HOW WOMEN MAY EARN A Living

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How Women may Earn
a Living.

BY
MERCY GROGAN.

"WHAT IS THAT WHICH I SHOULD TURN TO,
LIGHTING UPON DAYS LIKE THESE?"
Locksley Hall.

Revised Edition.

CASSELL & COMPANY, Limited:
LONDON, PARIS & NEW YORK.
[ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.]
1883.

[PREFACE.]

The aim of the compiler of this work has simply been to point out and give information respecting some of the ways by which women may earn a living in the present day, especial regard being had to the wants of the immense number of ladies who have to depend upon their own exertions for their support. It is confidently believed that the information given will be found substantially correct, as in most cases it has been overlooked and corrected by the different authorities from whom it was derived. Of course, in a book of this size it would be manifestly impossible, even if it were desirable, to describe all the different occupations which in various ranks of life are open to women.

[CONTENTS.]

How Women may Earn a Living.

[CHAPTER I.]
INTRODUCTORY.

One of the most pressing social problems of the day is how the immense number of women—greatly outnumbering the men—in England at the present time are to be supported. The obvious answer is, that they must be taught and encouraged to support themselves. This little book is written in the hope of directing their attention to some suitable and remunerative employments that are not universally known, and it is also hoped it may prove useful to parents who are anxious to arm their daughters for the battle of life with a weapon no one can take from them.

"When land is gone, and money spent,

Then learning is most excellent."

And a thorough knowledge of some remunerative employment would do more to make them independent of "the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune" than the possession of any amount of money, especially in these days of bank failures and general depression of trade.

The great difficulty ladies usually find in securing congenial and sufficiently well-paid employment arises from the pressing necessity they are generally under of earning money at once, which prevents them giving the necessary time to learn whatever calling they may wish to adopt. I have endeavoured to ascertain as exactly as possible the time required to learn all the occupations I mention, as well as the cost of tuition, and, in most cases, I subjoin the rules, or give extracts from the prospectuses of the different schools and classes where ladies may receive the necessary instruction, thinking it may help many to decide upon what they are most fitted for, and what they can best afford to undertake. I have also collected as much information as I could for those whose circumstances make it essential that they should at once receive remuneration for their work; but I must remind them that generally what is worth having is worth waiting and working for, and they must not expect to be as well paid as their more fortunate sisters, who are able to give time and money to learn a business thoroughly. The superficiality of girls' education is very much against them when it becomes a question of how they are to earn their living. If they were taught even one thing thoroughly they would probably be able to turn it to account; or at least they would have acquired the habit of learning accurately, which is all important, and one which, I am sorry to say, most women are sadly deficient in. Industry, determination, accuracy, and perseverance, would, I am certain, be quite sufficient to overcome almost all the difficulties women at present find in supporting themselves. For those who do not possess or who will not earnestly endeavour to acquire these qualities, I fear this book will be of little service. I have had to listen to bitter complaints of the careless way in which ladies execute work that is entrusted to them, of their want of punctuality and business habits, and their ineradicable conviction that they are conferring a favour upon their employers by working for them at all. All this sort of thing naturally makes large employers of female labour reluctant to try ladies, if they can get sufficient work-girls, who, whatever their faults may be, are at least free from the affectation and conceit of some of their superiors in the social scale. Why do not ladies make up their minds to remove this reproach from their class by giving a good day's work for a good day's wage? I heartily wish all women would decide once and for ever to give up the notion that it is humiliating or degrading to work for payment; to my mind the only shame in the matter is in the cases where full value is not given for the money received, when of course it becomes more or less an affair of charity.

It is a great pity that girls are brought up to think that the only way in which they can dispose of themselves that will give satisfaction to their friends is to get married, and if from various causes they fail to achieve this end they will be looked upon more or less as social failures. Although I am perfectly willing to admit that a happy marriage is the best fate that can befall a woman, surely an unhappy one is one of the worst; and how many of these would be prevented if women only had something else to do and think about, some other means of advancing themselves in life!

I wish parents could be induced to treat their daughters more in the way they treat their sons—that is to say, when they leave school have them thoroughly trained for some profession; it would be much better for them, and many of the difficulties of the "woman question" would disappear, as the untrained women of middle age who have suddenly to depend upon their own exertions are those for whom it is almost impossible to provide any suitable occupation, especially if they object or are unfit to become hospital nurses, and have not sufficient capacity for arithmetic to learn book-keeping. I must refer any of my readers who want personal advice as to their qualifications for different occupations to the Society for Promoting the Employment of Women, 22, Berners Street, Oxford Street, W. Miss King, the Secretary, or Miss Lewin, the Under Secretary, are both able and willing to give advice and reliable information; no fee of any kind is charged. This excellent society has been in existence twenty years; during the whole time a free register has been kept, by means of which many hundreds of women have obtained situations or temporary employment. Visits from applicants average about ten daily, and the office has been a centre for the collecting and diffusion of information on all subjects bearing on the employment of women; while many whose names are never entered on the register are put in the way of procuring training or employment, and are warned against persons who, by alluring promises of easy ladylike employment, tempt the unwary to spend their slender means in lessons that are worthless.

With an income which, from all sources, including subscriptions and donations for special purposes, has only averaged £319 7s. 6d. per annum, it has trained yearly on an average, thirty young women, obtained regular employment for sixty-three, and occasional employment for one hundred and forty-two.

I must take this opportunity of acknowledging the great kindness I have met with during my search for information while compiling the book. With one exception, I have everywhere been treated with the greatest courtesy; all my questions have been most fully answered, and every facility given me for obtaining all the particulars I could possibly desire.

I find that, after common sense and business habits, the qualification most likely to be useful to a woman is a good knowledge of drawing; so I advise any one who has any taste in that direction to sedulously cultivate it.

I am much interested in a scheme for starting a School of Tapestry, where ladies could be apprenticed, and after they had acquired the art, work regularly, as they do at the Royal School of Art Needlework. There is nothing in the nature of the work to prevent women doing it, although it is an occupation that has long been monopolised by men. The necessary apprenticeship would be at least two years.

A scheme has lately been set on foot for organising classes for teaching girls who are anxious to obtain engagements in superior houses of business, the regular routine of office work, book-keeping, &c. Inquiries may be addressed to Miss Franks, 23, Mortimer Street.

I wish I could convince women of a truth they seem singularly slow in comprehending—that is, that if they are to compete with men on anything like equal terms, they must, at the very least, give the same time to learn their business that men find necessary. There is always a demand for really skilled labour, and this skill is worth almost any present sacrifice to obtain; besides its pecuniary advantages, the knowledge that one can do something really well (not in an amateur fashion) confers a most gratifying sense of power and independence. I do not agree with those people who think it a hardship for women to have to work for their living; on the contrary, I believe if an average of happiness could be ascertained, it would be found the toilers had a far larger share than the idlers, and when trouble and disappointment come, as come they will, they must remember that—

"Their fate is the common fate of all;

Into each life some rain must fall,

Some days must be dark and dreary."

[CHAPTER II.]
EDUCATION.

After having made inquiries about a great variety of female occupations, I have come to the conclusion that teaching is still the most suitable, and, under certain circumstances, the most remunerative, employment open to women. But an ordinary education no longer qualifies a woman for the position of governess in any educational establishment; if she wishes to be tolerably certain of securing an engagement it is necessary that she should be certificated, or, still better, have completed her education at Girton, Newnham, or one of the new halls opened at Oxford, and it is most desirable that she should pass the new examination of teachers instituted by the Teachers' Training Syndicate of Cambridge.

TRAINING FOR MIDDLE AND HIGHER CLASS TEACHING.

