lied, describing the forlorn condition of their district,
all being not only anxious to send their children to some place where
they could learn free of expense, but offering to pay a weekly stipend
in return. "They are growing up as ignorant as our young buffaloes,"
was a remark made by one of the headmen of the villages, and this
within twelve miles of Newera Ellia.

Now, leaving out the question of policy in endeavoring to make the
language of our own country the common tongue of a conquered colony, it
must be admitted that, simply as a question of duty, it is incumbent
upon the government to do all in its power for the moral advancement of
the native population. It is known that the knowledge of our language
is the first step necessary to this advancement, and nevertheless it is
left undone; the population is therefore neglected.

I have already adverted to the useless system in the government schools
of forcing a superabundant amount of knowledge into the children's
brains, and thereby raising them above their position. A contrasting
example of good common-sense education has recently been given by the
Rev. Mr. Thurston (who is indefatigable in his profession) in the
formulation of an industrial school at Colombo.

This is precisely the kind of education which is required; and it has
already been attended with results most beneficial on its limited scale.

This school is conducted on the principle that the time of every boy
shall not only be of service to himself, but shall likewise tend to the
support of the establishment. The children are accordingly instructed
in such pursuits as shall be the means of earning a livelihood in
future years: some are taught a trade, others are employed in the
cultivation of gardens, and subsequently in the preparation of a
variety of produce. Among others, the preparation of tapioca from the
root of the manioc has recently been attended with great success. In
fact, they are engaged during their leisure hours in a variety of
experiments, all of which tend to an industrial turn of mind,
benefiting not only the lad and the school, but also the government, by
preparing for the future men who will be serviceable and industrious in
their station.

Here is a lesson for the government which, if carried out on an
extensive scale, would work a greater change in the colony within the
next twenty years than all the preaching of the last fifty.

Throughout Ceylon, in every district, t