EDITORIAL OBSERVATIONS. 
589 
passed his examination as a cadet in Arithmetic, Algebra, 
Plane Trigonometry, Euclid, Geography, Sacred History, 
and History of England. It is stated to have extended over 
four days, and soon he will be in the gun-room with the 
junior midshipmen, there to be made practically conversant 
with his naval duties, and to learn to do battle with the stern 
realities of life. 
Why the “ Line” is to be exempt we know not, nor is it 
any business of ours to inquire. We have to do with 
Science, and in reference to this we may be permitted to add 
the following, as showing the progress which education is 
making, and how necessary it is that we keep pace with 
other sections of the community. 
“What were the individuals to whom the first six prizes of the Society 
of Arts were awarded at the last general examination ? A mechanic, a 
book-keeper, an engineer, a shipwright, a warehouseman, and a gasfitter. 
The three chief honours — in arithmetic, algebra, and mensuration — were 
carried off by an artisan ; that in chemistry by a chemist’s assistant, who 
also, though completely self-educated, obtained the first prize in botany. 
The two principal prizes in descriptive and physical geography were awarded 
to a draper, and in English literature — a department in which the head- 
master of Rugby himself examined — the first was taken by a bank-cashier, 
the second by a timber-merchant, and the third by a grocer. In Latin 
not one of the candidates could compete with a butcher, while another of 
the same trade presented himself for a thorough examination in English 
and French literature, the authors he selected being Shakespeare, Spenser, 
Racine, and Moliere. In English history, the honours fell to a book- 
keeper, a printer, a cabinet-maker, a porter, a spinner, and a wool- 
carder.” 
A few days since we were informed of youths educated at 
Orphan Asylums, where they had been rooted and grounded 
in those things necessary to every-day life, successfully com- 
peting with others belonging to the higher classes, who were 
only conversant with what is called classical knowledge. 
“ Not to know at large of things remote 
From use, obscure and subtle ; but to know 
That which before us lies in daily life, 
Is the prime wisdom.” 
In these days, when the fire of heaven of the ancients has 
been taken captive and made to convey man’s wishes and his 
wants with the speed almost of thought; when a few insu- 
lated wires, 2000 miles in length, conduct this “force” be- 
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