The Training College for Teachers in Middle and Higher Schools for girls (temporary address, Skinner Street, Bishopsgate Street) trains ladies who have completed their school education as teachers in middle and higher schools for girls for this examination.

The Council have obtained as a Practising School, the Bishopsgate Middle Class Girls' School. There are two divisions in the college. The course is of one year for students entering the upper division, and two years for the lower division. The following are the rules of this Institution:—

The college year is divided into three terms, each of about thirteen weeks, beginning respectively in the middle of September and January, and the beginning of May. The hours of attendance are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on every day but Saturday.

Fees, £8 per term, payable in advance.

No residence is provided for the students, but the principal will be prepared to recommend homes to those students who require them. Students must be above the age of seventeen for the lower division, and eighteen for the higher division, at the time of admission, and must pass an entrance examination, unless they have previously passed some examination accepted in place of the entrance examination. The examinations accepted by the Council in the place of the entrance examination for the upper division are those which the University of Cambridge requires from candidates for the teachers' examination.

For further particulars respecting scholarships (of which there are several), &c., apply to the Principal at the College.

The Teachers' Training Syndicate of Cambridge issue the following scheme:—

I. An Examination in the Theory, History, and Practice of Teaching will be held at Cambridge, and at other places if so determined by the Syndicate, in June, for persons who have completed the age of twenty before June 1st, and certificates will be awarded to those who have passed the examination satisfactorily.

II. No candidate can be admitted to the examination unless he or she has either—(1.) Graduated in some university of the United Kingdom; or (2.) satisfied the examiners in Parts I. and II. of the Previous Examination; or (3.) obtained a certificate in one of the Higher Local Examinations of the Universities of Oxford or Cambridge; or (4.) obtained the certificates of the Oxford and Cambridge Schools Examination Board in the subjects accepted by the University as equivalent to Parts I. and II. of the Previous Examination; or (5.) satisfied the examiners in one of the Senior Local Examinations of the Universities of Oxford, Cambridge, or Durham, in English, and at least one language, ancient or modern, and in Euclid and Algebra; or (6.) passed the examination for matriculation at the University of London.

III. The subjects for examination will be—

(1.) The theory of education.

(a.) The scientific basis of the art of education; characteristics of childhood and youth; order of development and laws of growth, and operation of mental faculties; natural order of the acquisition of knowledge; development of the will; formation of habits and of character; sympathy and its effects.

(b.) Elements of the art of education; training of the senses, the memory, the imagination, and taste, the powers of judging and reasoning; training of the desires and of the will; discipline and authority; emulation, its use and abuse; rewards and punishments.

(2.) The general history of education in Europe since the revival of learning. A general knowledge will be required of systems of education which have actually existed, of the work of eminent teachers, and of the theories of writers on education up to the present time.

(3.) The practice of education. This subject will consist of two parts:—

(a.) Method; that is, the order and correlation of studies, oral teaching and exposition, the right use of text-books and note-books, the art of examining and questioning, and the best methods of teaching the various subjects which are included in the curriculum of an ordinary school.

(b.) School management. The structure, furniture, and fitting of school-rooms, books and apparatus, visible and tangible illustrations, classification, distribution of time, registration of attendance and progress, hygiene, with special reference to the material arrangements of the school, and the conditions of healthful study. One paper will be set on each of these subjects, 1, 2, 3. A fourth paper will be set containing a small number of questions of an advanced character on each of the three subjects.

A fee of £2 10s. shall be paid to the Syndicate by each candidate.

IV. The Syndicate will further award certificates of practical efficiency in teaching to candidates who have already obtained a certificate of theoretical efficiency and have been engaged in school-work for a year in some school or schools to be approved of by the Syndicate. The basis for the certificate of practical efficiency will be:—

(1.) Examination of the class taught by the candidate;

(2.) An inspection of the class while being taught;

(3.) Questions put to the teacher in private after the inspection;

(4.) A report made by the head masters or mistresses;

(5.) The Syndicate will also be ready to inspect, in the course of the summer, any college established for the training of teachers other than elementary, and to award certificates of theoretical knowledge to such candidates as may deserve them. They will also award certificates of practical efficiency if they are satisfied with the training in practical work received by the candidates.

I understand that the Senate of the University of London have also at present under consideration a scheme for the examination of teachers. The Home and Colonial School Society, Gray's Inn Road, King's Cross, London, also gives instruction in the art of teaching. Their terms to resident students between the ages of 15 and 30 are from £45 to £50 per annum; to day students £15 per annum, £8 for six months. Teachers are also trained and prepared for the Cambridge Teachers Examination at the West-Central Collegiate School, 29, Queen's Square, Bloomsbury, for a year; the fee is £5 5s., but in the case of any one who could be really useful in teaching in the school no charge would be made.

Girton College, Cambridge.—The course for the ordinary degree certificate occupies about three years, half of each year being spent in college. For honours the time allowed is somewhat longer. The academical year is divided into three terms, the charge for board, lodging, and instruction is £35 per term, paid in advance. This sum covers the whole of the college charges. Candidates for admission are required to pass an entrance examination, unless they have previously passed one of the examinations approved by the college authorities, and to furnish a satisfactory certificate of character. For students intending to read for the ordinary degree certificate, October is the best time for entering. Candidates for honours may with advantage enter in April, thus gaining an additional term. Except in special cases students are not received under the age of eighteen.

Entrance examinations are held in London in March and June; a fee of £1 is charged.

There are several scholarships attached to the college, of which full particulars can be obtained, together with forms of entry, and copies of the programme and of former entrance examinations, on application to the Secretary, Miss Kensington, 22, Gloucester Place, Hyde Park, London, W. The committee wish it to be understood that although residence for three years is necessary for obtaining a certificate, students can be received for shorter periods.

Arrangements are made for holding examinations of the students of the college, and certifying proficiency. A certificate called a degree certificate is conferred upon any student whose proficiency has been certified to the satisfaction of the college, according to the standard of any examinations qualifying for the B.A. degree of the University of Cambridge, if such student has fulfilled, so far as in the judgment of the college was practicable, all the conditions imposed for the time being by the university on candidates for degrees.

A certificate called a college certificate will be conferred upon any student who shall have passed, to the satisfaction of the college, examinations similar in subjects and standard to those qualifying for the B.A. degree of the University of Cambridge, the following deviations being permitted: The substitution of French and English, or German and English, for Latin or for Greek; the substitution of English, French, and German for both Latin and Greek; the omission, in case of objection, of the theological part of the examination.

Newnham Hall.—No student is admitted under the age of eighteen. Students are required to give references satisfactory to the principal, and no student is permitted to come into residence without the approval of the principal.

The principal may require any student to withdraw who in her opinion is not profiting by the course of study at Cambridge. The charges for board and lodging and tuition are 25 guineas a term, and 15s. a year is charged for the use of the gymnasium. Unless under special circumstances, students who intend to pass the Cambridge Higher Local Examination will be required to pass in English history, English literature, and arithmetic, before coming into residence. Those who have taken honours in the Cambridge Senior Local Examination will be exempt from this rule.

The academic year, from October to June, is divided into three terms, corresponding to the terms of the Cambridge University.

The public lectures of thirty of the university professors are now open to women, and the permission to attend the lectures of the professors of natural science include the privilege of gaining access to some of the natural science museums and laboratories.

Ladies can be received as out-students of the College; they must either be women living with their parents at Cambridge, or bonâ fide students over thirty years of age, or otherwise in exceptional circumstances. The tuition fee for out-students is 6 guineas a term.

