SECRETARY'S REPORT. 231 



After passing the examination at home and having got the 

 authority of the Minister of Agriculture, they repair to Grignon 

 on the morning of the 1st of October, present themselves to the 

 director, who gives each a number in the order in which they 

 will be examined. This examination embraces the following : — 



In arithmetic, the four rules, fractions, extraction of square 

 and cubic roots, proportions and progressions, and the rule of 

 three. 



In geometry, propositions relative to straight lines, angles, 

 circles, measuring of lines and plane surfaces, equivalent to the 

 first four books of Legendre. In physics, the general properties 

 of bodies, the thermometer and the barometer. 



A composition in French is also required, to show the 

 orthography and grammar of the applicant. When the trial is 

 ended, the admission is declared according to the order of 

 merit. The number of new pupils is limited. When admitted, 

 they enter immediately upon the duties assigned them. 



The duration of the studies is three years, after which the 

 capable and meritorious students receive a certificate. The 

 best students, on going out, can have positions for two years in 

 some of the agricultural establishments of the government. 



The school year begins the first of October, and is divided into 

 two terms. At the end of each there is an examination by a 

 committee. The first term is five months, and the general 

 examinations at the end of the first term take place from the 

 1st to the 15th of March. Then the second term begins, and 

 comprises the last half of March, the intervening months till 

 August, when the vacation begins. 



The instruction is theoretical and applied. The first com- 

 prises — 



1. A course of physics, chemistry, mineralogy and geology, 

 applied to agriculture. 



2. Rural engineering. 



3. Cultivation. 



4. Zootechny and agricultural zoology. 



5. Sylvasculture and botany. 



6. Economy and rural legislation. 



7. Practical notions of farm accounts. 



The practical instruction is manual and rational. It com- 

 prises the use and management of farm tools, implements. 



