360 



REPOKT — 1894. 



The number of scholars examined in the scientific specific subjects 

 during the eight years 1882-90 has been as folloM^s : — 



The numbers during the last three years are : — 



It is interesting to see what have been the changes of popularity in the 

 different subjects recorded above. The most striking change has been the 

 rapid and continuous increase in the study of IMechanics of from 2,000 

 to 20,000 scholars. Animal Physiology, Botany, and the Principles of 

 Agriculture show a steady decrease. The separation of Euclid and 

 Mensuration has had a good effect upon the teaching of both, especially 

 the latter. The physical sciences have fluctuated from time to time, but 

 have never commanded any great amount of attention. Domestic Economy 

 shows a considerable actual increase, but not in proportion to the number 

 of girls in the higher standards. 



Estimating the number of scholars in Standards V., VI., and VII. at 

 535,000, the percentage of the number examined in these specific subjects 

 as compared with the number of children qualified to take them is 20-2 ; 

 but it should be remembered that many of the children take more than 

 one subject for examination. The following table gives the percentage for 

 each year since 1882 : — 



In 1882-83 29-0 per cent. 



„ 1883-84 . . . . 26-0 

 „ 1884-85 . . . . 22-6 