Students of limited means, especially those preparing for the profession of teaching, may avail themselves of the help granted from a loan fund towards the payment of their fees for lectures and the purchase of books.

Those who need this assistance should apply to Mrs. Bateson, Secretary of the Association for Promoting the Higher Education of Women, St. John's Lodge, Cambridge. They must give some testimony respecting their intellectual qualifications.

A certain number of exhibitions of 5 guineas a term are awarded by the principal to students needing assistance, regard being had to intellectual qualifications, and a written statement of circumstances being required. These exhibitions are tenable with scholarships, of which there are a considerable number. The principal's name and address is Miss A. J. Clough, Newnham Hall, Cambridge.

The students from Girton and Newnham who have wished to become governesses have hitherto had no difficulty whatever in obtaining engagements with good salaries.

Lady Margaret Hall, Oxford.—The object of the founders of this hall has been to procure for those desirous of availing themselves of the Association for Promoting the Higher Education of Women in Oxford the protection and training of an academical house on the principles of the Church of England, but with provision for the liberty of members of other religious bodies.

The charges of the hall will at first amount to £25 per term, or £75 per annum, for each student, exclusive of expenses strictly personal. There are no entrance fees, but the expenses of the term will be paid in advance. The committee hope that as the hall grows they may be able to reduce this charge. Sisters, or other ladies willing to share the same room, will be allowed a reduction of charge.

Provision will be made in certain cases, by exhibitions or otherwise, for students whose resources are insufficient for the expenses of the course.

The terms will correspond generally with those of the university. The fees for instruction will be paid to the General Association, and are not included in the charges of the hall. They will probably be about £15 per annum. Each student will have a room to herself, fitted up to serve as sitting-room and bed-room. There will also be a common sitting-room, and meals will be in common in the dining-room. Names for entrance must be sent to the lady principal, Miss Wordsworth, Riseholme, Lincoln.

Students are required to give references satisfactory to the lady principal. In the case of those who have been in any other place of education, a letter of recommendation from its authorities will be required. Those applying for admission must satisfy the lady principal as to their character and attainments.

Students will not be allowed to reside for less than an academical year without special leave.

Somerville Hall, Oxford.—An association having been formed in Oxford for promoting the higher education of women, this hall is established for the reception of students coming from a distance to attend the lectures of the association. Care will be taken in the conduct of it that members of different religious denominations are placed on the same footing. The life of the students will be modelled on that of an English family. No student will be admitted under the age of seventeen.

The ordinary charges for board and lodging will be 20 guineas per term, paid in advance, or 60 guineas for the whole year of three terms; the terms corresponding generally to those of university residence. The fees for instruction will probably be about 15 guineas a year.

Particulars concerning exhibitions and scholarships may be learnt on application to the principal, Miss M. Shaw Lefevre, whose London address is 41, Seymour Street, W., or to either of the Secretaries—the Hon. Mrs. Harcourt, Cowley Grange, Oxford; or Mrs. J. H. Ward, 5, Bradmore Road, Oxford.

KINDERGARTEN TEACHERS.

The demand for trained Kindergarten teachers is at present considerably in excess of the supply; the average salary is £80 a year. These are the rules of examination published by the Froebel Society for the Promotion of the Kindergarten System:—

Examinations of students of the Kindergarten system are held in London, conducted by examiners appointed by the committee of the Froebel Society. Those students who satisfy the examiners will receive first or second class certificates of their qualification to become Kindergarten teachers. No candidate will be admitted to examination under the age of eighteen.

The whole examination need not be passed in one year. A candidate may present herself for any number of the groups, or for all; and when all have been passed the candidate will receive a first or second class certificate. All candidates will be expected to produce a certificate of having passed some recognised public examination in English subjects, as—Oxford or Cambridge Senior Local, Higher Local; Society of Arts; First and Second Class, College of Preceptors; Government Elementary Teachers; &c. In special cases the production of a certificate may be excused, provided the committee are satisfied that a candidate has received a good general education. This will not apply to the younger candidates. The fee for the whole examination will be £1; for each group, if taken separately, 3s. The fees will be returned if through unavoidable circumstances the candidate cannot present herself for examination. Candidates will be expected to produce evidence that they have not had less than six months' practice in class teaching of young children, and to satisfy the examiners of their ability to organise a Kindergarten. Names of candidates must be sent to Mrs. E. Berry, hon. secretary to the Froebel Society, 27, Upper Bedford Place.

Kindergarten Training College, 31, Tavistock Place.—The college is founded to provide a central place of training for Kindergarten teachers who intend to qualify for the Froebel Society's certificates. The college is open to all students above seventeen years of age, who are otherwise qualified to enter for the Froebel Society's examination. The course of instruction for regular students includes all the subjects laid down from time to time in the syllabus of the Froebel Society's examination, and is divided into a first and second year's course.

Students must at the end of their first year take such portions of the Froebel Society's examinations as shall hereafter be indicated by the Council. At the close of the second year students will be expected to pass the examination for the full certificate.

All regular students are required to attend the lectures and practical work of the college throughout their first year of study.

During the second year, attendance at the college in the morning is not obligatory for students who have qualified as assistant teachers, provided that the principal be satisfied that they have practice in teaching under the direction of some persons approved by the council of the college.

Therefore, all lectures and lessons connected with the second year's course, other than lessons in the Kindergarten, are given in the afternoon or evening.

Afternoon or evening lessons and lectures are open to students not being regular students of the college, on certain conditions hereafter to be specified, and at a special charge per course. A Kindergarten is attached to the college.

The college year is divided into three terms, each of about thirteen weeks. The hours of attendance are from 9.30 A.M. to 4.30 P.M.; and on Saturdays from 9.30 A.M. to 12.30 P.M.

Fees £20 per year, or £7 per term, payable in advance. No residence is provided for students, but the Council are prepared to recommend homes in the neighbourhood of the college.

There is also a Kindergarten College and Practising School at 21, Stockwell Road, London, belonging to the British and Foreign School Society. The course of instruction extends over two years, and the fees are £10 10s. a year, with some trifling extras. Secretary, Mr. Alfred Bourne, B.A. The Home and Colonial School Society, Gray's Inn Road, London, also has a Kindergarten Class for private governesses, school-mistresses, and pupil teachers. They hold examinations and grant certificates to those who prove their efficiency.

Education by Correspondence.—For the special benefit of ladies living in the country who may wish to prepare for the public examinations, arrangements have been made by several of the lecturers at Cambridge for giving instruction by correspondence in some of the subjects of study selected by the University of Cambridge for the examination of women. Information on this point will be given by Mrs. Peile, Trumpington, Cambridge. Correspondence classes have also been organised by Miss Shaw, Poyle Orchard, Burnham, Maidenhead, to whom application for admission must be made. The classes are conducted by ladies, who are authorised to receive as pupils those whom the Cambridge lecturers are unable to accept. Should they find that the number of these fall short of the number they are able to instruct, they will receive others, whether in direct preparation for the examination or not.

The instruction is given by means of:—

I. Papers of questions set from time to time, and the answers looked over and returned with comments.

II. Solutions of difficulties and general directions as to books.

III. Short essays or résumés written by the pupils, and sent for correction to the teachers; or, in the language-classes, passages set for translation.

The papers will, if possible, be returned to the students not later than a week from their reception, and another set of questions sent at the same time. The fee is £3 3s. the course for each subject, paid in advance. The course extends over the three Cambridge terms—i.e., from October 14th to the end of May.

For an account of other educational advantages open to women I refer my readers to the "List of Colleges, Schools, Lectures, &c.," published by the Women's Education Union; and the "Educational Year Book," published by Cassell & Company, Limited.

