204 AX AMERICAX FARMER IX ENGLAND. 



ing regarded. Classes in arithmetic, geography and spelling 

 were examined before us. The absence of all embarrassment, 

 and the promptness and confidence of the scholars in replying 

 to our questions, was remarkable. In mental arithmetic great 

 proficiency was shown in complicate reductions of sterling 

 money. In geography their knowledge of America was limited 

 to the more important points of information, but so far as it went 

 was very accurate and ready. With regard to Great Britain, 

 their information was minute. The boys were bright, ready- 

 witted and well-behaved, and surprisingly free from all excite- 

 ment or embarrassment before strangers. 



The schoolmaster was also parish-clerk, and his pay from the 

 two offices was about $500 a year.* I judge that he had in- 

 tended to make teaching his business for life, and had thoroughly 

 prepared and accomplished himself for it. His manner to us, 

 and two or three incidents which it would be impossible to relate, 

 gave me the impression that his position in society was far from 

 being a pleasant, or what we should deem a proper one for a 

 teacher. 



The " National School " for girls was a building of more high- 

 ly finished architectural character, and had a dwelling for the 

 schoolmistress attached to it. The whole school was engaged in 

 sewing when we entered, the mistress, assisted by some of the 

 older scholars, going from one to another, giving instructions and 

 examining the work. It was not interrupted by our entrance, 

 though the girls all rose, curtseyed, and continued standing. 

 There were one hundred and thirty present in a room about 

 twelve yards by six in area. The girls were neatly, though ex- 

 ceedingly plainly, dressed, and were generally very pleasing in 



* Advertisements for common school teachers, " capable to instruct in reading, writing, 

 arithmetic and the principles of the Christian religion," appear in the Times, offering 

 salaries of from $150 to $300, with lodging and board. 



