informed of the interest taken in the concern by Joseph Fox, I inquired more minutely into the nature of the establishment, and visited it myself. I saw that it was an institution pregnant with the greatest benefits, not only to this country, but to the whole world; I saw a system in action capable of affording instruction to poor children, at the expense of from five to fifteen shillings per head per annum, according to the magnitude of the school, ranging from a thousand to a hundred boys; indeed a school of a thousand might be conducted at the expense of only four shillings and sixpence per head per annum. It appeared that as far back as the year 1798, Joseph Lancaster taught a few poor children in the Borough Road; himself and parents were in low circumstances, but he seemed to be actuated by a benevolent disposition, and to possess great talents for the education of youth; he was countenanced and supported by a few benevolent individuals; and, as the subscriptions were limited to a very small sum, he was obliged to devise the most œconomical plans. By a series of improvements, he at length demonstrated the possibility of instructing even a thousand children (if so many could be collected together in one room) by a single master; he divided his school into eight classes, each of which was managed by a monitor, whose duties were exactly prescribed to him, and who was made responsible for the good order of his class; over these a monitor-general was placed, who regulated the business of the whole school, under the immediate direction of the master. Upon Lancaster's plan, a single book was found sufficient for a whole school, the different sheets being put upon pasteboard, and hung upon the walls of the school. He avoided the expense of pens and paper in the first stages of education, by substituting slates; he also introduced the plan of teaching the younger children to form the letters in sand, which plan was borrowed, I believe, from Dr. Bell, who had imported it from India; he contrived to teach writing and spelling at the same time, and he made a single spelling-book serve for a whole school, however large. He taught arithmetic from lessons which he had constructed for the purpose, whereby the monitor might correctly teach the principles of it, even if he were not fully acquainted with them himself; in this case also, one book of arithmetic served for the whole school. So that the expense of teaching on this plan, consists in the salary of the master or mistress, the rent of the school-room, and from ten to twenty pounds per annum, according to the size of the school, for the necessary apparatus. I was particularly struck with the liberality upon which the system was conducted; for, while the reading lessons consisted of extracts from the scriptures,

in the very words of the authorised version, no peculiar catechism or creed was forced upon the children thus promiscuously collected together, and who must obviously consist of those belonging to persons of different religious persuasions; and I could not but perceive at the same time, the immense advantages which would arise to the community by thus educating children of different religious persuasions together, inasmuch as it would tend to lessen those prejudices and animosities which often have been found so mischievous to society. The children might naturally be expected to acquire an attachment for each other, which they would, in many instances, carry with them through life. We all recollect that when a person whom we have not seen for twenty or thirty years past is introduced to us as a schoolfellow, the recollection of the circumstance brings with it generally claims of attachment and regard. At this period, Joseph Lancaster was involved in great pecuniary difficulties; his debts amounted to between 60001. and 7000%. while his effects were estimated only at about 3,500/.; and if they had been sold, they would not probably have realized much more than a third part of that sum. Upon examination into the accounts, it appeared that Joseph Lancaster, in his ardour to propagate the system, had entered into pecuniary engagements which it was impossible for him to fulfil with the subscriptions he then had. Some time previously to this period, our venerable sovereign had condescended to give him a personal interview, and was so much impressed with the value of this simple and economical plan, and the probable benefits which the country and the world might derive from it, that he became an annual subscriber of 100/. and recommended the queen and other branches of the royal family also to become subscribers to a considerable amount. The prejudices which had been operating against the founder, had so far diminished the subscriptions in the beginning of the year 1808, that they amounted then to little more than those of the king and royal family. Joseph Fox saw that, unless a vigorous exertion was immediately made, the whole plan was in danger of being utterly lost. At this period but few schools upon the system existed in the country: the public were not aware of the value of the plan, and nothing but a bold and decisive measure could possibly save it. Joseph Lancaster's creditors were at that moment harrassing him with legal proceedings; and it was under these circumstances that Joseph Fox advanced nearly 2000. of his own property, and made himself responsible for as much more, by bills drawn by him and accepted by William Corston, as were necessary to settle in full with all the creditors.