A great boon to ladies anxious to qualify themselves for governesses, and who have not the necessary means, is the Teachers' Education Loan Society, which advances school fees upon certain conditions to persons over sixteen desirous of improving their education for purposes of self-maintenance as teachers. Apply for regulations by letter to the Hon. Secretary, Miss Ewart, 3, Morpeth Terrace, Victoria Street, London, S.W., before February, May, and November in each year, for the three terms of Easter, Michaelmas, and Lent following.

SALARIES OF MISTRESSES.

The Rugby Council for Promoting the Education of Women has instituted a calendar, giving the names and addresses of ladies who have passed the university examinations, and who desire educational work of any kind; it also contains full particulars respecting all the university examinations. Many ladies whose names are entered in this calendar have succeeded in obtaining good situations through it, with salaries varying from £50 to £150 a year. A fee of 2s. 6d. is charged, in addition to an entrance fee of 2s. 6d. to ladies on each situation obtained through the calendar; its price is 1s. Communications may be addressed to Mrs. Kitchener, School House, Newcastle, Staffordshire.

Miss Buss, of the North London Collegiate School, has published a list of girls' schools, with special regard to salaries of head mistresses (as recommended by the Endowed Schools Commission), which I quote to show what good incomes are attainable in the profession of teaching. Applications for engagements as assistant mistresses should in all cases be made first to the head mistress of the school.

The Girls' Public Day School Company, in connection with the Women's Education Union, pay their teachers good salaries. The schools of the Company at present in operation are the following:—

• Bath High School, 5, Portland Place, Bath.
• Blackheath High School, Wemyss Road, Blackheath, S.E.
• Brighton High School, The Temple, Montpelier Road, Brighton.
• Bromley High School, Fern Bank, Elmfield Road, Bromley, Kent.
• Clapham High School, The Lawn, Clapham Common, S.W.
• Clapham Middle School, Clarence House, Clapham Common.
• Croydon High School, Wellesley Road, Croydon.
• Dulwich High School, Thurlow Park Road, West Dulwich, S.E.
• Gateshead High School, Windmill Hill, Gateshead-on-Tyne.
• Hackney High School, 273 and 275, Mare Street, Hackney, E.
• Highbury and Islington High School, 6 and 7, Canonbury Place, N.
• Ipswich High School, Northgate Street, Ipswich.
• Kensington High School, 152 and 154, Cromwell Road, S.W.
• Liverpool High School, Prince's Park, Liverpool
• Maida Vale High School, Warrington Crescent, W.
• Newton Abbot High School, Dovercourt, Forde Park, Newton Abbot.
• Norwich High School, Theatre Street, Norwich.
• Nottingham High School, Arboretum Street, Nottingham.
• Notting Hill and Bayswater High School, Norland Square, Notting Hill, W.
• Oxford High School, St. Giles's Road East, Oxford.
• Portsmouth High School, Osborne Road, Southsea.
• Sheffield High School, Surrey Street, Sheffield.
• South Hampstead High School, Maresfield Gardens, Fitzjohn's Avenue, N.W.
• Tunbridge Wells High School, Fair Lawn, Mount Sion, Tunbridge Wells.
• Weymouth High School, 3, Greenhill, Weymouth.
• Wimbledon High School, Wimbledon Hill, Wimbledon.
• York High School, Fishergate House, York.

Ladies desirous of becoming head mistresses must send in their applications to the Secretary of the Company, 21, Queen Anne's Gate, S.W. Every application must be in writing, and be accompanied by original testimonials (which will be returned). Candidates, whose age must be stated, should have had experience in school management, and must produce testimony to their power of organisation, and ability to maintain firm but kindly discipline, as well as to their attainments and capacity as teachers of classes.

Subject to bye-laws, regulations of the Council, and to an annual examination and inspection of the school by independent examiners, each head mistress will have the management of the studies and discipline of the school, and will be consulted in the selection and appointment of all assistant teachers, whose emoluments will be settled by the Council.

The emoluments of the head mistress will consist in each case of a fixed stipend of £250 per annum, together with a capitation fee of £1 10s. for every pupil in the school above the number of 100 up to 200, and of £2 for every pupil above the number of 200 up to 300.

There will be no residences attached to the schools; the head mistresses will not be allowed to take boarders or instruct private pupils except with the express permission of the Council, and the school year will be divided into three terms, each about thirteen weeks in length, and the engagement of each head mistress will be entered into subject to its being terminable either by the Council or by her at the end of a term and after the expiration of one term's previous notice. It is particularly requested that candidates abstain from canvassing members of the Council, either directly or indirectly.

Ladies desirous of becoming teachers in the schools of the Company, are requested to observe the following regulations:—

All appointments of assistant teachers are made by the Council, usually on the recommendation of the Committee of Education.

Candidates and their testimonials are in the first instance referred to the head mistress of the school concerned, who examines the testimonials and makes inquiry as to the qualifications when necessary at personal interviews. The head mistress then lays the several testimonials before the Education Committee, with a report upon them. The Education Committee make such further inquiries and hold such interviews with any of the candidates as they may deem fit, and then submit candidates for the approval of the Council. The Council pay second-class railway fare for those candidates with whom a personal interview is desired.

All appointments of assistant teachers are made on probation for the first two terms, that is to say are terminable by the head mistress at the end of the first or second term without reference to the Council, and without more than a month's notice.

When the Council have approved an appointment after the probationary period, an assistant teacher is required to sign an agreement with the Council, and is removable by the Council after notice of at least two months, expiring at the end of a school term. The same notice is required from an assistant teacher. At the end of the probationary period assistant teachers are placed on the permanent staff at a rate of salary depending upon their work and qualifications. These salaries begin at amounts varying from £70 to £135 per annum, and rise annually for four years by increments varying from £7 to £15. Junior teachers and paid student teachers are not included in the above. Board and residence are not provided by the Council.

The qualifications required vary with each special case. A knowledge of English grammar and literature, arithmetic, and one or more languages besides English, together with some experience in teaching, are usual requisites. Ability to assist in the instruction in drawing is also desirable. Music is always taught by special teachers.

It is a great recommendation if candidates have passed in the Higher Oxford or Cambridge Examinations, the London University Examinations, or other examinations of the like kind.

All applications should be made by letter, stating age, qualifications, and experience, and accompanied by copies of testimonials (not originals). These documents should be addressed to the head mistress of the particular school, at the school; or if not for any special school may be marked "Application for Assistant Teachership," and directed to the Secretary of the Company, 112, Brompton Road, London, who will send them to any head mistress needing an assistant.

Applications to teach special subjects, such as music, harmony, class-singing and pianoforte, drawing, higher Latin, French, or German, mathematics, any branch of natural science, drill, &c., should be made in the same manner.

Inquiries as to vacancies are best made of the various head mistresses early in the months of April, July, and December; they may also be addressed to the Secretary of the Company.

ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS.

Teachers in the elementary schools receive good salaries, have short hours of work, and are comparatively in an independent position; but I have no doubt many ladies would find the class of children they would be required to teach a great trial to them, as the habits and ideas of children of the lower classes would, in all probability, prove a considerable shock to the sensibilities of ladies who came in contact with them for the first time. The elementary schools employ an immense number of teachers. In the schools under the School Board alone 2,500 certificated female teachers are employed, besides a large number of pupil-teachers. The teachers under the School Board all receive good salaries, but as the whole scheme of payment is now under revision, it is impossible to give exact figures. Pupil-teachers begin at 4s. a week. There are seven weeks' holiday in the year; the hours of work are from 9 to 12, and 2 till 4.30. The head mistress is expected to give an hour's extra instruction to the pupil-teachers.

