abolished or crippled under him. ... It will appear, however, that these records are defective. ... three hundred Grammar schools is a moderate estimate of the number in the year 1535, when the floods of the great revolution were let. loose. Most of them were swept away either under Henry or his son; or if not swept away, they were plundered and damaged" (pp. 5-6). Of the character of these schools the author says that they were not mere "monkish" schools, but secondary schools of exactly the same type as the secondary schools of the present day. Considering the population of England at the time, there were previous to the Reformation more higher schools in England than at present; in Herefordshire, v. g., 17 higher schools for a population of 30,000! Nearly every town had a higher school. (Ib., 99-100.) Mr. Leach confesses that his researches revolutionize the traditional view of pre-Reformation schools in England, and that on this account his book was looked upon unfavorably by some people. We call attention to these facts, because they show how the current tradition has influenced men who earnestly endeavor to be impartial. Had all American writers been animated by the spirit of fair-mindedness and zeal for correct information which distinguished that excellent American educator, and first U. S. Commissioner of Education, Henry Barnard, the cause of truth and justice would have been better served in this country.
Chapter II.
The Brethren of the Common Life.
What is said on pp. 31-34 about the Brethren, must partly be corrected. Recent investigations have
