starting out. Near to this was the sea, called the North Sea, which we gazed at very much. Soon we went into the fish warehouse, in which large quantities of fish were stored. When we had been there for some time, we took a walk on the sands to Cleethorpes, a watering-place about three miles from Grimsby. On the way we picked up many shells of various shapes and sizes, which we took home with us. On the beach, at Cleethorpes, stood an old ship on purpose for people to visit. It stood a great height, so that they were obliged to have steps up to it. Inside were the cabins, and the place where they put their goods, called the hold. As the tide was gone, we took a ride to the oyster-beds. And when we came back I mounted on a pony, and rode a short way for threepence.

The time for returning drew nigh, for it was about 5 o'clock, and the train was due at half-past, so we went to the station, and waited a short time, and then started for Grimsby, where most got in, and then we all started for home. We reached the station from whence we started about half-past ten, after enjoying our day's pleasure very much.

GEORGE ELLIS, aged 12.

A DAY AT NEWSTEAD ABBEY.

ONE fine August day our vicar took his choir out for a treat to Newstead Abbey. We started at ten a.m. Our ride there took us over a large, open common, one of the largest in the midland counties. Annesley Park, through which we went, belongs to J. Chaworth Musters, Esq. Here we saw some deer. We partook of an excellent dinner at Papplewick, a village near Newstead. Newstead Abbey is an old romantic building of renown, and has been the residence of the Byron family for many years. It was built by Henry II. in 1170; but in the reign of Henry VIII. was granted to Sir John Byron, an ancestor of Lord Byron, the poet. The lake, waterfall, and the gardens round the abbey, were all admired; so was the monument to Boatswain, Lord Byron's favourite dog. On one occasion this dog saved the poet's life. We also saw many fine statues which were in the gardens. The gardens contained many nice flowers, vegetables, and fruits, On our return to Papplewick we had a substantial tea; and about seven p.m. returned home after a jolly day's amusement. CHARLES H. SMITH, aged 12. Brinsley School, Eastwood, Notts.—I certify this to be the work of Charles Henry Smith, aged 12 years. JOHN A. SMITH, Master.

A DAY AT BARNSTAPLE.

WE went away by the first train in the morning, which started at about eight o'clock there were about eighty-five of us in all. We passed through Honiton Tunnel, and some of the children were-to express it in their own terms-frightened to death, but soon got all right again when they breathed the fresh air. We then continued our journey towards Barnstaple, at which place we arrived at eleven o'clock, in safety, after having been in the train three hours. I can assure you some of us

were pretty tired, but I was not particularly so. After having visited the refreshment rooms of Messrs. White and Co., and partaking of some of their excellent ginger beer, we soon felt all right again; and we then went down to the sea to have a dip, which was very cooling. The smaller children, however, did not bathe, but looked at a man with canaries and other birds; and, as he made them draw carriages, and fire cannons, it afforded them much amusement. It happened to be the anniversary of one of the friendly societies, held at Barnstaple, and the town was gaily decorated for the occasion with flowers, evergreens, &c. We stayed there a long time looking at a Punch and Judy show, which pleased us very much indeed; and we were very much delighted to see the little dog dance. We returned towards the railway station in the evening. The train soon started, and most of us were tired by the time we got home; but we were very well pleased with our journey. HERBERT A. GOOD, aged 12 years.

Sir W. C, Trevelyan's School, Seaton, Devon.

Editor's Examinations.

Answers should reach the Editor by the 10th instant. They should be written on only one side of the paper, and should not contain a larger number of words than would fill one-half or three-quarters of a page of this Magazine. Each answer should be signed by the writer, and should state his age from his last birthday. Boys and girls who have completed their thirteenth year are eligible to answer the first question; boys and girls under thirteen must confine themselves to the second question. The papers written by scholars of the same age will be examined together, and the writers of the two best in each division will receive a prize. All papers should contain a certificate from the teacher of the school that they have been honestly worked. Transcription is not composition.

SUBJECTS FOR THIS MONTH.

For Seniors.-(Boys and girls of the ages of 13, 14, 15, and 16.) A letter to a friend, giving a brief description of Australia, (limited to 300 words).

For Juniors.-(Boys and girls of the ages of 9, 10, 11, and 12.) A short account of tea, coffee, cocoa, and sugar, stating the countries from which we obtain them, (limited to 300 words).

The Publisher has much pleasure in giving PRIZES to the writers of the two best answers to each question in every number. The first prize will be a book of the value of FIVE SHILLINGS; the second, a book of the value of THREE SHILLINGS AND SIXPENCE. Two books of each kind will

be given-four in all; but a Scholar, after taking one prize, cannot obtain another until an interval of six months has elapsed. Should his paper during that time obtain the distinction which would otherwise entitle him to a prize, it will be printed in its proper position, but the prize will be awarded to the Scholar who has written the answer next in merit.

PRIZES FOR LAST MONTH'S SUBJECTS.

A five shillings prize to FREDERICK RANDALL, aged 13 years, Board Schools, Saltash; and to JOHN HENRY LOWE, aged 10 years, Paddock Street Schools, Hanley.

A three shillings and sixpenny prize to WILLIAM MONKHOUSE, aged 15 years, Abbot Memorial Industrial School, Gateshead-onTyne; and to HERBERT MANN, aged 11 years, Woodchurch, Kent.

The above-named Prize Essayists are desired to send to the Publisher, Mr. JOHN HEYWOOD, 141 and 143, Deansgate, Manchester, the name of any book or books, of the value referred to, which they would like to receive, and such will be forwarded, post free, within one week afterwards. The Publisher, of course, reserves to himself the right of refusing to forward any work the character of which he may think injurious; but with that single exception Prize Essayists may select any work they please. They will, doubtless, avail themselves of the advice of their parents or teachers in their selection.