These are the regulations for admission of teachers to all public elementary schools—that is to say, all schools in receipt of a grant from the Education Department, including National, British, Wesleyan, Roman Catholic, and Board Schools.

The recognised classes of teachers are: Certificated teachers, pupil teachers, and assistant teachers.

Teachers in order to obtain certificates must be examined, and must undergo probation by actual service in school.

The examination for certificates is open to:—(a.) Students who have resided for at least one year in training colleges under inspection; or (b.) candidates who are upwards of twenty-one years of age. (1.) Completed an engagement as pupil-teacher satisfactorily; or (2.) obtained a favourable report from an inspector; or (3.) served as assistants for at least six months in schools under certificated teachers.

Candidates who at the time of the examination are not teachers of schools to which annual grants are or may be made, must be recommended by the authorities of their college, or by the managers of the school in which they last served.

Candidates for certificates, after successfully passing their examination, must, as teachers continuously engaged in the same schools, obtain two favourable reports from an inspector, with an interval of one year between them; and if the first of these reports be not preceded by service of three months (at the least) since the examination a third report, at an interval of one year after the second report, is issued; if the second (or third) report is favourable a certificate is issued.

Teachers under probation must satisfy the conditions which require that schools be kept by certificated teachers.

Pupil-teachers must be not less than fourteen years (completed) at the date of their engagement.

They are required to pass an easy examination, and produce certificates of health and character.

At the close of their engagement pupil-teachers are perfectly free in the choice of employment. If they wish to continue in the work of education they may become assistants in elementary schools; or may be examined for admission into a training college; or may be provisionally certificated for immediate service in charge of small schools.

Assistant Teachers.—Pupil-teachers who have completed their engagements with credit, and passed their examinations satisfactorily, and candidates not having been pupil-teachers who have passed with success the examination for entrance into a training college, may serve as assistants in schools, in place of pupil-teachers, without being required to be annually examined.

TRAINING COLLEGES.

An examination for Queen's Scholarships is annually held at each college in summer, and at special local centres, commencing at 10 A.M. on the first Wednesday after July 2nd.

The candidates are selected and admitted to the examination by the authorities of each college on their own responsibility, subject to no other conditions on the part of the Education Department than that the candidates:—

(a.) Intend bonâ fide to adopt and follow the profession of a teacher in elementary schools.

(b.) If pupil-teachers have successfully completed their engagement, or will do so before the following examination for admission.

(c.) Not having been pupil-teachers, will be more than eighteen years of age on January 1st next following the date of examination.

The successful candidates are arranged in three classes in order of merit.

A place in the third class qualifies for employment as an assistant teacher, but not for admission into a training college or for a provisional certificate.

The authorities of each college settle their own terms for admission.

Candidates are required to pass a medical examination.

The following is a list of training colleges for mistresses. It must be stated that the entrance fee entitles the student to board, lodging, washing, and medical attendance for two years, except during the holidays:—

All these colleges, with the exceptions specified, are conducted on Church of England principles.

GOVERNESSES IN PRIVATE FAMILIES.

After having said so much about the necessity of training, examinations, &c., I think it only fair to make some mention of governesses in private families for the younger children, under fourteen. Many parents are wise enough to prefer for these posts a thoroughly conscientious lady, even if she is not accomplished, to one who has any number of certificates, unless she combines with them a due sense of the importance of her task.

Ladies whose circumstances induce them to seek a situation in some one else's house should, above all things, avoid undue sensitiveness, and the habit of attributing unkind motives (which probably never exist) to every little incident which may occur. Of course a governess's life is not likely to be the happiest one could imagine, but I think it is usually her own fault if it is not a contented and useful one, and perhaps this is as much as it is wise for any of us to expect.

The best place for governesses of this class to apply to for situations is the Governesses' Benevolent Institution, 47, Harley Street, where no fee is charged. Any governess on procuring and leaving two satisfactory letters from respectable parties, written in the first person, signed, sealed, and addressed to the Board, may enter her name, and such other particulars as she may wish to state, in the books of registration, kept for that purpose. There is also a book to register applications for governesses. The Board of Management abstain from all interference between the parties, and the entries must be made by parties themselves, ladies in the country acting by a friend. No letter or testimonial can under any circumstances be returned nor taken from the office. It is necessary that all letters be written in the first person. Office hours from 12 to 5.

[CHAPTER III.]
ARTISTIC EMPLOYMENTS.

Schools of Art.—A knowledge of drawing is required in so many of the employments open to women that I think it advisable to give some information as to how it can best be acquired.

In connection with the National Art Training School at South Kensington, Metropolitan District Schools of Art are established at the following places:—

• 1. The Female School of Art, 43, Queen Square, Bloomsbury.
• 2. Blackheath, Lee, and Lewisham (Bennett Park).
• 3. Blackheath Hill, 13, Lansdowne Place.
• 4. Chelsea, Onslow College.
• 6. Chiswick, Bath Road, Bedford Park.
• 6. Holloway (Camden School).
• 7. Hornsey.
• 8. Islington, Barnsbury Hall.
• 9. Lambeth, Miller's Lane, Upper Kennington Lane.
• 10. North London, Sandringham Road, Kingsland.
• 11. St. Martin's-in-the-Fields, Castle Street, Long Acre.
• 12. St. Thomas Charterhouse, Goswell Road.
• 13. Stoke Newington.
• 14. Stratford, Maryland Point.
• 15. West London, 155, Great Titchfield Street.
• 16. Westminster, Royal Architectural Museum.

I give the rules of the South Kensington School; the others differ slightly, but further particulars can always be obtained by application to the head masters; as a rule the expense of studying at the local schools is less than at South Kensington, but the same system of instruction is pursued. The second grade certificate, so often mentioned in these pages, is by no means difficult to obtain. As will be seen by the rules, it is necessary to pass the examination for it before joining the art classes.

There is a large number of free studentships; for particulars of these application must be made to the Secretary, Science and Art Department, S.W.

The South Kensington rules are as follows:—

I. The courses of instruction pursued in the school have for their object the systematic training of teachers, male and female, in the practice of Art, and in the knowledge of its scientific principles, with a view to qualifying them as teachers of Schools of Art competent to develop the application of art to the common uses of life, and to the requirements of trade and manufactures. The instruction comprehends the following subjects:—Freehand, architectural, and mechanical drawing; practical geometry and perspective; painting in oil, tempera, and water colours; modelling, moulding, and casting. The classes for drawing, painting, and modelling, include architectural and other ornament, flowers, objects of still life, &c., the figure from the antique and the life, and the study of anatomy as applicable to art.

II. These courses of instruction are open to the public on payment of fees. These are as follows:—

Fees for Classes studying five whole days, including evenings:—

£5 for five months, and an entrance fee of 10s.

Evening Classes.

Male School, £2 per term.
Female School, £1 per term, three evenings a week.

The classes for male and female students meet separately.

Governesses in private schools or families may attend the day classes for not more than three months, on payment of £1 per month, without payment of the entrance fee.

III. No students can be admitted to these classes until they have passed an examination in freehand drawing of the second grade. Examinations of candidates for admission will be held weekly at the commencement of each term, and at frequent intervals throughout the year. These examinations are held at the school on Tuesdays at 10.30 A.M. and 6.45 P.M. Candidates should bring their own lead pencils and indiarubber. Unsuccessful candidates cannot be re-examined until after a month's interval. The examination fee is 2s. 6d. for day students, and 6d. for evening students, to be paid at the time of examination.

