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Annual encampments of the cadets are formed from the 15th to the 30th of November each year, at distances not more than 8 leagues from the capital, to which the cadets make the march on foot, accompanied by regular troops. During this encampment the cadets are instructed in artillery and rifle practice, construction of fortifications and entrenchments, and field service in general.

The annual examinations commence on October 1 and end November 12. The prizes, diplomas, etc., are distributed by the President of the Republic during the first week in December of each year.

The Mexican army is an important feature in the educational system of the country. The Government has always fostered the education of its soldiers by every possible means. In addition to instruction in strictly military subjects, every soldier who is illiterate is taught reading, writing, and the principal rules of arithmetic, so that, however ignorant a recruit may be when he leaves his native place, he returns to it after his five years' service with a good elementary education, and is in every respect a more useful citizen. When it is considered that the Mexican army consists of about 30,000 men, the great bulk of whom are renewed every five years, it will bo readily understood what an important part it performs in the education of the masses of the people.

NORMAL SCHOOLS.

The Normal School, for training male teachers of the City of Mexico, was founded by decree of the Government in December, 1885. It is under the immediate jurisdiction of the department of justice and public instruction.

The course required for the degree of professor of primary instruction extends over four years and embraces the following subjects: Advanced reading, recitations and exercises from memory, arithmetic and algebra, geometry, rudiments of mechanics, cosmography, geography (especially that of Mexico), history of Mexico, rudiments of physics and meteorology, chemistry, agriculture and natural industries, natural history and physiology, pedagogics, logic, scholastic organization and discipline and history of pedagogism, Spanish grammar and composition, French, English, general history, rudiments of medicine and domestic and scholastic hygiene, rudiments of constitutional law and political economy, caligraphy and drawing, gymnastics, choral singing, military drill, observation of methods of teaching combined with actual practice. To afford the necessary opportunities for practice, two schools have been established in connection with the Male Normal School, one for small children of from 5 to 7 years of age and the other for pupils of from 7 to 14 years of age. The course of instruction in the school for the younger children is for three years, and includes kindergarten instruction, objective calculation not exceeding the number ten, rudimentary ideas in relation to the three kingdoms of nature, cultivation of language, ideas of Mexican and universal history, and of moral and civic education, gardening, care of domestic animals, and gymnastic games. The course in the school for older pupils covers six years, and includes the following studies: Reading, writing, arithmetic, Spanish grammar, geography, history (particularly that of Mexico), rudiments of natural sciences, civic instruction, drawing, French and English languages, gymnastics, military drill, and choral singing.

The students of the normal school are required to teach in all the grades of these schools, commencing with the first year in the junior school and gradually ascending to the highest grade in the senior school, for the purpose of practice, and to obtain a practical knowledge of the duties of their profession.

The students who are trained in the normal school must promise to serve as teachers in the public schools of the federal district or territories for at least three years after their graduation.

Scholarships have been established carrying an annual salary as rewards for talent and superior application.

The Normal School for Female Teachers was established in June, 1888, in place of Notional, Segu Jury School for Girls, which was consolidated with it.

The course of instruction extends over five years, and embraces the following subjects: Arithmetic and algebra, caligraphy, geometry, cosmography and geography (especially that of Mexico), physics and rudiments of medicine and chemistry, history (especially of Mexico), domestic economy and duties of women, natural history, ideas of political economy and constitutional provisions, theoretical hygiene, pedagogies, rudiments of general and descriptive physiology, logic, scholastic organization and discipline, and history of pedagogism, Spanish, French, and English languages, needlework, music, drawing, and gymnastics. The following branches are also taught to those students who desire instruction in them: Bookkeeping, drawing from nature, horticulture and gardening, Italian, piano, cooking, aquarelle painting, taxidermy, and botany.

Two schools have been established in connection with the female normal school to afford the students the opportunity of acquiring a practical knowledge of teaching; one is for boys and girls of from 4 to 6 years of age and the other for girls of from 6 to 14 years. The course for the younger children covers three years and comprises the same studies as those taught in the junior school connected with the male normal school. In the school for older girls the course covers six years, and includes the following studies: Reading, writing, arithmetic, rudiments of algebra, geometry, Spanish grammar, geography, history, lessons on morals and civies, drawing, French, English, needlework, such knowledge of mechanics as may be useful to females, gymnastics, and choral singing.

Similar rules for scholarships and prizes exist as in the normal school for male teachers.

There is also in the City of Mexico a national preparatory school, in which all the preliminary branches of education are taught, to fit the pupils for entrance to the colleges for higher education.

NATIONAL SCHOOL OF ARTS AND TRADES FOR MEN.

This institution has been established for the purpose of affording manual and industrial training and a higher education for mechanics and the working classes in general.

In order to obtain admission, the applicant must not be less than 13 years of age and have finished a course of instruction in the primary schools.

The subjects studied in the classes are: Spanish grammar, geography of Mexico, writing, arithmetic, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, model and ornamental drawing, linear and mechanical drawing, wood carving, physics and mechanics, chemistry in general and as applied to the arts, French, English, music, and gymnastics. There is also a class for constitutional law and political economy. The workshops attached to the school are blacksmith and locksmith, carpentry and cabinetmaking, turners' shop for solids and hollow work, machinists', pottery, stonecutters', galvanizing works, and a foundry. Photography, typography, and lithography are also taught.

