employment. Here is a slight hint as to the selection of a school. A very old school with an honorable name is a splendid place-finder for graduates likely to do it credit. The newer schools find it somewhat more difficult to place graduates. A disadvantage often found in old schools is intense conservatism and an overabundant supply of "inbred" instructors. Frequently a new school is good because all the teaching staff has been selected for proved ability and a desire to start a new school thoroughly abreast of the times, unhampered by traditions. This is excellent if the departments of mathematics, physics and chemistry in the older part of the institution will arrange courses of value to engineers and not consider the "culture" requirements of budding theologues, lawyers and physicians as sufficient for technical men.
The man who tries to start a school to satisfy critics in the ranks of practical engineers is foredoomed to failure. The wisest men recognize that no school can turn out engineers, but that all schools should turn out young fellows trained to be good engineering assistants and having enough education to be ready for advancement when it comes. The chief criticism against the schools is that the boys are not well enough drilled in practice, lack of time preventing more than the instilling of principles. It is a serious criticism, but unjust, for all men are not endowed with the brains