IV. The annual session consists of two terms, each lasting five months, and commencing on the 1st of March and the 1st of October, and ending on the last day of July and the last day of February respectively. One week at Christmas and one week at Easter or Whitsuntide are also vacations. The school is open every week-day except Saturday. Hours of study are—day, 9 to 3.30; evening, 7 to 9. Evening classes for females on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays.

Classes for modelling have been lately formed at the Lambeth Technical School of Art, 122, Kennington Park Road. Practice in modelling from drapery, the antique, and the human figure nude and draped. On Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings, from 7 to 9.30. Fee, 5s. per month.

Modelling from casts of ornaments:—The practice will be adapted to the technical wants of the individual students. This class meets on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, from 6.30 to 9. Fee, 2s. 6d. per month.

There is an annual examination for prizes in all schools of art, and a national competition.

Royal Academy.—Free instruction is given for a period of seven years at the Royal Academy of Arts, Burlington House, to any one who shows sufficient talent. Applicants for admission must have attained a certain proficiency, and must deliver specimens of their work, with a printed form duly filled in, at the Academy on or before the 28th of June, or the 28th of December, to be submitted to the Council. This form can be obtained from the Registrar through the written request of a member, or some artist or person of known respectability.

The hours of work are from 10 to 3. Students are required to provide their own materials.

Designers.—There is a great demand for skilful and original designers, but only for really clever ones, as so much of the ordinary work is done by pupils. Mr. Sparkes, the head master of the South Kensington School of Art, tells me any one with natural taste and invention can be trained thoroughly in designing, including a knowledge of the human figure, in two years, if willing to work hard; after that time it would be necessary to give some months to become acquainted with the possibilities of the material to be designed for, such as glass, table-linen, cretonnes, dress materials, wall papers, &c. After a few months' study, I should advise pupils to ask their head master's candid opinion as to their chances of success, as he would be better able to tell them than any one else.

Many of the large manufacturers employ designers permanently, at salaries not lower than £100 a year, and in many cases the work can be done at home. The authorities at South Kensington have frequent applications for designers, and recommend the most deserving amongst the students. Before offering designs to manufacturers it is advisable to ascertain what style they require, as sometimes a prejudice is created by unsuitable work being offered, which is never overcome. Many of the large upholsterers employ girls to design furniture. It requires a good knowledge of drawing, including perspective, but not so much talent as other kinds of designing. The salaries vary from 25s. to 30s. a week.

At the Lambeth Technical School of Art, 124, Kennington Park Road, classes for the study of design meet on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday evenings. The course is adapted for the use of all students engaged in the practice of ornamental art, and is specially designed for the use of those occupied in pottery painting and surface decoration. The fee is 2s. 6d. per month, except to those students who have already joined the Art School, who will pay 6d. additional fee.

Wood Carving.—A school of art for wood carving has recently been established at the Albert Hall, South Kensington, where ladies can receive the thorough training which is essential to their success in this branch of art labour. Three years is the least time in which a fair knowledge of the art can be acquired by capable and industrious students, but at the end of the first year those who are clever may earn as much as ten or twelve shillings a week; when proficient, their earnings would probably be from £2 to £3 weekly, though in cases of exceptional talent, no doubt, considerably more might be occasionally earned.

There are very few highly skilled wood carvers in England, so there would be no difficulty in disposing of really good artistic work. The best plan for those unable to obtain permanent employment is to make small articles, such as blotting-books, photograph frames, glove-boxes, paper-knives, &c., take them to the large fancy shops, and offer them for sale. Upholsterers and picture-frame makers give regular employment to many; and when that can be obtained it is doubtless more satisfactory than anything else.

The rules of the school at the Albert Hall are as follows:—

Both day and evening classes are held in the school. The day classes are held from 10 to 1 and 2 to 5 on five days a week, and from 10 to 1 on Saturdays. The evening classes are held from 7 to 9 on four evenings a week, viz., Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. The fees for day students are £2 a month, or £5 a quarter. The fees for evening students are 15s. a month, or £2 a quarter.

There are at present twelve free studentships, viz., six in the day and six in the evening classes. Candidates must have passed the second grade art examination of the Science and Art Department in freehand drawing at least. Those who have some knowledge of wood carving, or have passed in the other subjects of the second grade art certificate, or in drawing from the antique and the figure, architectural drawing, or designing and modelling, will be preferred. Applications for these studentships should be addressed to the Secretary, at the school.

All students are required to provide their own tools, and work done in the schools by free students cannot be taken away. Students paying their own fees may take away work executed by themselves on their own materials, but all work on materials provided by the school remains the property of the school. Students who have been in the school not less than twelve months may, on the recommendation of the instructor, receive such payment for their work as the Committee may determine.

The tools students are required to provide themselves with, during the whole time they attend the school, cost about £2, but for 15s. they can procure enough to carry them over the first few months. The free studentships are for periods of six months, and are renewed to promising students. A taste for designing, and a considerable knowledge of drawing, are so desirable that I cannot conscientiously recommend any one without them to adopt wood carving as her profession, for although a certain degree of mechanical excellence might be obtained, it would not be sufficient to ensure a livelihood.

Mr. Donaldson, a member of the firm of Messrs. Gillow and Co., Oxford Street, takes a very great interest in the school, and kindly allows me to say that he intends to do all in his power to give employment to ladies competent to undertake it; but, of course, as the work required by his firm is of a superior kind, those anxious to obtain it must study until they can produce excellent work.

Wood Engraving.—To learn the art of wood-engraving thoroughly a long apprenticeship is absolutely necessary. All authorities agree in saying that students must not expect to earn anything at all for the first three years; after that time they may probably earn £1 a week, but should still continue their course of study for two years at least. There is not the slightest reason why women should not rival men in this branch of art, if they will give the necessary time to acquire it.

The work can very frequently be done at home, which is usually considered an advantage; but in that case ladies must make up their minds to work as steadily and for as many hours a day as they would under the eyes of a master; for certainly only those who could be depended upon for punctuality would be likely to obtain remunerative work.

At the expiration of the five years, when the pupil may be expected to have become a skilled engraver, her earnings would be from £1 10s. to £4 or more a week, according to her industry and ability.

The City and Guilds of London Institute has established a technical class of wood engraving at 122 and 124, Kennington Park Road, under the care of Mr. C. Roberts.

The hours of practice are from 10 to 4, and from 6 to 8 in the evening, daily, except Saturday; and all students are expected to attend regularly and punctually.

On Tuesday and Friday evenings the work of the class will be examined. At all other times students will be responsible to an assistant teacher, or senior student, who will be always present.

All members of the class must have taken the second grade certificate of the Science and Art Department, or must be prepared to do so.

Four scholarships, each consisting of a free studentship for one year, will be awarded annually after the first year's practice. These may be renewed in the following year on proof of industry and progress, and on the recommendation of the master. The fee will be £3 3s. a year, payable by half-yearly sums of £1 11s. 6d. in advance. No student can be admitted for a shorter period than one year.

The vacations are six weeks in the summer two weeks at Christmas, and two at Easter or at Whitsuntide.

The cost of the tools each student is required to provide herself with is 22s.

For those students who at the expiration of two or three years are sufficiently advanced in their practice to be able to execute work for publication, Mr. Roberts has, with the co-operation of the Society for the Employment of Women, established a work-room in connection with his own offices at Lonsdale Chambers, Chancery Lane.

At this work-room all those advanced students that Mr. Roberts is able to accommodate and employ will continue to have his supervision, and receive work, and be advanced according to their ability.

Mr. Paterson, an engraver, who has been a most successful teacher for fourteen years in both Edinburgh and London, holds a class for ladies every Monday and Thursday, from 2 to 3 o'clock, at 3, East Temple Chambers, Whitefriars Street. No pupil will be received for less than two quarters.

