be added by degrees that of the causes which underlie those facts.
6. Proceeding, therefore, on the basis of my fourfold division of schools, we may define the Vernacular-School as follows. The aim and object of the Vernacular-School should be to teach to all the young, between the ages of six and twelve, such things as will be of use to them throughout their whole lives. That is to say:
(i) To read with ease both print and writing in their mother-tongue.
(ii) To write, first with accuracy, then with speed, and finally with confidence, in accordance with the grammatical rules of the mother-tongue. These rules should be written in a popular form, and the boys should be exercised in them.
(iii) To count, with ciphers and with counters, as far as is necessary for practical purposes.
(iv) To measure spaces, such as length, breadth, and distance, with skill.
(v) To sing well-known melodies, and, in the case of those who display especial aptitude, to learn the elements of advanced music.
(vi) To learn by heart the greater number of the psalms and hymns that are used in the country. For, if brought up in the praise of God, they will be able (as the Apostle says) to exhort one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing to God from their hearts.
(vii) Besides the Catechism they should know the most important stories and verses in the Bible, and should be able to repeat them word for word.
(viii) They should learn the principles of morality, which should be drawn up in the shape of rules and accompanied by illustrations suitable to the age and understanding of the pupils. They should also begin to put these principles into practice.
(ix) They should learn as much economics and politics as is necessary to enable them to understand what they see daily at home and in the state.
