15

E.—ld

already for ages past been regarded as a necessity by the greatest educational authorities. Second. That for some years past we have been actively occupied with the question of ascertaining (a) whether manual work ought really to occupy a place in popular instruction ; (6) what is, in that case, the simplest manner of introducing it in a regular and systematic way ? Third. Whether it is possible to come to an agreement as to the kind of manual work which will render the greatest service to intellectual development, and to the exercise of both eye and hand. A normal course of manual work at Dresden, has been initiated by the Gemeinniltziger Verein of that city, and the Gcmeinniitzige Gesellschaft of Leipsic. These two philanthropic societies, which are actively occupied with the progress of primary instruction and of society itself, enjoy the general esteem of the country. Their courses having been opened with the object of training teachers capable of giving instruction in manual work, with a generous liberality, teachers from various provinces of Germany, and even from abroad, were permitted to take part in the courses and in the work. On the Ist May, 1882, the Committee of the two societies published a circular, of which this is the summary : "To accustom youth to work, by instruction which renders the hand dexterous at making various articles, at the same time occupying the child in a useful and agreeable manner, has long been a subject of earnest consideration to men who are interested in the harmonious, healthy, and natural development of the people. Putting on one side the indisputable importance that manual work would have as a supplement to instruction for general educational purposes, it is certainly important for our country of Saxony—so thickly populated and so much engaged in industry —that our scholars should learn while still at their desks to know and to appreciate practical work, that they should be accustomed to use their eyes and exercise their hands; and, for this purpose, it is desirable that our boys, whatever may be their destined career, should be initiated into a knowledge of the materials most extensively used in industry, to the manipulation of the principal tools and to the construction of articles that are most in use. Already, during the last century, efforts were made in Germany and Switzerland to put this idea into practical execution, and men like Pestalozzi, Froebel, Gutsmuths and Herbart, defended it with ardent conviction. In spite of all these efforts, in spite of the voices which were raised to establish the pedagogic value of manual work, in spite of the success which crowned the introduction of these occupations at certain establishments, it was not found possible to give them a permanent existence in Germany. Latterly, a great step forward has been taken in the countries of the north — Sweden and Denmark; in the last-named country Clauson Kaas especially, as much by his writings as by his action, has laboured industriously for the success of the work. With the material and moral support of the Minister of the Interior and of the Minister of Worship the Gemeinniitzigcr Verein and the Gemeinniltzige Gesellschaft have undertaken to organize, under the direction of M. Clauson Kaas, a temporary course where Saxon teachers will be able to familiarise themselves with the elements of the trades best fitted to exercise the hand and to extend domestic industry. The course will chiefly consist of joinery, carving in wood, •working in metal, pasteboard work, and the use of the circular-saw. The course will be given at Dresden, commencing on 17th July, in the great hall of the Altes Kadettenhaus, graciously put at our disposal by the Minister of Finance. The support of the Minister of the Interior makes it possible for us not to demand more than forty marks (£2) for attendance at the course, and to hand over gratis to the teachers all the articles they make. Finally, the Committee begs the Communal Councils and the school authorities not to put any difficulty in the way of teachers who wish to follow the course, though their attendance should demand a prolongation of their summer vacation." This circular was accompanied by a brief set of rules, containing, amongst other provisions, that those who attend must furnish themselves with a blouse and apron ; that they are allowed to work out of fixed hours ; that they are strictly forbidden to smoke in the workshop ; and, lastly, that all objects made shall be exhibited in public immediately after the close of the course. The ceremonial inauguration of the course took place on the 16th of July, precisely at noon, in the great hall which was to serve as a workshop. The walls were decorated with mottoes; the benches, the tables, and the tools were so arranged that the sixty-three occupants, divided into six groups, could easily work all at once without getting in one another's way. The superintendence of the different sections was intrusted to men well known as excellent workmen, notably MM. Leonhard (pasteboard-work and binding), Hartmann (wood-carving, &c), Kiihnsscherf (metal-work), Kolbe (basket-making), Dohnert (the use of the circular saw), and Brunner (joinery). The division of work was so regulated that each group might have a fresh occupation every day. For instance, Monday, carpentry; Tuesday, carving; Wednesday, pasteboard-work, &c. On Monday evenings, from Bto 11 o'clock, the students assembled to talk about the different questions connected with instruction in manual work; these were familiar meetings, with no official character, but where the educational value of manual work was diligently discussed, and much consideration given to the obstacles which the introduction of this kind of instruction into the school would yet have to overcome. On Wednesday evenings, from 8 to 11 o'clock, the official meetings took place. One might then meet in the hall members of the Committee, journalists, and other persons interested in the subject. On these occasions Clauson Kaas was wont to captivate the general attention by his words of eloquent simplicity. Then it was that he explained his system with that deep conviction and that enthusiasm which one meets with only in those who are defending a good cause. The students, however, did not invariably agree with the master, which circumstance gave rise to discussions clearly showing that the German teachers, although in principle partisans of the system of Clauson Kaas, do not always approve of the manner in which he wishes it put into practice. The following are the main points of the lectures of Clauson Kaas upon which a general agreement was come to : 19th July: Domestic industry is not to be confounded with the manual work known in Denmark under the name of Huusfiid. Domestic industry is usually only occupied with