As his is a private class, he of course cannot compete in price with the one under the patronage of the City and Guilds of London Institute. His terms are:—

A small charge is also made for the wood used by the pupil; it never exceeds 7s. 6d. a quarter. The cost of the tools is 21s., but they are highly finished and ready for use. Many of Mr. Paterson's pupils are now earning considerable incomes. A knowledge of drawing, though very desirable, is not essential, especially as in all probability no one who was entirely devoid of the artistic faculty would care to attempt to become an engraver, as it is doubtless a long and arduous task, though the success which may be attained would, when it came, be, I think, a full recompense for all the time and trouble that had been expended.

China Painting.—Painting on china has been considerably overdone of late years, and now only really good work can be at all certain of finding a market. The best way for amateurs to dispose of their work is to send it to Messrs. Howell and James's annual exhibition, as they allow each exhibitor to send three small or two large pieces of work, and last season £3,000 worth of ladies' paintings on china were sold. Each piece of work should be marked the price at which it is to be disposed of, a commission of 15 per cent. being charged on the published price of all works sold, to defray the expenses of advertisement and exhibition. Only strictly original works are eligible for prizes, but adaptation and copies are not inadmissible for exhibition if approved by the judges, to whom all works are submitted. All works must be sent in by the end of March.

Before taking lessons in painting on china, it is essential that ladies should have a good knowledge of drawing. With that, a few months' lessons will make them proficient china painters; without it, they will never do anything worth buying. Classes for pottery painting are held at Messrs. Howell and James's, Regent Street, every day excepting Saturdays. Terms:—The course of ten lessons of two hours each, £3 3s.; six lessons, £2; three lessons, £1 1s.

Messrs. Doulton and Co., Lambeth, employ about 120 ladies permanently in painting on china. The work is paid by the piece, so the amount earned depends on the workers. A class for pottery painting is formed on Tuesday and Friday at the Lambeth School of Art, Miller's Lane, Upper Kennington Lane; fee, 10s. 6d. per month. I believe this class was formed at Messrs. Doulton's request principally to prepare ladies to execute their work, as they found teaching ladies who had no previous knowledge of the art took up too much of their time. The head master of the Lambeth School of Art told me he thought it useless for ladies to join the class who had not a considerable knowledge of drawing, such, for instance, as they might acquire by two years' study at some school of art.

Painting on Leather.—This branch of decorative art is well suited to women, but there is but a small demand for it. Some of the large upholsterers are willing to employ ladies, but they must have a good knowledge of drawing, and be willing to give two years to learn the technicalities of the art, and to gain experience of the different styles, especially Spanish and Italian, at the South Kensington Museum and other places. At the expiration of that time wages would begin at from 6s. to £1 a week, according to ability; and the probable eventual earnings would be from £2 to £3 weekly.

Mosaic.—Women have frequently been employed in manufacturing mosaic; but it is so little used in England that at present I can hear of no place where they would be likely to obtain work. But when the decoration of St. Paul's Cathedral in mosaic is commenced—if it is entrusted to an English firm, as I sincerely hope it will be—there will be employment for hundreds of women for some years. The usual pay mosaic workers obtain if they have no knowledge of drawing is about £40 a year; if they can undertake the more difficult parts, such as the human figure, their salaries are proportionately higher. The mere technical knowledge is easily acquired in a month.

Painting on Glass.—It is a great pity ladies are not more extensively employed in painting on glass. Messrs. Powell and Co., of the Whitefriars Glass Works Company, Whitefriars Street, employ a few. These ladies work in a separate room, six hours a day, and four on Saturdays; these are obviously very short hours, and Mr. Powell has no objection to increase them if he finds the ladies he employs are willing; of course their work is paid by time. He intends to increase his staff of lady workers as occasion arises. Only a very slight knowledge of drawing is required for the lower branches of this art, and it is necessary to give perhaps three months, certainly not more, to acquire it. The average earnings are from £60 to £70 a year; any one capable of copying figures and painting them on glass would obtain a higher salary, probably £100 a year.

Decorative Work.—Messrs. Simpson and Co. employ a large number of ladies in various kinds of decorative work, such as painting tiles, glass, decorating enamelled iron, &c., at salaries beginning at £40 a year, and rising according to the value of their services. The hours of work are from 9 to 6, with the usual interval of an hour.

A good knowledge of drawing is required, such as might be obtained by two years' hard work at a School of Art, and it is desirable that the human figure should have been carefully studied; but Messrs. Simpson and Co. prefer that the ladies who come to them should be without any special knowledge of the work they will be employed in, as they would rather impart it themselves.

Miss Collingridge, 9, Beaumont Street, Portland Place, N.W., undertakes all kinds of art decorative work, and receives pupils; the hours of study are from 9.30 to 4 o'clock. Many of her pupils have been very successful in obtaining engagements as designers, china painters, &c., and two are now employed in drawing for costumiers. To obtain constant work at the conclusion of a course of study, Miss Collingridge thinks versatile invention and refined feeling essential, as is also business capacity.

The Misses Rhoda and Agnes Garrett were in business as house decorators, cabinet-makers, and designers of all the details of household furniture and upholstery, at 2, Gower Street (corner of Bedford Square), London, and I understand they were very successful. They attributed their success entirely to the thorough training they went through, and their strict attention to business. Miss Rhoda Garrett has unfortunately lately died, but Miss Agnes Garrett still carries on the business. Miss Garrett takes pupils or apprentices for a not shorter time than three years, at a premium of £300. The hours of work are from 10 to 4. After the apprenticeship industrious ladies of ordinary intelligence would be prepared to start in business on their own account, but for this capital is of course required. If two sisters or friends went through the course of study together, and into partnership afterwards, as the Misses Garrett did, they would be much more likely to succeed than one would alone.

Plan Tracing.—It has been thought that women might very well be employed in tracing the plans of builders, architects, and engineers, and an office for the purpose has been established, through the agency of the Society for the Employment of Women, at 8, Great Queen Street, S.W. It is going on very satisfactorily; several ladies are employed; they give three months to learn the work, and after that time their pay commences at threepence an hour, rising to sixpence; they work seven hours a day. Ladies who wish to learn the work, without desiring employment, can be received on payment of a premium of £10; but it is requested that all inquiries should be addressed to Miss King, Secretary to the Society for the Employment of Women, 22, Berners Street, Oxford Street.

I think many of the large firms might be induced to employ women permanently in copying their plans, if personal application were made to them and specimens of work taken. The great requisites for success in this work are neatness and accuracy; the merely technical knowledge is easily acquired.

Although they do not actually teach plan-tracing at the schools of art, their architectural classes would be found to give most of the necessary information, sufficient to enable a careful student to apply for work with the full consciousness of being able to do it.

Photography.—The following particulars respecting the employment of ladies in photography have been kindly given me by Mr. Elliott, of the firm of Elliott and Fry, photographers, Baker Street, London. He requested me to warn ladies against wasting their time in learning to tint photographs, as the fashion for these has almost entirely died out, and he has innumerable applications from ladies anxious to tint them. A considerable number of women are employed by the trade in spotting photographs; their wages usually begin at 6s. a week, rising, when they have learnt their business, which can easily be done in two months, to 15s. or £1. The hours of work are from 9 to 5. Many are employed in mounting photographs on cards; it is work that requires great neatness and accuracy; the pay varies from £1 to £1 5s. a week.

