E.—ll,

draperies and objects, and modelled by the students, the usual class-instruction from the cast preceding this. In the Life and Antique Classes there were charcoal sketches from the cast. The charcoal life studies were exceptional in their appreciation of form, and light and shade effects. There being no appearance of over-manipulation, the students had evidently been carefully instructed as to the characteristics of each individual model. Time-sketches from life were especially good. In the Machine-construction Class the whole of the drawings were made to scale from actual measurements of machines, additional information being given by the instructor as to strains, &c, whilst the drawings were in progress. The following were some of the drawings inspected, in all cases worked as above: Drawings giving elevations and sections of Tangye pump and water-cock, steam-chest for donkey-pump, details of water-meter, hydraulic pump, &c. The Government Locomotive Department allow actual measurements to be taken from the various machines, engines, &c, at the locomotive-shops. Building-construction. —In addition to the work given under the class-heading, the following work has just been gone through : Eoofing, various forms of roofs, roof-trusses and the framing of roofs; description of strains on the several parts; and roof-coverings, and the method of laying slates, tiles, lead, zinc, galvanized iron, flashings for chimneys, eaves, gutters (box, valley, &c). Eloors, single, double, and framing ; trimming for well-holes, hearthstones ; ceiling-joists, and the methods of carrying, &c. Students are further taken in points more immediately required by them, and the instruction includes geometric projection of shadow, the rules of architectural perspective, the proportions and mouldings of the orders of classic architecture. Several models of scarfing executed by the students of this class were exhibited at the Exhibition. Etching (Copperplate). —Although this class has only just commenced work, good etchings have been produced, including several street-scenes in Adelaide, and original work from the life. This class will, no doubt, prove one of the most useful in the school. Pottery-class. —In this class-room I found a potter's wheel and usual appliances for ordinary potter's work. The principle of construction and geometric curves of vase-forms are thoroughly dealt with, the various curves and styles being fully explained. The forms are duly drawn and then the mould shaped. After the vase has been thrown the student ornaments, sometimes in relief, and sometimes in incised work. Examples of both, were shown at the Exhibition. Several good designs for the decoration of pottery were also on exhibition, showing the style of treatment required in accordance with the shape of the object. Some difficulty has been experienced with reference to firing; but Mr. Gill informs me this will shortly be overcome. A potter and turner connected with a local firm have put in all their spare time in this class, and have improved to such an extent that a remarkable change has taken place in the character of the pottery now made, and work which at one time had to be sent away is now done by the firm. There is every appearance of the work of this class laying the foundation of a second Doulton, and thus providing the students with employment. The use of tiles in the architectural decoration of Adelaide should at no distant date give this class of student ample employment, and it is to be hoped the energy of Mr. Gill will not be wasted, but taken up by local persons, and the knowledge so painstakingly infused utilised to the fullest extent. In the Design-class a large number of geometrical arrangements of natural plant-forms were good in design and colour, and several sheets showed considerable ability of adaptation to spaces given, and good art-feeling. The botanical treatment of each plant used is first given. The Board of Governors have given prizes for industrial designs, and the competition was, Mr. Gill informs me, very keen, no less than forty competing in one section, twenty-three in another, and eighteen in another, the latter being so close that a number of additional prizes were awarded. These sheets were executed away from the school. Sketching-club. —The Board of Governors have placed at the disposal of the art-master a sum of £10 per annum, to be awarded as prizes for original designs and sketches executed away from the schools. The students are divided into elementary and advanced sections. The advanced may not compete in the elementary section. Each work sent in is marked according to its value, ten being the maximum. The student wdio at the end of the year has obtained the greatest number of marks in a section takes the prize in that section. The works sent in are criticized by Mr. Gill, and the best sketches in each section are retained for school and exhibition purposes. The following were some of the subjects selected : — November. —Elementary design : A geometric coloured design for a hall-floor, Bin. square; and a corner of the floor to be shown full size: scale, lin. to Ift. Advanced design : A stamped leather book-cover, about 9in. by 6in., to be painted in monochrome. Advanced sketch : A rug and an occasional chair, with a simple background. December. —Elementary design : .\ geometric coloured design for an octagonal hall-floor, Bft. in diameter ; scale, lin. to Ift. : a corner of the octagon to be shown full size. Advanced design : A gas-bracket, either in wrought- or cast-iron. Advanced sketch : A yard of satin. February. —Elementary design : A geometric coloured design for a fire-hearth. Advanced design : Painted design of flowers for a fan. Advanced sketch: Panel, 30in. by 6in., oleanders. March. — Elementary design: Conventional design for the back of a playing-card. Advanced design : Corner of a lace handkerchief, border 2in. broad. Advanced sketch: Bunch of grapes, glass of water, and a knife. April. — Elementary design: Conventional design for the border of a small plate Bin. in diameter. Advanced design : Back of hand-mirror, to be treated in low relief, wood or metal. Advanced sketch : Watch and chain, and pocket-book. May. —Elementary design : Design for serviette-ring in carved wood, to be shown as a flat strip, 6in. by l-|in. Advanced design : Border for a pot, 6in. in diameter, 2-|in. deep, ornament to be projected upon the pot. Advanced sketch : Common penny ink-bottle, quill-pen, and an old letter. Designs bearing upon the subjects given are exhibited in the School-of-Design bookcase, and suggestions where to find others are posted up. Art Examinations are held in May and November. First grade—model, freehand, and

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