mand of the teacher. The effect of fine glees and madrigals, or of the anthems of Farrant, Creyghton, and Gibbons, can only be compared to that of the highest classical poetry, but with this difference, that it takes ten years to learn to read the poetry, while an active part may be taken in the music in twelve months. Among the effects on the mind of such music may be mentioned, 1st, Habits of attention and precision called out by learning the notes; 2ndly, a sense of harmony and beauty of expression forming a corresponding habit of good taste; and lastly, owing to the necessity of keeping time, there is a demand on a giddy youth for steady attention, and on a slow one for a certain alertness and quickness of movement to prevent his being thrown out—the activity of the one is put under control, that of the other is called forth. On these grounds I earnestly advocate the study and practice of music—such music as Mr. Hull ah is teaching the people to love. This music is so truly English that it must bind English hearts together.[1]
The Expense of Farmers' Education.
The question of ways and means only remains to be spoken of. An opinion prevails in some quarters that an effort ought to be made to afford a good education to farmers' sons at a low rate of charge; I confess that I think it very undesirable that any step should be taken tending to lower the independence of the middle classes on the subject of providing for the best interests of their own children; and a little consideration of facts will show that an attempt on the part of a public body to offer a cheap education would be attended with great practical difficulties.
I believe the expense of commercial education as at present conducted in private establishments averages about 30l. per annum; some benevolent persons seem to think that it might be offered at a much lower rate.
Let us see what are the items of the expenditure for which we have to provide, distinguishing the cost of the education from the care of the body, and from all considerations of social position, and making due allowance for the expense which must be incurred at home if the boy were not at school. First, as to the cost of food and of personal superintendence, we may fairly allow 1s. per day, or say 7s. 6d. per week for 40 weeks, although with large numbers and by careful management the mere food may cost much less. Washing, I believe, costs about Is. per week, or 21. per annum. These items must be incurred in some form if the boy were living in his father's house. Then we have the inci-
- ↑ See Account of St. Mark's School, Windsor, below, p. 55,
