SCIENCE SCHOOLS AND CLASSES. 
413 
Tlie fair sex appeared to have entered into all the subjects (except 
drawing and physics), but more especially those of animal physiology, 
geology, and mineralogy. In the latter subjects, indeed, they decidedly 
take the lead, and occupy a fair place at all times. They seem to be 
almost confined to the classes in Ireland, Liverpool, and Stroud. Now 
that several ladies have taken science certificates, and others will probably 
follow, we may expect to hear of classes for females only, being established.' 
The beneficial influence which such teaching may exert, even upon future 
generations, is inestimable. 
The Science Classes are, in the majority of cases, held in public in- 
stitutions and schools which possess the advantage of being central and 
well-known resorts. A responsible committee already exists in them, 
suitable rooms can be obtained, the work of science teaching can be at 
once commenced ; the class being formed and recruited from the members 
of the institution or school, and thus becomes a part of the educational 
machinery of the place. The charges made for instruction vary in 
different places, according to circumstances, usually ranging from two to 
ten shillings per annum ; and it is questionable whether more would be 
paid at present by the working classes, except in special cases. The time 
per week devoted to one subject seldom exceeds one and a half or two 
hours. The subjects which appear to be most studied by those requiring 
a knowledge of them in their daily employment, are, Drawing, Chemistry, 
and Mechanical Physics : the remaining subjects (with the exception of 
Mining) being more suitable to all classes of persons. 
As in most new undertakings, considerable obstacles and disappoint- 
ments are experienced in conducting science schools with satisfaction. 
The necessity and advantage of obtaining science instruction have still to 
be made evident to many masters and workmen ; so that the demand is 
not yet great, and in this respect we are behind some of our neighbours on 
the continent. 
At the opening of a Science Class a fair number of students generally 
enrol themselves, and promise to do well. But some have miscalculated 
their taste and perseverance ; others are irregular in their attendance, and 
thus lose the connective parts of the subject ; the time or the place is not 
suitable to others, and it is only the real hard working students who persevere 
regularly and steadily through the entire year's course of lectures, and attend 
the Government examinations. 
These remarks will not, however, apply with equal force to Day 
Schools where science is taught. A considerable drawback to success in 
these classes, especially when tested by paper examinations only, is the 
defective English education of some of the most promising students, and 
hence much of the teacher’s labour is very inadequately represented in the 
results of the May examinations. 
Many of the above difficulties may, however, be overcome by judicious 
management, and the assistance of those who should encourage efforts for 
the promotion of science instruction. Masters, in large works connected 
with the mechanical and chemical arts especially, might lend their counte- 
nance and aid in forming classes for their workmen. Farmers in agri- 
cultural districts would not find their crops worse or less abundant by 
VOL II. — NO. VIT. 2 P 
