The examination began in presence of the Vice-chairman and some of the Guardians; as is my constant custom, at first through the School-master. The answers were good and ready; even more ready than the Master's questions, for he seemed rather timid and nervous.-Was this fluency also part of the show ?—I thanked the Master and assumed the examination myself. The reading, throughout the School, was clear, bold and distinct: the arithmetic, including practice, simple rule of three, and in a few instances beyond these, was rapidly performed, few errors, and reasons could be given for what was done, proving that the principles were understood. Writing very good questions on some leading duties, scripture facts, general physical (not scientific) geography, such as positions and relations of countries and seas, &c. &c., were answered with considerable intelligence and good memory: their comprehension was tested, by their explaining to me what they had read; their apprehension, by repeating clearly to me what I had explained. Their acquaintance with Scripture truths, and catechetical instruction, reflected much credit upon their instructors, probably both Chaplain and Master.

It may be supposed, that the class which was thus examined consisted of some half dozen selected boys,—the number contained in the first class for examination was FORTY! There were, of course, occasional failures; and the same question would not be indifferently asked from any of the number: but, there was much general equality among them, taking into consideration their various ages, and the length of time which each had spent in the School. The lower classes had felt, and showed the teaching of the same Master. I enquired as to the drawings on the walls. were done? by degrees, out of school-hours. By whom? by the Master. What was their use? some maps of different countries or of the world, were statedly taught as far as their little time would allow others, though not taught,

When they

were still not without their influence; the boys frequently loitered about the school-room in their play-hours, pored and gazed upon them, and asked questions about their meaning and use. But these scrolls and ornaments? "oh, Sir, they look at them, and take pride in their school-room." Could there then be a wiser display, than one which tended to such practical good to the minds and feelings of the children to be instructed!

There was also an agricultural school in the house, of fifteen larger boys, who work in the field and garden, taught by a Superintendent at twelve shillings per week, who also instructs them in the evenings in reading, arithmetic, &c. This appears to me an important feature, and well worthy of imitation.

The Girls' school was only in progress toward its adornment. My entry concerning it at the time, I find to be,— "good answering-fair spelling-distinct reading-nice, tidy, clear-headed girls-arithmetic so-so-Mistresses very sufficient-the attention paid to the schools by both Master and Mistress is great, and the interest taken in them by the Board is evident."

It is impossible to conclude this account of the Bath Unionschools, without an expression of the high satisfaction which they gave; of the exceeding praise that is due to the Board of Guardians for their wise expenditure; and for the liberal and enlightened prudence which characterizes their general arrangements.

Attention is particularly called to Union-schools, because they appear to have been unduly neglected, and yet are capable of the most important benefit, at a comparatively small outlay. It has been proved, that a great amount of good may be secured by a reasonable expenditure in the engagement of efficient Teachers; and many of our Boards of Guardians have been aware, that giving their children a moderate and useful portion of instruction, and teaching them

D

to be sober, honest, and God-fearing, is an excellent method to prevent their becoming Paupers: but still there is room to fear, that a Candidate's qualifications in a trade have occasionally been the reason of his election to the School.

DEANERIES AND DISTRICTS.

In giving an account of the state of Church education among the Poor, within the Diocese of Bath and Wells, it seems to be the best plan to treat separately of each Deanery or District: this will avoid the vagueness of a merely general statement, and not incur the objections, which may be most reasonably felt, to a detailed account of every individual Parish.

Private Schools; Grammar Schools; Schools with which the Clergy of the Parish have no connection, or which are not supported more or less by subscription for the benefit of the Parish; Dames private Schools;-none of these classes come within the scope of my Account, even though they may be conducted by Masters and Mistresses who are Members of the Church of England. Therefore, any Education given in such Schools is a Church education additional to that which is described or noticed in this report.

Where the existing ecclesiastical Deanery was not too large, an Inspector was appointed for the whole; but in some cases Deaneries are divided into two Districts, and one

appointed to each. In every instance he is a Clergyman within the Deanery, the Bishop's object being, to select such as are well known among their brother Clergymen, and because known, respected; men of zeal and discretion, who, being acquainted with their Diocesan's mind and will, are trusted by him to realize his views in the spirit of kindness and prudence. It is as much to the praise of the individuals, as to the credit of the wisdom which first selected them, that the work has been so done by the District Inspectors as fully to justify the expectations conceived and the choice then made.

All the Amounts and Facts which are about to be mentioned in detail are avouched on my own responsibility, unless otherwise stated, as ascertained by myself, by examination on the spot, in the various Deaneries. It is necessary to mention this, that the statements in the Account may not be supposed loose, careless, and general; but such as anxious enquiry has made in the place, and verified by cautious questioning and actual inspection.

The Details, which compose the Totals, mentioned under each Deanery, will be found in the Synoptical Table. The opinions and suggestions expressed are only such as to myself approve themselves right, and experience appears to sanction.

In the observations made upon the named or the unnamed schools, it will not be supposed that all which are unnoticed are unworthy of regard, or even that the best or most defective have been selected. On a little consideration it will be seen, that the selection in both kinds has been made in connection with the observations, for the purpose of calling attention to particular points, regarded as of importance either for guidance or avoidance. It is hoped that no remarks are made which are painful in themselves, independent on the facts; nor that a language is used indicative of any other feeling, than a deep concern for the temporal and eternal well-being of the little flock committed to our charge.

AXBRIDGE DEANERY, Rev. J. H. Stephenson, Inspector, Rev. J. Ditcher, Secretary.

This Deanery is altogether agricultural, the country being occupied with grazing and dairy farms; therefore there are none of those peculiar circumstances which mark a manufacturing District. The difficulties are however rather varied and encreased than lessened; for, in addition to the evil common to both kinds of Population, i. e. the early employment of their children; in the agricultural districts, they are employed still earlier; and there is more need of influence or persuasion to convince farmers and their laborers of the advantages of the School, than is necessary to persuade the manufacturing poor: these are generally predisposed in its favor, and it is only the prospect of gain which prevents the child being sent for instruction: but in the case of the farmer and field laborer, you have to contend with dislike and indifference.

The Population of the Axbridge Deanery is 33,841. The School-rooms belonging virtually and legally to the different Parishes, independent on hired rooms and private properties, are 30. The Dwelling-houses for Masters and Mistresses, legally conveyed or virtually secured, are 18. There are 50 Masters and Mistresses paid, without reckoning paid Monitors or Assistants. Those Children who attend the Daily Schools and also form part of the Sunday Schools, (I mean the same children attending both,) amount to 1851. There are 624 who are additional to the above, and are merely Sunday Scholars. Some, again in addition to the above two classes, are solely Daily Scholars, amounting to 109. The Sum Total of all the children of the Poor, receiving direct Church education in the 39 Parishes and Hamlets of the Axbridge Deanery, is therefore 2584. This education is given to them at an expence of £901: 8s. Od. subscribed by the Clergy and the Laity within the Deanery, and does not