This mea

sure was arranged before I became acquainted with the circumstance. It was obvious that, though the plan was thus saved, it would be quite impossible to carry it on without a great increase in the annual subscriptions. The expenditure at that time, for the training of masters for the purpose of establishing this œconomical plan in different parts of the kingdom, involved an expense of from two to three thousand pounds per annum. I then determined to render all the assistance in my power, and to procure the co-operation of as many of my friends as possible, provided Joseph Lancaster would agree that the whole business should be managed by a committee of a few gentlemen, to be chosen by himself, that regular accounts should be kept of all receipts and expenses, as well as fair minute books of all transactions. To this he at length agreed, and appointed the following members of the committee: Sir John Jackson, M. P., Joseph Fox, William Corston, William Allen, Joseph Forster, Thomas Sturge; and from that period down to the present day, the account-books and minute-books have been regularly kept. In addition to the patronage bestowed upon this institution almost from its very beginning, by the duke of Bedford and Lord Somerville, the royal dukes of Kent and Sussex, about the year 1811, having minutely inquired into the nature of the plan, gave it their decided and warm support; and through all the difficulties that have attended its progress at different periods, these illustrious personages have rendered most important assistance, and have uniformly shewn the most lively interest in its final success. In the year 1811 several distinguished persons also came forward to its support, and, by their kind assistance and countenance, the committee were encouraged to bear up under all their difficulties. In the years 1808 and 1809 the sum of 4000l. was raised, mostly in shares of 1001. each, from several benevolent individuals, which loans were to bear interest at five per cent.; and the annual subscriptions were increased, so as more nearly to meet the expenditure. But, with all these exertions, the sum necessary to be employed in capital for the stock of lessons, slates, and apparatus, for the supply of country schools, rendered it necessary for the committee to advance sums of money, which at the end of 1811 amounted to 54001. About this period, the committee had much opposition to encounter, from those who were advocates for an exclusive plan of education, and who wished to insist on the church catechism being taught in all schools for the general education of the poor. The subscriptions were, however, still very considerable; and, though they did not equal the annual expenditure, the trustees made the necessary advances

from their own private property. Joseph Lancaster, being set at liberty from his pecuniary embarrassment, travelled throughout the country, explaining his plan in public lectures; and by this means the public became so much interested in the business, that a great number of schools were established in different parts of the kingdom, which occasioned an extensive claim upon the parent institution for masters and mistresses. At this period the advocates for an exclusive system established schools, which they called national, and insisted that children introduced into them should learn the church catechism, and go to church. Down to the year 1812, the system had been progressively making its way throughout the country; and the demands upon the parent institution, for masters and mistresses, whose training had incurred a considerable expense, became more and more urgent. A great number of accounts were now opened with new schools, for lessons, slates, &c. In 1813 Joseph Lancaster, without the knowledge, and contrary to the advice of the committee, engaged in an establishment at Tooting, on the plan of a boarding-school for the children of the middle ranks of society, from which he expected to derive emolument; he then proposed to the committee, that if they would exonerate him from all claims for their advances, amounting to between 5000l. and 60007. he would make over the premises and all the stock at the Borough Road, and commit the whole business to their management; promising that, if this request was acceded to, he would still render every assistance in his power. The committee, upon deliberate consideration, agreed to his proposal; and the necessary deeds were drawn up and signed. The committee was now enlarged, by the addition of several highly respectable persons. From the great extension of the plans, not only in this country, but to all the quarters of the world, this measure had become absolutely necessary. And it is a gratifying reflection, that all these important benefits to mankind have been procured at an expense which must be deemed comparatively trifling. The total amount of subscriptions and donations received since the year 1808, when the committee first took charge of the concern, down to the end of the year 1815, amount only to 16,1271. 7s.; and it is further to be remarked, that the committee, from its very commencement, have had to struggle under a very heavy debt, which the increasing demands upon the establishment would never permit them to liquidate. They resolved, however, about two years ago, to make an attempt to raise 10,000l. which they calculated would discharge the whole of the debt, and place the institution on a permanent basis. Upwards of 70001. are already subscribed; and the

committee are confident, that if the nature and value of the plan were but sufficiently known, the remaining 30007. would be immediately supplied.

What is the annual income at present?-It varies in different years; for the last year it was only 16007.

Does that include donations as well as subscriptions ?— Yes.

What was it the year before?-The year before it was nearly 27001.

How do you account for the difference?-Some of the persons who have subscribed, one in particular, who gave a donation of 500l. would have given it to the general subscription, had it not been that the invested subscriptions were afloat, and it was invested there.

Have you ever received any considerable sums from persons who have refused their names to be mentioned ?—Yes; and I regret that I am prohibited mentioning one in particular, without whose large pecuniary aid, advanced at dif ferent times through the course of several years, it would have been almost impossible to have supported the institution.

How much has he given altogether?-About 30007.; but he insisted that his name should be strictly concealed, stating, that if it were made known, he would discontinue his aid.

How much are the trustees in advance?-We are altogether in advance between 6000l. and 70007.; in which advance there is an increase, since last year, of several hun dred pounds.

What are the average yearly expenses?-Between 20007.

and 30007.

In what are those sums expended?-In the board, lodging, and clothing, of persons learning the plan, and qualifying for teachers either in this kingdom or foreign parts; in the maintenance of schools for about 700 children, boys and girls, in the Borough Road; in the support of some schools whose funds were inadequate; and in promoting the plan in foreign parts.

What is the annual expense of the Borough Road establishment?-It was stated in 1814 at 3801. 7s. 10d. which includes merely the boys' and girls' school.

What other schools in London were established by the British and Foreign School Society?-There is some difficulty in replying to that question, because the existence of many schools is only known by applications for slates, lessons, &c.; as few of those schools are regularly connected with the parent institution, we must probably remain ignorant of one half of those which are actually established. In and near the metropolis there are at least seventeen