A catalogue of three thousand works will be sent by the Publisher on receipt of a penny postage stamp for postage.

LIFE OF EDWARD III.

EDWARD III. was the son of Edward II. by his queen Isabella. The career of his youth was passed in studying the accomplishments and chivalry of the age, and in martial exploits. At the early age of fourteen he was crowned King of England, at Westminster, his unfortunate father being then a prisoner. He took for his queen, Philippa of Hainault, of whom was born Edward, illustriously known as the Black Prince. In the beginning of his reign he was marvellously successful in all his undertakings, performing prodigies of valour at the head of his armies, both by land and sea, and grew to be the greatest monarch and warrior of his age. As a king he was unrivalled, courteous, affable, and dignified. The magnificence of his court and tilt yards were the admiration of all beholders. The chief aim of his life was to gain the crown of France. Cressy and Poictiers, won by him, were two of the most famous victories ever recorded in the annals of history. His son, soon after Poictiers, fell ill and died; and from this time the king seems to have lost all his martial disposition. He turned his attention to the commerce of the nation, and established the woollen cloth manufacture, which has added so greatly to the prosperity of our country. His last days were most sad: a priest found him expiring without even one attendant; all the world had left him. Edward III. reigned fifty-one years, and died, aged sixty-five years, A.D. 1377.

FREDERICK RANDALL, aged 13 years. The Board Schools, Saltash.--I hereby certify the above essay to be fairly the work of the lad whose name it bears. T. F. READ, Master.

DURING the reign of Edward II. the kingdom was very badly ruled; so much so, that the king was obliged to fly into Wales. The queen and Mortimer ruled as they chose. The young prince, only eighteen years of age, determined to be chief ruler himself. He seized Mortimer in the castle at Nottingham, and caused his mother to be confined in one of his castles. Soon after this he led an army into Scotland to support Edward Balliol, and conquered David Bruce at Hallidon Hill, 1333. He would have conquered Scotland had he not been eager to claim the crown of France. He left England and Scotland to take care of themselves, and went over to France with an army of 30,000 men, and gained a victory over Philip of France at Cressy, Bruce took advantage of Edward's absence, and invaded England. Philippa collected an army and marched northwards to repel the invaders. The two armies met at Durham, and the Scotch were defeated at Nevill's Cross; Bruce was taken prisoner and brought to London. In 1356 Edward III. had another battle with the French. The Black Prince, with an army of 12,000 men, gained a victory over John of France with 60,000 men. The king did not live long after this; he died, 1377. On his death-bed he was shamefully neglected, even by his own servants. He left behind him the character of a great warrior. WILLIAM MONKHOUSE, aged 15. Abbot Memorial Industrial School, Gateshead-on-Tyne.- This is the boy's own work. GEORGE HIGGINBOTHAM, Superintendent.

Prizes for the two best drawings of a cat have been awarded to John Henry Lowe, aged 10 years, Paddock Street School, Hanley, certified by W. Shawcross, master; and Herbert Mann, aged 11 years, Wistaria, Woodchurch, Ashford, Kent, certified by Grace Bennett, mistress.

To our Readers.

THE papers on Edward III. show that the life of this monarch has been carefully studied by our young readers. It is perhaps difficult to place in so short a paper all the features of so great a life and reign; but what we require is that the most important features should be mentioned. The essayist we have placed first omits altogether the Scotch wars of King Edward; the one we have placed second makes no mention of the important advances in manufactures and commerce effected in his reign. The history of a country is not only, or chiefly, the history of its wars. It is true that a great warrior has many of the qualities of a great man—courage, endurance, energy, perseverance, and that quality of soul we call heroism, must all be shown forth in his character.

But"Peace hath her victories no less renowned than war," as Milton very well points out. And many of these peaceful victories took place in the reign of the third Edward. Queen Philippa, too, was a great character in this reign; a great, noble, and Christian queen; and her intercession for the citizens of Calais constitutes a bright page in the midst of the dark annals of the period. Some of our essayists have sent us a string of events with dates, very loosely connected with each other. This does not suit our purpose: we want the story told with natural vigour and animation in the natural language of the writer. The essayist whom we have placed first employs too many long words; and such a phrase as "illustriously known as the Black Prince," would be better expressed in a more simple manner. There is more art in saying things in a clear, natural manner, than there is in using long words, and making long, involved sentences. Some essayists, too, have made their papers longer : than the rule permits.

With regard to the paper on Australia, our intention is for our essayists to write an imaginary letter to a friend telling him of such things as they think will interest him in the geography of Australia. And as every boy ought to know all about his tea, coffee, cocoa, and sugar, we want one of our readers to act as teacher of the rest, and tell them of such common facts about these things as they ought to know. It is of no use taking up time and space in describing the plants; a child can understand more about the tea or coffee plant in five minutes from looking at it than in an hour by reading about it. And where it is not possible to get plants to look at, good drawings should be obtained, and they will do nearly as well. The essayists may append to their papers such drawings where they can, though they will not appear with the successful essays when printed.

A correspondent writes to us as follows concerning the Young Scholar:-"A few days ago a teacher brought under my notice the June number of your publication called the Young Scholar. It appears to me to be an excellent paper, and one calculated to do much good. I intend introducing it to my scholars, and to make it known to the teachers around this neighbourhood.”

Our readers will notice a slight alteration in the ages of those competing for prizes.