In March, 1842, the practical school for machinists was transferred from the National College of Engineers to this institution.

The studies comprised in the course are: Arithmetic, algebra, elementary geometry, trigonometry, elements of physics and mechanics, practical knowledge of the materials and tools used for the construction of machinery, assembling and taking apart machines, theoretical and practical knowledge of steam engines, especially of new or improved locomotives, practical working and management of steam engines and locomotives, laws and regulations relating to running railroad trains, linear and mechanical drawing, rudiments of French and English, practice and overseeing of railway machine shops, foundries, and industrial establishments. Fifty fellowships have been created for pupils of this institution, of which each state of the Republic has a right to one. Successful pupils are also rewarded by promotion to positions as directors and assistants in the various workshops.

NATIONAL SCHOOL OF ARTS AND TRADES FOR WOMEN.

This institution was founded by President Juarez in November, 1871, for the purpose of improving the social condition of working women and affording them an opportunity to obtain artistic and technical instruction in a sufficient measure to enable them to obtain remunerative employment in commerce or industrial business. The instruction is general and technical, the former consisting of Spanish, English, arithmetic, bookkeeping, writing, drawing, and ideas of science and civics. The latter embraces painting, dressmaking, embroidery, bookbinding, printing, music, making artificial flowers, lace making, manufacture of picture frames, tapestry, cords and fringes for decorative purposes, upholstery, and gilding.

There is a store in the school where the work of the pupils is sold for the benefit of the institution. The Government provides the pupils with comfortable rooms and two good meals a day, and furnishes clothing for many who are too poor to provide themselves with appropriate garments. In order to obtain admission, the applicant must be not less than 13 years of age nor more than 25, and if a minor must be presented by her parent or guardian. She must have been vaccinated and be free from contagious disease, be able to pass an examination in reading, writing, and the four rules of arithmetic, and to prove her good moral character to the satisfaction of the director.

A neatly printed newspaper, called La Mujer (woman), is conducted and published by the pupils.

The average number of pupils in attendance is from 400 to 500.

BENEFICENT, INDUSTRIAL, AND CORRECTIONAL SCHOOLS.

NATIONAL SCHOOL FOR THE BLIND.

This school was founded in 1870 by private charity, but was taken in charge by the Government in the following year. Poor blind children of both sexes from 8 to 16 years of age are admitted and supported without payment of any fee. On entering the school a photograph is taken of each pupil, which is pasted in a large book. By its side is written a full description, with age, date and place of birth, and quantity and quality of clothing.

Outdoor pupils may attend the classes and lectures without payment. The blind children of parents who are able to pay a small monthly sum for tuition are also admitted, and the fees thus received are used for the benefit of the establishment.

The course of study includes reading, writing, Spanish grammar, arithmetic, geography, geometry, history of Mexico, English, French, gymnastics, singing, and harmony. Musical instruction is a leading feature, and the course of instruction includes the piano, clarionet, mandolin, flageolet, hautboy, harp, violin, concertina, and other stringed and brass instruments.

The trades taught are tailoring, shoemaking, bookbinding, typography, carpentry, lace making, brush making, the manufacture of cigars, pasteboard boxes, and mats, weaving, needle and crochet work, and knitting.

Between thirty and forty teachers are employed at salaries of from $20 to $70 per month.

SCHOOL FOR DEAF MUTES.

A school for deaf mutes was founded in 1866 by the municipal authorities of the City of Mexico, but was nationalized in November, 1867. To enter the school, the applicant must be not less than 7 nor more than 12 years of age, must have been vaccinated and be in good health, and is admitted on probation, subject to an intellectual trial, for a period of one month, at the termination of which he is either admitted or rejected. Only the older pupils use the manual signs, as the most modern methods are now in use, the oral system having been introduced, and is taught by teachers who have been trained in the most celebrated European schools at the expense of the Government.

The subjects taught comprise reading, writing, grammar, arithmetic, geometry, bookkeeping, horticulture, drawing, and gymnastics. The trades are lithography, tailoring, shoemaking, the manufacture of hats and artificial flowers, millinery, and dressmaking. On leaving the institution the pupils receive a gratuity from the amount of their earnings to enable them to commence business in the trade they have learned.

INDUSTRIAL SCHOOL FOR ORPHAN BOYS.

This school was founded in 1877 and is under the direction of the interior department. Boys from 10 to 14 years of age who are destitute are received, provided with board and lodging, and may remain until they attain their eighteenth year.

In order to obtain admission, it is necessary that a petition be presented to the director by the person having charge of the boy, stating that he is an orphan and has no inheritance, or, if his father and mother are living, that the father is crippled or otherwise unable to work, and that both parents are too poor to bestow proper care upon him; that he has been vaccinated and is free from contagious disease, and that some person known to the director shall guarantee the safe-keeping of the clothes supplied to the pupil.

