ing and writing, also in the rudiments of arithmetic. The present large and commodious building was opened and consecrated by the late Chief Rabbi, Dr. Herchel, on the 13th January, 1820; and the girls' department in the month following. The universal spread of education and the improved condition of educational establishments throughout the country, demanded an enlarged and improved mode to be adopted in this school also; and after mature consideration of the subject, in which the committee were considerably aided by the Chief Rabbi, Dr. Adler, it was resolved to give up the monitorial system of instruction in the boys' school, and to teach by masters and pupil teachers only, and greatly to enlarge the course of instruction in both schools.

The institution is divided into three divisions-1st, a free school for instructing from six to seven hundred boys in reading and writing both the Hebrew and English languages, and in the rudiments of arithmetic. 2nd, A free school for instructing three hundred to four hundred girls in the above branches of knowledge, as also in plain needle-work and laundry. 3rd, The Talmud Torah, to which we have referred in the previous chapter, a superior school, supported by funded property -giving to twenty-one boys, regularly elected from the Free School, instruction of a more advanced character, in Hebrew, teaching the Hebrew commentaries, &c.; together with clothing and apprenticing the number placed on the original foundation. There are also, within the walls commodious residences for the master and mistress, suitable play-grounds, &c. The boys' school is now attended by 700 pupils, who are classed in three divisions-71 form the upper division, and

receive instruction in Hebrew Grammar, n (Bible), Hebrew Composition, &c., also Sacred and Profane History, Arithmetic, Composition, Algebra, Natural Philosophy, Geography, &c.; 31 of these are translating

(Mendlessohn's Commentary on the Pentateuch) ON (selections of Jewish Observances), and other Rabbinical books-300 form the central division, and are taught Reading, Hebrew and English translation of the Prayers and Pentateuch, writing, arithmetic, grammar, geography, &c.-329 constitute the lowest division, and are being instructed in reading, Hebrew and English translations, the Commandments, the Creeds, the daily prayers, and the elements of arithmetic. The systems of object and gallery instruction are carried through all the divisions of the school, and moral and religious information is regularly conveyed. Vocal music, also, and model drawing, have been introduced.

The books used, besides those ordinarily employed for Hebrew, are Chambers' Educational Works-the Irish and Borough Road School Class Books-Sullivan's Works-Dr. Brewer's Guide to Science-Mangnall's and Ewing's Geographies-Van Oven's Manual of Judaism-Solomon's Table Books and Primer, Henry's Class Books, Bible, &c. The school is well supplied with maps, pictures for illustration and objects, both natural and artificial.

The girls' school is attended by 460 pupils, which is a far larger number than have ever hitherto received its benefits at any one time; of these 153 read the Bible, History of England, Irish Class Books, Nos. 2 and 4; 90 read Mrs. Trimmer's Selections; 113 read Borough Road Class Book, No. 1 and 2 are in the Alphabet;

300 learn the first four rules of Arithmetic and their compounds; the remainder are taught from the tables, in Multiplication, &c. The upper Classes receive instruction in Geography, Grammar, History, and mental Arithmetic. In Hebrew, 27 translate about 46 pages of the Prayer Book; 56 translate portions of the Prayers; 170 read Hebrew and translate the Commandments, Creeds, &c.; 240 join letters and read easy words. The needlework proceeds with astonishing rapidity, and a number of excellent specimens have already been exhibited.

Mr. Angel, head master of the boys' school, Miss Barnett, head mistress of the girls' school, and Mr. Miers, master of the Talmud Torah, conduct the establishment much to their own credit and the satisfaction of the Committee..

3. West Metropolitan Jewish School. This school belongs to the reformed Synagogue, but receives Jewish pupils from all congregations indiscriminately. After a complete alteration in its plan, it was opened a few days ago at No. 26, Red Lion Square. It has been modelled after the Birkbeck system-and in connexion with Hebrew and sound Jewish religious instruction, the children will be taught the branches of a real useful education. The premises are prepared to contain 300 boys, and 150 girls. Also a room for the use of monitors, fitted up as a museum, and containing a goodly collection of objects and paintings-two excellent globes-models of the whole process of hand-loom weaving; all being the gifts of members of committee. Next to this is a gallery on an improved plan, capable of holding with ease about sixty children, in which

mixed lessons are to be given to the boys and girls. And lastly, is a laboratory, fitted up chiefly with apparatus belonging to Mr. Brooke, the head master; under whose management the institution bids fair to become a model Jewish school.

II. Of private schools we have no statistics to offer. So far as we have learned they are not numerous, nor remarkably efficient. The most estimable, we believe, in the metropolis, is the establishment of Mr. Solomon, Upper Edmonton. Several teachers are attached to this school; and in addition to the usual routine of an English and Hebrew education, the following are also taught, drawing, music, dancing, French, German, Spanish, and Latin.

III. Literary Institutions. In the metropolis they have a Literary and Scientific Institution, Sussex Hall, Leadenhall Street. This was founded in 1844, and is carried on in a similar manner to institutions of the same class. Although the management is strictly Jewish, the institution is open to the public on payment of the terms of subscription. These are, for membership, 30s. annually-but members under eighteen years of age, and also operatives, shopmen, &c., have only to pay 20s., non-members for lectures and library, 20s. The advantages offered to the members are the following:

:

1. The use of a Library, for circulation and reference. It consists of nearly 5000 volumes of the best standard and modern works, additions to which are being constantly made from the newest works as they appear. It contains also a valuable collection of Hebrew works, for reference only.

2. Reading Rooms.-These are open from eight in the morning till eleven at night, and are well supplied with the morning and evening newspapers, magazines, reviews, also English, German, and French periodicals.

3. Lectures. These are delivered weekly, during the session, on the various branches of art, science, and literature.

4. Evening Classes.-Lessons of instruction are given in the English, Hebrew, German, and French languages.

5. A class for the discussion of literary, philosophical, and historical subjects, holds its meetings weekly during the session.

In addition to the foregoing, a free lecture on Friday evenings has been commenced, on subjects of a moral and religious tendency. The whole establishment is well managed, but not very well supported.

In

IV. Rabbinic Institution.-To every large and influential congregation, there belongs generally a Rabbinic Institution-Beth Hamedrash, or house of inquiry; and which is strictly a religious place of learning. London, the only one in Great Britain, the Beth Hamedrash is situate in Smith Buildings, Leadenhall Street, and contains a valuable library of which we shall speak anon. Its principal object is for the Chevrah Shas, or Society for the study of the Talmud. In this country, little time is devoted to these studies; consequently the members of this society are not numerous-generally from twelve to fifteen; and are presided over by Dr. Adler. Properly, they ought to meet daily-they meet, however, only twice a week, on Monday and Thursday; the hours of attendance being from 11 till