Re-touching negatives is the most difficult and consequently the best-paid branch of photography open to women; it requires some knowledge of drawing, and, Mr. Elliott says, considerable common sense; a few lessons in the technicalities should be taken from some re-toucher before applying for work, a month would be quite long enough to acquire them, and the fee would probably be small. A re-toucher willing to give the necessary instruction could usually be heard of at the leading photographers'. The salaries vary from 30s. to £3 a week.

Art Needlework.—The Royal School of Art Needlework in the Exhibition Road, South Kensington, is by far the best of all the work societies, and the only one where ladies who are once admitted can be certain of constant employment; so it is the only one of which I shall give a description. These are the rules:—

I. Application for admission as qualified workers for the school must be made to the Manager by the applicants in person, and they must give two references to prove their position.

II. Applicants must fulfil the following requirements:—

(a.) They must be gentlewomen by birth and education.

(b.) They must be able and willing when employed to devote seven hours a day to work at the school.

III. Every applicant is required to go through a course of instruction, for which £5 is charged.

IV. The course of instruction consists of nine lessons in art needlework, of five hours each. If after the first two lessons, in the opinion of the teacher, the applicant is not likely to be successful as a needle worker, she will be recommended to retire, and on so retiring the £5 will be returned to her.

V. The school enters into no engagement to give employment to any lady.

This last rule is practically not carried out, as ladies are never allowed to take the preliminary lessons unless there are vacancies for qualified workers.

It is difficult to give the probable earnings, as all work is paid by the piece; but I have been able to gather that the average earnings are from 20s. to 30s. a week. This sum is practically only exceeded by very quick and clever workers.

During the holidays given by the school, ladies are allowed to take work home, so their incomes are only limited by their own industry, or perhaps I should say lack of it. About 120 ladies are employed, and I understand there are a considerable number of candidates for each vacancy as it occurs.

Painting on Silk and Cards.—All the paintings on silk, satin, or cards, for fans, valentines, scent packets, and Christmas cards, sold by Mr. Rimmel, 36, Strand, and at his various branch establishments, are executed by ladies and gentlemen at their own homes. The paintings must be of a superior character, and not mere repetitions, as anything original is sure to sell. Some of the ladies who paint regularly for him earn as much as £3 or £4 a week. I have no doubt many other firms employ ladies in the same way.

Medical Drawings.—Doctors frequently require careful drawings of different diseases, and ladies who are good draughtsmen are usually employed to make them. Application should be made at the different hospitals, and specimen drawings taken. It would be good practice to make copies of the drawings of diseases to be found in medical works. I understand ladies are now making as much as £2 to £3 a week in this way. Of course the demand is somewhat fluctuating.

Tapestry Painting consists of painting with specially-prepared liquid colours on a woven textile fabric. Messrs. Howell and James sell all the necessary materials, and classes for instruction are held at their Art Studio, 5, Regent Street. Terms:—The course of ten lessons of two hours each, £5; the course of six lessons of two hours each, £3 3s.

[CHAPTER IV.]
MEDICINE AS A PROFESSION FOR WOMEN

Ladies wishing to enter the medical profession can receive the necessary instruction at the London School of Medicine for Women, 30, Henrietta Street, Brunswick Square. It is desirable that they should have private means, as, unless they go to India, where there is a considerable opening for medical women, it would probably be some time before their practice would be sufficiently remunerative. Ladies desiring to prepare for the medical profession must pass one of the examinations in Arts recognised by the General Medical Council, such an examination being compulsory before registration as a medical student.

Among these examinations are:—

I. The Oxford and Cambridge Local Examinations, Senior and Junior.

II. The Senior Local Examinations for Honorary Certificates, and the ordinary Local Examination of the University of Edinburgh.

III. The Local Examination for Honours Certificates of the University of St. Andrews.

IV. The Examination in Arts of the Society of Apothecaries in London.

V. The examinations for a first-class certificate of the Royal College of Preceptors.

VI. The Local Examinations of the Queen's University in Ireland.

VII. The Matriculation Examination of the University of London.

Certificates must in all cases include English literature, Latin, arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and also one of the following optional subjects:—

Greek, French, German, or natural philosophy.

Four years is considered the necessary time of study to obtain a license to practise from the King's and Queen's College of Physicians in Ireland; and the expense, including examiners' fees, hospital practice, books, and instruments, is slightly under £200. This, of course, does not include board and lodging.

An M.D. degree from the University of London is more difficult to obtain, and necessitates additional study of a year, or possibly more. There are at present thirty-six pupils in the school. No one is admitted under the age of eighteen. An entrance scholarship of the value of £30 is competed for annually in September.

All persons requiring further information on subjects connected with the medical education of women, with the residence of students in the neighbourhood of the school, or respecting scholarships, are invited to apply to Mrs. Thorne, hon. secretary, 30, Henrietta Street, Brunswick Square, London.

Pharmaceutical Chemists.—As the Pharmaceutical Society has now thrown its examinations open to women, there is nothing to prevent them from setting up in business as chemists. It is an occupation peculiarly adapted to women, and returns a better interest on invested capital than most other trades.

A preliminary examination in Latin, Arithmetic, and English, has to be passed, unless the candidate can produce a certificate of having passed the Local Examinations of the Universities of Oxford, Cambridge, Durham, or Edinburgh, the Examination of the College of Preceptors, or those of any legally constituted examining body previously approved by the Council, provided Latin and arithmetic be included in the subjects.

Before going up for the other examinations each candidate must produce a certified declaration that for three years she has been registered and employed as an apprentice or student, or has otherwise for three years been practically engaged in the translation and dispensing of prescriptions.

The cost of passing the three examinations necessary to become a pharmaceutical chemist, including tuition, examiner's fees, books, chemicals, apparatus, &c., is from £80 to £100, and the time required for study after the apprenticeship would be from a year to eighteen months.

Miss Isabella S. Clarke, a pharmaceutical chemist, in Spring Street, Paddington, is willing to take outdoor apprentices for three years at a premium of £100.

The capital required to start in business with a reasonable prospect of success is from £500 to £1,000; the nearer it is to £1,000 the better. The stores have done much to injure chemists' business by selling patent medicines, hair-washes, soap, scents, &c., at much lower prices than private traders can afford to adopt.

Dispensers.—I understand that many doctors who prepare their own medicines are willing to employ ladies to dispense them, at salaries ranging from £30 to £50. The necessary knowledge can be acquired at the New Hospital for Women, Marylebone Road, where they are willing to take girls and teach them dispensing for six months for a premium of £5. It is necessary that candidates should have a slight knowledge of Latin, and an intimate acquaintance with arithmetic, especially fractions; and desirable that they should be of studious habits, as they are expected to read various books recommended them by the authorities. Employment can also occasionally be obtained at hospitals, especially by ladies who can undertake bookkeeping as well as dispensing.

Hospital Nurses.—Hospital nursing affords certain employment to capable women, and, although the salaries are low, it must be remembered that liberal board, comfortable bed-rooms, and washing, are always included. Trained nurses' salaries usually commence at £20, rising, according to experience and responsibilities, to £30. Chief nurses of wards, usually called ward sisters, obtain in the chief London hospitals from £35 to £50. Matrons and lady superintendents of nursing receive from £50 to £100. Nearly all the London hospitals train nurses.

I give the rules of the Nightingale Fund and of the Westminster Training School, as I believe these will be found fair specimens of the rest.

At St. Thomas's two classes of probationers are received. The rules for special probationers are as follows:—

The committee of the Nightingale Fund have made arrangements for the admission to their school at St. Thomas's Hospital of a limited number of gentlewomen who may desire to qualify themselves in the practice of hospital nursing, with the express object of entering upon this profession permanently, by eventually filling superior situations in public hospitals and infirmaries.