TECHNICAL EDUCATION. 87 



introduced into elementary schools, we must seek else- 

 where for a supplementary training in these subjects, 

 and, if need be, in foreign languages, which may go 

 on after the workman's life has begun. 



The means of acquiring the scientific and artistic 

 part of this training already exists in full working order, 

 in the first place, in the classes of the Science and Art 

 Department, which are, for the most part, held in the 

 evening, so as to be accessible to all who choose to 

 avail themselves of them after working hours. The 

 great advantage of these classes is that they bring the 

 means of instruction to the doors of the factories and 

 workshops; that they are no artificial creations, but 

 by their very existence prove the desire of the people 

 for them; and finally, that they admit of indefinite 

 development in proportion as they are wanted. I have 

 often expressed the opinion, and I repeat it here, that, 

 during the eighteen years they have been in existence, 

 these classes have done incalculable good ; and I can say, 

 of my own knowledge, that the Department spares no 

 pains and trouble in trying to increase their usefulness 

 and ensure the soundness of their work. 



No one knows better than my friend Colonel Don- 

 nelly, to whose clear views and great administrative 

 abilities so much of the successful working of the science 

 classes is due, that there is much to be done before the 

 system can be said to be thoroughly satisfactory. The 

 instruction given needs to be made more systematic and 

 especially more practical ; the teachers are of very un- 



