CHAPTER V.

REVIEW OF THE FEBRUARY PRELIMINARY EXAMINATION, AND NAMES OF BEST BOOKS TO BE STUDIED.

As we publish answers to the questions asked at the last February Examination, we have but few remarks to make thereon. Reviewing the examination as a whole, we think it is rather easier than usual, although the peculiar style is still maintained. The questions are well adapted to ascertain the extent of a candidate's general knowledge.

Composition.]-The subjects for composition were extremely favourable for the candidates. We do not think it is necessary to sketch compositions, although we may do so, if we have sufficient space, in a future number. We trust, however, for the present, that our readers will be satisfied with our remarks on the subject; and if students wish for further information, we must refer them to our Guide.

The composition is considered a very important test of the Examination. It is no more strange than true, that wherever a student may have been educated, he complains that he finds the greatest difficulty in writing a theme. We think we can account for this defect. Youths, as a rule, have little thought, and they are seldom made acquainted with rules to classify their ideas on any given subject. It is well known that a systematic mode of procedure in the performance of most things, and especially in composition, is of the greatest value. Our remarks are applicable to youths as well as to persons who are advanced in years; for many candidates over the age of twenty-one are examined annually. If a man intends to make a journey to any place, does he not invariably picture to himself his course and the best mode of conveyance? Hence, if students would but collect their ideas before starting, they would find no difficulty in writing very clearly. It is just the same as in the case of a pupil preparing for an examination; if he views every subject collectively, he will be dismayed, but if on the other hand he understands what he is required to do, he need only apply himself to one subject at a time.

A candidate, when requested to write his own biography, may say, "Yes, I can write a great deal; but how, and with which fact, shall I commence?" To this we reply, arrange your ideas, or facts, under various heads and work out your theme accordingly. If, for instance, he have been to three or four schools in his life, he may treat of each establishment in chronological order, with any incidents he may deem worthy of a description; first giving an account of the education he received, the rules of the school, the sports, the favourite authors he may have read in his leisure time, and how he spent his holidays during each vacation, or a description of any tour. Surely these matters furnish a vast resource for small paragraphs to constitute a composition of the minimum number of (2) pages, which ought to contain about as much matter as a full-size page of this Journal. It is very difficult for even the most accomplished writer to treat of any subject unless he first anticipates his journey, and, remembering our simile, when he has pictured to himself the course he intends to adopt, and directed his ideas to various points, he will be able to write with great perspicuity, unity and strength.

When the Examiners perceive that attention has been devoted to the acquirement of an easy-not to say florid-style of writing, they no doubt view this favourably with other subjects. It is scarcely necessary, in conclusion, to add that nothing can possibly be of greater assistance to a man-next to true eloquence-than to be able to state his ideas on paper. It is an acquirement which exhibits itself in every branch of education. We are here reminded that a candidate's ability to write correctly is not only tested in his theme, but also in his answers to the questions.

English Language.]-The English grammar questions are, as usual, rather peculiar in their construction, and are based principally on the elements of the language. We advise candidates to use "Adam's Elements of the English Language." This book contains sufficient matter to enable them to answer the questions in a general way. Many students find it very dry reading without lucid explanations. The leading points should be brought into a "narrow nucleus."

Geography.]-It appears that the war between France and Germany has given rise to many questions on this subject. We must admit that the questions are general, and that

students who have been fairly educated ought not to complain. We recommend Cornwell and Anderson's Geographies; but they must, of course, be used with some skill, in order that the essential features applicable to the Examination may be studied.

English History.]-The paper on English History is very full, and contains innumerable points to enable the Examiner to ascertain the extent of a candidate's knowledge of this subject. As we have already carried our first number to a great length, we must refer our readers to the answers, and reserve any additional remarks for a future number. We advise the use of "Collier's English History" and "Turner's Analysis of English History."

Elementary Knowledge of Latin.]-The elementary Latin questions of this Examination have been given on many previous occasions. They are well framed. We recommend the Public School Latin Primer to be studied.

Arithmetic.]-The arithmetic paper still retains its old style, viz. easy, but apparently difficult, problems, which, in our estimation, appeal rather to a candidate's mathematical endowments than his arithmetical knowledge. We know that many students who excel in arithmetic experience considerable difficulty in working these examples satisfactorily. Barnard Smith's Arithmetic is well adapted to this subject.

French]-We believe that little importance is attached to the French grammar questions, but the Examiner no doubt pays special attention to the French translations. We think with him, that candidates ought not to be expected to answer so many questions on French grammar, if they show a fair knowledge of elementary Latin.

As our time has been much occupied with a large number of pupils and other matters, we have had but a few days to prepare this Journal for the press, and we therefore ask for the kind indulgence of our readers for any errors which may have crept into it.

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CHAPTER VI.

CORRESPONDENCE.

The Editor will be glad to receive COMMUNICATIONS from students and others. They must be addressed "Care of the Publishers," and will, in every instance, receive the attention they merit.

G. E. L.-Turner's Analysis (published by Longman & Co.) is an excellent little work for learning the leading dates in English history.

E. H. (Lincoln).-Domremy-la-Pucelle is a village of France in the department of the Vosges. It is the native place of Joan of Arc, born 1412, whose house is preserved as a national relic. This town was included in the Geography question No. 10, May, 1870. L. M. D. (Chester).- We render the phrase into Latin thus:-"Me non solum piget stultitiæ sed etiam pudet."

CIVIS.-Latin grammar questions are not asked in the special Latin paper.

INQUIRER (Bradford).-The life of Sir Thomas More has been written by various, persons, viz., Hoddesdon, W. Roper, Warner, 1758; Cresacre More, 1828; Stapleton, Cayley, William Rastall. Ask your bookseller.

HISTORICUS.-The Earl of March was imprisoned by Henry IV. and released in the reign of Henry V.

F. L. (Shrewsbury).-(1) When the speech of another is reported in the third person the narration is called oblique. (2) Yes.