For older boys probably the plan marked out by the Training-School Examinations should be followed, A general outline having been first learnt, attention is directed to particular periods, only one of which is selected at a time to be thoroughly studied.[1]
Drawing and Music.
Drawing and music are becoming every year more important. They used to be regarded as mere accomplishments; they are now elements of popular education, and no longer the luxury of the few; in Exeter alone there are 800 pupils in drawing in connexion with the Department of Science and Art. The expression of form by lines will soon be as common as that of words by letters; and the reading of the musical stave as that of the printed page. Drawing is useful to every one who has to employ a carpenter or a smith, and wishes to convey his ideas rapidly and distinctly. A few strokes of the pencil will save many words, and prevent mistakes. Drawing moreover teaches the young to observe form, to notice beauties, and generally to cultivate the perceptive powers of the eye; but then it must not be merely the copying of a style, but a humble, truthful endeavour to represent with accuracy what is put before the eye.
Of the value of Music as a means of education, I have a very strong conviction. By music I mean here vocal music, taught with a thorough knowledge of the scale, the intervals, keys, clefs, and chords, and with a view to singing standard music in parts. A naturally fine voice is a great gift, but a rare and sometimes a dangerous one; few persons engaged in trade or agriculture can have time for its cultivation with a view to solo performance; and without due cultivation it will give no pleasure to others; but the majority of persons have voice and ear enough to give and receive pleasure from taking a part in easy choral music, both secular and sacred. And oh, how greatly is the happiness of the family-gathering increased when there is such an object to raise the thoughts above the supper-table and the card-table! As a question of mental training, I can speak from long observation of the effect of singing on persons born in the middle ranks that the power of good old music in giving accuracy and refinement of mind surpasses that of any other instrument at the com-
- ↑ The periods named for the training-schools reach—1. To the battle of Hastings; 2. Battle of Bosworth; 3. Death of Charles I.; 4. Death of Queen Anne; 5. A.D. 1815. Mr. Edward Monro has published a little book, price Ad., called Edward III. and his Period,' as a sample of teaching history by assigning a single reign to the work of an entire school quarter, and portioning out the subjects among the boys; one boy to master the genealogy, another the geography; others the wars with Scotland, the wars in France, Chaucer, Wickliffe, &c., respectively.
