so very 

 limited and elementaiy, that it hardly deserves the name, and as most 

 of the children attending them also attend Sunday schools and are re- 

 turned under this head, the omission is of little practical importance. 



