held the great crowd of people, he said, 'I hope I shall soon see a larger and better assembly."

They found here now many large buildings, such as the Royal College of Surgeons, medical museums, libraries, etc. In one part of the Fields they saw many houses with outer staircases leading from the interior of the quadrangle to the different sets of chambers.

“Papa, why is this place called 'Inn'?" asked Florence. "Because the masters formerly received here pupils to study law, and these pupils resided and boarded with their law-teachers. One inn would often have a hundred students."

Proceeding a little farther, and turning away to the right, brought the Cartmell party to a view of the British Museum, containing one of the largest and most valuable collections in the world.

They did not stop to look at the endless treasures kept therein, but drove along through New Oxford Street and the rookery of St. Giles, long known as one of the worst parts of London.

"A

"This dense mass of poor houses was cleared away when New Oxford Street was made," explained Mr. French. part of the same neighborhood," he continued, "is Seven Dials,' through which we are now passing. They were planned and built for wealthy tenants in the time of Charles. II., but the number of clock faces is now reduced to two."

The people seen on the streets were only those belonging to the very poorest sections, as shown by their faces and dress.

The Cartmells returned home through Shaftsbury Street and Charing Cross Road. They found these to be newly opened and very wide thoroughfares, to accommodate the immense traffic northward from the river in this part of London. The boys pointed out several theatres on these streets, 1 See p. 137.

and Mr. French showed them the handsome Palace Music Hall and a much-used public library.

"What large building is that?" asked Nellie.

"That is one end of the National Gallery; and we are once again at Trafalgar Square, and the loop route through some of the principal streets of London is complete."

LANGUAGE LESSON

1. Tell all you know about the two noted writers who loved Fleet Street.

2. What does the name "Barebone" suggest to you?

3. St. Paul's Cathedral.

4. London Stone.

5. Bank of England.

6. What is meant by Lloyd's?

7. Seven Dials.

DRAWING LESSON

1. Draw the dome of St. Paul's.

2. London monument.

3. Draw the façade of the Mansion House.

4. Draw the spire of St. Mary-le-Bow's.
5. Draw a sketch of the Seven Dials, p. 137.

LESSON X

WESTMINSTER ABBEY AND THE
PARLIAMENT HOUSES

WHILE the Cartmells were eating their breakfast in the Metropole the next morning, Mr. French introduced Mr. Forster, a member of the National School Board, to them, and the following conversation took place :

"Will you tell us, please, Mr. Forster, something about your system of education."

"Certainly, with pleasure. The government supports about 40% of the schools, and the churches about 60%."

"Why, how different that arrangement is from the system in the States, where the private and parochial schools only amount to 10%."

"In many places in England one-half the money is contributed by the general government; the rest is raised by local taxes, and the pennies brought each week by the children."

"How do you determine how much money to give any one school?"

"The amount of money per head depends upon the age, the studies taken, and the merit obtained. Seventeen shillings a year is the maximum amount granted in infant or primary schools. The inspectors decide on the merit of each school."

"How does he do this?"

"He visits the school, and examines the results of the work."

"Does he pay attention to the methods?"

"None at all. He judges by the results of the oral and written examinations as given by a majority of the pupils."

"Does not this system lead to cramming?"

"Most certainly; but most Englishmen like the idea of 'payment by results;' it brings up the poor schools, and is very just and fair. Children go to school here very young. They know a good deal at five and six years of age. After this we have seven standards. Standard one meaning usually those between seven and eight, standard two those between eight and nine. All children must go to school here between five and thirteen, unless they pass the standards before. Parents are fined if their children do not attend regularly between these ages."

"What do you claim as the benefits of your system?" "Painstaking drill, steady plodding, repetition, thoroughness, and accuracy."

"What can you tell me about the noted endowment schools?"

"Eton, Rugby, Harrow, and Winchester are four great preparatory schools. They are strong in developing character and physical growth. The boys of the highest classes are monitors. The younger boys, those in the lower classes, wait or serve the elder students; this is called fagging. Each of these schools is a boarding-school, with from 400 to 1,000 pupils. Three-fourths of the time is still spent in Latin and Greek.

"Men of wealth send their sons to Eton, where a moderate degree of scholarship will satisfy. Yet such men as Chatham, Fox, Peel, and Gladstone graduated there. Winchester is patronized by the gentry, clergy, and professional men. A high degree of scholarship is required. Rugby, under the influence of Dr. Arnold's life, still makes prominent character, self-control, and a feeling of responsibility. The