extent reciprocated. The sub-stratum of society must be properly cared for, or the superstructure will become insecure and the social fabric fall to the ground. This is a maxim the truth of which, every day serves more and more to develop, howsoever unmindful we may be of the important fact. Taking for granted, then, that it behoves all whose means and opportunities will admit of it to amend society - where it is defective, what nobler work than that of Ragged Schools can occupy our attention?
Ragged Schools have already exercised an important influence in more than one direction, and the benefit of such influence, individually and nationally, can scarcely be over-estimated. In Ragged School work we not only benefit the rising generation, but, as already intimated, we confer a benefit on ourselves. And even if the latter were not the case, there would still be a warrant for the enlistment of our sympathies, that the children of the poor were rescued from a life of wretchedness, and taught the means of obtaining an honest livelihood, so as to become at least respectable members of society. It is no light matter to pick up from the highways and byeways of our populous districts some of those unfortunates who in their ragged infancy, run about with naked feet, dragging forth, it may be a loathsome crust from a heap of rubbish or warming themselves with the steam that issues from the kitchen of the rich; poor creatures that hunger urges on to want, and want to theft and theft to something worse; disinterested mortals which the pentitentiary receives at twelve, the Hulks at twenty, and the scaffold at forty: It is, we repeat, no light matter no unimportant achievement that, with a school, or a workshop, these poor, neglected children are taken in hand to be morally and physically trained, and by such training made to partake of Gods blessings, and rendered worthy members of society.
From the second annual report of the Hastings Ragged School, just issued by the Committee, we learn that much has already been accomplished, and that further success is confidently anticipated. The number of children both of the day-school and Sunday-school, are said to be steadily improving, and an improvement in the general behaviour of the scholars is observable.
In connection with the Mothers' Meetings, {which continue to have about twenty} is a coal-club, whilst the girls have also a clothing club. In addition to these a Penny-Savings-Bank has been established; and it is encouraging to notice (says the report) the honest pride and self satisfaction which the children evince in bringing their little contributions in pence and farthings, instead of spending them as formerly upon trashy edibles, to the subversion of order in the school. The advantages thus ennumerated, together with a small lending library and an annual treat form -
