purpose of receiving the better class of girls who would otherwise have to enter the adult wards of workhouses, and probably be for ever lost to all good impressions and usefulness.* This plan was warmly advocated and sanctioned by many good and noble men and women, who generously came forward to lend a helping hand, both by their influence and money; foremost among whom must be named the Baroness (then Miss) Burdett-Coutts, and Lady (then Mrs.) Herbert. Some of these ladies also used their influence with Mr. Villiers, then President of the Poor Law Board, to obtain the necessary sanction for so unofficial a proceeding; but the work was ultimately started before the question of the legality of payments was decided, this not being settled till the Bill was carried through Parliament in 1862, chiefly owing to the exertions of the late Hon. Mrs.

* Girls of bad character were not admitted, as this would have been to repeat the same contamination as in the workhouse.

Way, who was also working in a similar cause -the establishment of a school where children. could be trained apart from evil associations.* The Industrial Home in New Ormond Street was certified by the Poor Law Board in 1863, under the Act 25 & 26 Vict. c. 43, and subsequently visited by Mr. Tufnell, and Inspectors of the Poor Law Board.

We have always thought it a remarkable proof of confidence in the plan and ultimate success of the home, that the guardians consented to send girls to it, and to pay a weekly sum for their maintenance (not exceeding their cost in the union), even before the legal permission was given.

Before leaving the subject of this home, I cannot help recording how greatly the success of the plan was due to the kind and valuable assistance of the then Metropolitan Inspector of Workhouses, H. B. Farnall, Esq., who from the *The Brockham Home, Reigate, begun 1859.

first saw its necessity and promoted its formation. In all other matters connected with the Workhouse Visiting Society I desire to acknowledge his important co-operation. Visits to several of the London workhouses were made

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by me in his company, to the great advantage of the cause. I think that during these visits it became more and more apparent to him, official as he was of a most "official Board, into which no woman had hitherto dared to intrude, that there was much in these large institutions which even his experienced eyes had never detected, and which no man ought to be expected to discover or control. I desire also to record my sense of the kindness and courtesy shown by several Presidents of the Poor Law Board towards the work of the society and its members -a considerable correspondence having been carried on with the Central Office at various times.*

* From 1853 to 1879 there have been eleven Presidents.

In the year 1860 a commission was appointed by Parliament to investigate the subject of education in.England; and as pauper schools were included in its scope, the opportunity was gladly taken by me to give evidence on this very important branch of Poor Law management. It would take too much space to give all that was then said, but a few extracts, bearing on the most important points, may be interesting. The evils were stated to be-the want of industrial training for girls, and their herding together in masses. The following

remedies were suggested:

I. The appointment of a superior class of persons over schools of this description, both district and workhouse (one evil result of the present plan is alluded to at p. 23). 2. The employment of pauper nurses in the schools. 3. Mixing up the casual children admitted for short periods with the more permanent ones and orphans. "Not only are superior persons

required for this work of superintending the whole education of this class, but I am convinced that women should have a greater share in it. No Boards of Guardians, and no officials, can be expected to manage girls' schools as they ought to be, neither can male inspectors alone inspect them. Results would be far different if the influence of women of feeling and education were largely introduced (strange as it may seem, none are even appointed for the needle-work or the domestic arrangements), and constant lady visitors, who would cultivate the affections of the children, and help to counteract the fatal effects of life in an institution and in a mass for girls.

Secondly, the education in the schools, however conducted, will be in a great measure thrown away upon this class, unless a certain amount of protection is extended to the girls after they leave them.* Without some such

* An object now being carried out, many years after, by the association founded by Mrs. Senior.

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