SCHOOL LIBRARIES.
(Vol. viii., pp. 220. 395. 498.)
When I mentioned the above subject in "N. & Q.," I admit that my meaning may have taken too wide a signification. I, however, wrote advisedly, my object being to draw the attention of those schools that were in fault, and in the hope of benefiting those that desired to do more. I suppose I must exonerate Tonbridge, therefore, from any aspersion; and as it appears they are well provided, from Bacon and Newton to Punch and the Family Friend, I am at a loss to know how I can be of service.
Of the defects in popular education I am as sensible as the rest of the multitude appear to be, and my particular view of the case would, I fear, be too lengthy a subject for these columns. It is quite clear, however, that education is partial, and in some sort a monopoly; its valuable branches being altogether out of the reach of more than half the population, and the staple industry of the people not sufficiently represented,—as, for instance, the steam-engine. In them there is not sufficient concentration, if I may use the term, of instruction; and the requirements of many arts and trades insufficiently carried out; the old schools and old colleges much too classical and mathematical. If this position is untrue, no popular scheme can be adopted at present; but it appears more than probable that before long the subject will be brought before the House of Commons, and education made accessible to all. As to the money for the purpose, the country will never grudge that. The obstacle appears to lie more in persuading the endless religious sects into which we are divided to shake hands over the matter.
At present my only desire is, that boys at public schools should have plenty of books, being assured that reading while we are young leaves a very strong and permanent impression, and cannot be estimated too highly; besides which, if a youth has access to works suited to his natural bent, he will unconsciously lay in a store of valuable information adapted to his future career.
Weld Taylor.
When I was at the College school, Gloucester, in 1794, there was a considerable library in a room adjoining the upper school. I never knew the books used by the boys, though the room was unlocked: in fact, it was used by the upper master as a place of chastisement; for there was kept the block (as it was called) on which the unfortunate culprits were horsed and whipped. The library, no doubt, contained many valuable and excellent works; but the only book of which I know the name as having been in it (and that
only by a report in the newspapers of the day) was Oldham's Poems, which, after a fire which occurred in the school-room, was said to have been the only book returned of the many which had been taken away.
P. H. Fisher.
Stroud.
In Knight's Life of Dean Colet (8vo., London, 1724), founder of St. Paul's School, there is a catalogue of the books in the library of the school at the date specified. The number of the volumes is added up at the end of the catalogue, in MS., and the total amount is 663 volumes. The latest purchases bear the date of 1723, and are:—Pierson (sic) On the Creed, Greenwood's English Grammar, and Terentius In usum Delphini. The books for the most part are of a highly valuable and standard character. Does the library still exist? have many additions been made to it up to the present time? and is there a printed catalogue of it?
J. M.
Oxford.