The instruction in this school is divided into two classes, elementary and secondary. The elementary course includes reading, writing, orthography, elements of Spanish grammar, the four rules of arithmetic, common fractions and decimals, teaching morality and politeness, rudiments of drawing, music, and gymnastics. The higher course consists of reading in prose and verse, writing, Spanish grammar, advanced arithmetic, the metric system, algebra, geometry, geography, history (especially that of Mexico), instruction as to the constitution and political organization of the Republic and duties and rights of the citizen, hygiene, music, and gymnastics. The trades taught are lithography, typography, bookbinding, weaving, carpentry, tailoring, shoemaking, and working in tin. The managers of the shops are expressly forbidden to exact from any pupil more work than is suited to his age and strength.

On the conclusion of the regular courses of study the pupils are given elementary instruction in physics, chemistry, and mechanics as applied to arts and trades, and French and English languages.

The institution has between 300 and 400 beds and is admirably managed, the cleanliness, ventilation, and sanitary arrangements being especially good, while the workshops are fitted with the best of modern machinery and appliances and are in every way adapted for their uses.

LA PAZ COLLEGE,

This institution owes its origin to the benevolence of a few wealthy gentlemen, and was founded in the year 1734 as a house of refuge and school for poor girls and a shelter for poor and invalid Spanish widows. During the colonial period it was under the direct patronage of the King of Spain and was governed by the rector and congregation of Aranzazu. This confraternity was suppressed, together with all similar religious organizations, by the law passed in June, 1879, and the management of the college and its property was assumed by the National Government. In reorganizing the institution the Government has preserved, as nearly as possible, the rules and arrangements established by the founders.

The school is admirably conducted and is divided into departments for boarders and day scholars. The course of instruction extends over six years and includes the following subjects: Reading, writing, Spanish grammar; origin, history, and growth of the Spanish language; arithmetic, metric system, geometry, bookkeeping, correspondence, geography, history, physics, pedagogy, general literature, telegraphy, hygiene, English, French, music; drawing, linear a ornamental and from nature; sewing and embroidery.

e is also an excellent library for the use of the pri

CORRECTIONAL SCHOOL OF TRADES AND PROFESSIONS.

This reformatory school was established in the year 1881 in the edifice formerly occupied by the Ecclesiastical College of St. Peter and St. Paul. It is intended for the education and reformation of boys under 18 years of age who may be committed to its custody by sentence of the police and criminal courts or by parents or guardians who find them to be incorrigible.

The object of the school is to correct and eradicate evil tendencies and the effect of vicious association and to teach habits of order and industry and such useful trades as may enable the pupils to become self-supporting and useful citizens when they leave the institution.

It is organized on a military basis, the scholars forming a corps known as the "Industrial battalion," in which strict military discipline is maintained. Goodconduct badges are given to such of the scholars as distinguish themselves by good behavior and strict compliance with the rules and discipline. The most deserving are promoted to the grade of corporal, sergeant, and captain.

The literary instruction is limited to two hours daily and consists of primary and secondary studies fully equal in character to the national public schools. The trades taught are the machinist's, iron working, brass working, carpentry, shoemaking, and tailoring. The workshops are fully equipped with the most improved modern machinery and appliances and are under the direction of skilled mechanics and workmen.

The foregoing colleges and secondary schools are all situated in the City of Mexico. They have been described and the several courses of instruction particularized, as they are fair exponents of the assiduous care which the Government is giving to the promotion of education, not only in the elementary and industrial branches, but also in furnishing the higher grades of instruction to fit the scholars for professional and scientific pursuits. They are also the models upon which the colleges and secondary schools are formed which exist in the cities and larger towns of the Republic. Many of these are institutions of high character, fit to be classed with the best and most advanced at the capital. For instance, the Instituto Literario, of Toluca, which may be taken as an illustration, is one of the most widely known among the institutions of learning in the Republic, and many of the most distinguished men of the nation have been educated there. Each municipality of the State has the privilege of sending one student, who must pass successfully a rigid examination in preparatory studies. The institution possesses a fine library and a museum of national history and is provided with every appliance for the study of physiology, physical sciences, history, chemistry, music, and drawing. The students have a gymnasium, warm and cold baths, and comfortable domitories; for all these advantages the price of board, lodging, and tuition is only $16, Mexican currency, per month. Morelia, capital of the State of Michoacan, has schools and colleges with modern equipments that would reflect credit on any country. The College of St. Nicholas, of which the patriot Hidalgo was at one time regent, was founded in the year 1540. It has now been thoroughly modernized in its methods and is largely patronized. Oaxaca, the capital of the State of the same name, has a famous college, at which President Diaz, Romero, Juarez, and Mariscal were educated, as well as many other Mexicans who have achieved extended reputation and fame. It has an average attendance of 500 students, for whose use there is an excellent library of 14,000 volumes. Guadalajara, Guanajuato, Puebla, and Merida are well supplied with institutions for higher education; in fact, the list might be extended to include almost every city and town of importance in the Republic.

LIBRARIES.

Soon after independence had been won the statesmen of Mexico, in their carly efforts for the diffusion of education among the people, conceived the idea of establishi national library, and decrees for that purpose were issued in 1833 and 1846,

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