encouraged in the North-western Provinces. We shall be prepared to sanction such measures as you may approve of, to carry out Mr. Robinson’s views.
89. But the attention of the Government of Bengal should be seriously directed to the consideration of some plan for the encouragement of indigenous schools, and for the education of the lower classes, which, like that of Mr. Thomason in the North-western Provinces, may bring the benefits of education practically before them, and assist and direct their efforts. We are aware that the object held out by the Government of Agra to induce the agricultural classes to improve their education does not exist in Bengal; but we cannot doubt that there may be found other similar solid advantages attending elementary knowledge, which can be plainly and practically made apparent to the understandings and interests of the lower classes of Bengal.
90. We perceive that the scheme of study pursued in the Oriental colleges of Bengal is under the consideration of the Council of Education, and it appears that they are in an unsatisfactory condition. We have already sufficiently indicated our views as to those colleges, and we should be glad to see them placed upon such a footing as may make them of greater practical utility. The points which you have referred to us, in your letter of the 5th of May, relative to the establishment of a Presidency College at Calcutta, will form the subject of a separate communication.
91. In the North-western Provinces the demand for education is so limited by circumstances fully detailed by the Lieutenant-Governor in one of his early reports, that it will probably be long before private efforts will become energetic enough to supply the place of the establishment, support, and management, by Government, of places of instruction of the highest grade, where there may be a sufficient reason for their institution.
92. At the same time, the system for the promotion of general education throughout the country, by means of the inspection and encouragement of indigenous schools, has laid the foundation of a great advancement in the education of the lower classes. Mr. Thomason ascertained, from statistical information, the lamentable state of ignorance in
