tend, for the fitting-schools of the country to accomplish much more and better work than is now possible. Indeed, if the results reasonable to hope for in the future were secured, these schools could send out their pupils as well educated at eighteen as they are now at twenty, that is, after being two years in college. Thus at least two entire years could be saved in the secondary education.
The valid objection to our present system of education, that it compels young men to wait too long before entering upon their more strictly university or professional studies, would be obviated in this way. The study of theology, law, and medicine, or that free pursuit of science which accords with the university idea, could thus begin at the average age of twenty, instead of twenty-two or twenty-four, as the case now is. But the university and professional education would then rest on a much better basis than is now laid at a later age. Moreover, the two or more years of time which would be saved could go where they ought to go—namely, into university and professional studies. This would give us far better-equipped teachers, physicians, lawyers, and clergymen.
There is one other matter of practical importance which needs much careful attention in order to lessen the burdens and increase the efficiency
