Page:Reports on the State of Education in Bengal (1835 & 1838).djvu/109

Rh of the funds will allow, to provide education for the orphans of members who may die not possessed of property sufficient to pay for educating their children. Membership is created by contributing two rupees or more monthly, or 24 rupees or more annually, or 300 rupees or more in one sum. This institution is conducted on the principle of combining religious knowledge with useful information. The course of instruction embraces scriptural knowledge and evidences, grammar, geography, Roman, Grecian, English and Indian history, astronomy, natural philosophy, Latin, geometry, algebra and political economy. The number of pupils is 160. Two free scholarships have just been established in this institution to be denominated the Metcalfe scholarships with the view of perpetuating the remembrance of the uniform liberality of Sir Charles Metcalfe towards the institution, especially evinced by a recent donation of 5,000 rupees for the purpose of liberating it from debt.

The Philanthropic Academy is an institution, established by the Armenian community of Calcutta, for the instruction of their children in the English and Armenian languages and in general knowledge. It does not publish periodical reports, and no details respecting it have reached me. It is regarded with much favour by the Armenians, and it is understood that several valuable bequests have been made to it. The institution has three branches, the Armenian, the Female, and the English department. The children of both rich and poor are taught without distinction, the former gratis and the latter at a monthly charge (sic).

The Verulam Academy is a private school, the property of the gentleman who conducts it. The system pursued is in some respects peculiar. The classics are not taught, and particular attention is paid to English literature, science, and natural history. There are three teachers and between sixty and seventy pupils. No lesson whatever is required to be repeated by rote. The teachers are required to take all the trouble. They read and explain to the pupils who are expected only to be attentive. Corporal punishment is never allowed, but solitary confinement is inflicted for great offences. After every hour and a half the classes change tutors and studies.

A widow lady in the Circular Road has a school conducted by individuals whom she appoints. This school professes to give