interest in this subject, and consequently, of promoting
rapid improvement. The plan was this; he prepared, on a large sheet of
paper, a series of lessons in coarse hand, beginning with straight
lines, and proceeding to the elementary parts of the various letters,
and finally to the letters themselves. This paper was posted up in a
part of the room accessible to all.

The writing-books were made of three sheets of fool's-cap paper, folded
into a convenient size, which was to be ruled by each pupil; for it was
thought important that each one should learn this art. Every pupil in
school then, being furnished with one of these writing books, was
required to commence this series, and to practice each lesson until he
could write it well; then, and not till then, he was permitted to pass
to the next. A few brief directions were given under each lesson, on
the large sheet. For example, under the line of straight marks, which
constituted the first lesson, was written as follows:

_Straight, equidistant, parallel, smooth, well terminated_

These directions were to call the attention of the pupil to the
excellences which he must aim at, and when he supposed he had secured
them, his book was to be presented to the teacher for examination. If
approved the word _Passed_, or afterwards simply _P._ was written under
the line, and he could then proceed to the next lesson. Other requisites
were necessary besides the correct formation of the letters, to enable
one to pass; for example, the page must not be soiled or blotted, no
paper must be wasted, and, in no case, a leaf torn out. As soon as _one
line_ was written in the manner required, the scholar was allowed to
pass; in a majority of cases however, not less than a page would be
practised, and in many instances a sheet would be covered, before one
line could be produced which would be approved.

One peculiar excellency of this method was, that although the whole
school were working under a regular and systematic plan, individuals
could go on independently; that is, the progress of no scholar was
retarded by that of his companion; the one more advanced, might easily
pass the earlier lessons in few days, while the others would require
weeks of practice to acquire the same degree of skill.

During the writing hour, the scholars would practice, each at the lesson
where he left off before, and at a particular time, each day, the books
were brought from the regular place of depos