Oct. 3, 1884.] 



♦ KNOWLEDGE • 



281 



the selective action of Diptera are generally pretty ; and 

 the grass of Parnassus in particular, which is a creation of 

 the (Jrone-fly group [Syrpliidcc), is one of the most beautiful 

 and gracefully marked of English flowers. A still more 

 curiously variegated and dappled ally, which also owes its 

 colouration to the selective action of the same family, is the 

 pretty little London Pride of our rockeries and flower 

 gardens. Hardly leas delicate is the sky-blue germander 

 speedwell of our hedgerows, yet another production of the 

 lively flies. As in so many other cases, the taste for colour, 

 produced by the search for food among bright blossoms, has 

 re-acted through sexual selection upon the general aspect of 

 the insects themselves ; and several of the Syrphidie are 

 noticeable among all Diptera for the unusual brilliancy and 

 variety of their dainty hues. In fact, wherever in nature 

 we find bright plumage or metallic lustre, we may be 

 almost certain that the creatures which display it feed 

 among crimson and purple flowers, or else among red and 

 yellow tropical fruits. 



THE POLYTECHNIC. 



By W. Slingo. 



WHATEVER pangs one might have experienced when 

 the closing of the old Polytechnic Institution was 

 announced, they cannot fail to be materially blunted when 

 the scope, aim, and influence of the work now being carried 

 on in the building which is occupied by the Polytechnic 

 Young Men's Christian Institute is considered. The great 

 results which have been secured are due in the main to the 

 munificence, combined with the energy and tact, displayed 

 by Mr. Quintin Hogg. Although it is neither in ac- 

 cordance with our rules nor with our purpose to enlarge 

 upon the religious side of the work, it may perhaps 

 be mentioned that considerable eflbrta are put forth 

 in this direction, howbeit on broad lines. The result 

 must certainly be satisfactory to the founder of the insti- 

 tution, as he has an average attendance at his Sunday after- 

 noon class of no less than 5.50 persons. It reflects the 

 greatest honour and credit upon Mr. Hogg and his co- 

 workers that their second, if not their first, idea is to 

 foster and promote every feeling, every exercise, every train 

 of thought which is calculated to help a man in his eflfort 

 to become a good citizen and an honour to his race. That 

 a very large measure of success attends his labours is 

 beyond doubt. The most cursory inspection must con- 

 vince the most sceptical on this point. 



Apart from religious work, the Institute may be divided 

 into three sections, which attend to relaxation, physical 

 exercise, and mental culture respectively. 



Upon the first head we need say but little. Reading- 

 rooms, sitting-rooms, "social" rooms, and so forth, are 

 provided on an extensive scale ; they are all well patronised, 

 and as the guiding principle is unobtrusive persuasion, or 

 rather enticement, they are likely to remain so. The 

 rooms are open to members of the Institute upon pay- 

 ment of a nominal svibscription, which also admits at 

 reduced fees to the classes and other branches of the 

 institution where non-members are admitted. The number 

 of members is, for obvious reasons, limited, the present 

 limit being 3,000, but for a long time past there have been 

 some 1,200 names on the books waiting their turn for 

 admission. 



Physical exercise is regarded as one of the necessities of 

 a healthful, happy, and contented life ; and accordingly 

 neither expense nor pains are spared to keep this portion of 

 the Institute's work in a state of efiiciency. Athleiic clubs 



are formed, and a large and excellently-equipped gymnasium 

 is provided. The gymnasts, it is mentionable, gave a very 

 clever and well-received display at the Healtheries last 

 week. One of the latest additions is a swimming-bath (the 

 tank measuring 76 ft. by 30 ft.) exceedingly well built 

 and artistically decorated. The cost of the bath was £8,000, 

 which amount has been provided by Mr. Hogg, who has 

 also purchased a cricket-field, twenty-seven acres in extent, 

 or three times the size of Lords', at Merton Hall, 

 Wimbledon. 



It is, however, to the educational work that attention 

 is here mainly drawn. Classes are formed in an almost 

 endless variety of subjects useful to the masses of our City 

 in the pursuit of their labours. As it is one of the rules 

 of the Institution that at least eighty per cent, of the 

 members shall be hond-fide mechanics or artisans, it follows, 

 as a natural sequence, that the general tone of the classes 

 should be more or less technical. Amongst the trade 

 classes are two devoted to tailors' cutting, conducted by 

 Dr. Darwin Humphreys, the able editor of " The Record 

 of Fashion," and other well-known works. These classes 

 are eminently successful, and we learn that a certificate 

 of proficiency from the doctor is regarded by the trade 

 as one of the highest and most valuable recommenda- 

 tions. The plumbing class is also an excellent one, the 

 pupils having gained the first three medals in the City and 

 Guilds Institute competition. A class is to be started in 

 the coming session in watch and clock making, under the 

 tuition of Mr. J. Herrman. Every eflTort is being put 

 forth to make this the most efficient and successful in the 

 kingdom, and there is little doubt but that these efforts 

 will be crowned with success. 



The technical classes are very numerous, amongst them 

 being one in Photography, taught by Mr. E. Howard 

 Farmer, whose last year's pupils gained all the seven medals 

 oflered by the City and Guilds Institute. Mr. W. Hibbert, 

 F.C.S., a gentleman by no means unknown in scientific 

 circles, is to start a series of classes in Electrical Engineer- 

 ing (telegraphy, electric lighting, and electrical instrument 

 making). A well-equipped laboratory is provided, and there 

 is little doubt but that great things will here be accom- 

 plished. Failure, should it result, will not be due either to 

 the institute or its teacher. Boot and Shoemaking is a new 

 subject, to be studied under Mr. A. Hannibal. 



The science classes are also very numerous, and the 

 teachers evidently the best in the market, while the appa- 

 ratus provided is of the highest order. A school of 

 art has been in existence for some time, and is in an 

 admirable state of efiiciency. It is noticeable that although 

 the " General " section is very extensive, it only comprises 

 two languages other than English. Those two, however, 

 are the most useful, viz., French and German. It is 

 thought, and, I imagine, wisely, the Latin and Greek are 

 languages very useful and desirable in their way, but 

 altogether beyond the scope of an artisan's requirements. 

 Music has also a large share of attention and patronage. 

 The fees charged are remarkably low, and well within the 

 means of those for whose benefit the classes are intended. 



It is worthy of mention that at the City and Guilds 

 Technical Institute examinations, held in May last, the 

 Polytechnic headed the list in the number of successful 

 students, 47 first class and 53 second class certificates 

 being awarded, and, in addition, 14 prize medals, offered in 

 competition to the United Kingdom. In the science 

 examinations, out of 385 candidates who presented them- 

 selves for examination, 83 per cent, were successful, being 

 63 per cent, above the general average. The following 

 prizes, oflered in competition to the United Kingdom by 

 the City Company of Coachmakers, were also won by 



