Page:Adam's reports on vernacular education in Bengal and Behar, submitted to Government in 1835, 1836 and 1838.djvu/396

336 of regret on account of irregular attendance, slow progress, withdrawal from school after marriage, &c. The third mode is that which has recently been adopted by some wealthy and respectable natives who have commenced either themselves to instruct their female relatives, or for that purpose to admit female teachers into their families whom they retain as domestic servants. The rich and good-caste families will probably in general prefer this course, and they will be the more incited to it in proportion as the state of instruction amongst the male population is improved and in proportion as female instruction is extended to the poorer classes.

Under such circumstances, what can Government do without offence to promote female instruction, so essential an element of civilization and of public and private morality? One mode not only inoffensive, but probably highly acceptable, would be the preparation of a small series of books framed, of course, with a cautious avoidance of religious controversy and with a judicious adaptation to the character, condition, circumstances, and attainments of the sex in this country. If these books were introduced only into the two descriptions of female schools that have been described above, an important object would be gained; for the effect would be to improve the instruction of the native female Christian population, which is probably at present too narrow, and which, for their own sake as well as for the sake of the effect on society, should be rendered more comprehensive and practical. The pupils of these schools would thus be fitted to become the native female teachers of the country, but before being recognized as such, they should be required to pass through a series of examinations corresponding with what has been proposed for the male teachers of vernacular schools. When approved female teachers are thus obtained they might be encouraged, with the aid of books received in reward of their attainments, to offer their services to families on the plan of visiting the homes of their pupils, or of collecting them in a common neighborhood for instruction, with, of course, the consent of heads of families. A native female teacher who should thus devote five hours a day to the females of five different families, receiving two rupees a month from each family, in addition to the presents of clothes and food which would naturally flow from such a relation, might be considered well paid; and this is an expense which many native families would willingly incur, if Government will take the first step of preparing proper books and of vouching for the qualifications of teachers. In order to judge how far the teachers were entitled to the presents of books or other higher rewards, as endowments, &c., which it might be deemed advisable to hold out to them, it would be impossible to subject their pupils, as in the case of common schools, to public examinations; but this might be remedied, either by sending native female examiners, always, of course, with the consent of heads of families,