52 THE PUBLIC SCHOOL SYSTEM

majority of boys of preparatory school age are particularly
 receptive of mechanical ideas. Much valuable
instruction can be imparted by means of “Meccano ”
and similar devices. This not only introduces ideas on
stresses and strains, leverage work, etc., but affords
practice in manipulation and develops the inventive
faculty.
7. Although no formal treatment of any branch should
be attempted, much interesting and useful work can be
done with a cell, wires, small light bulbs, and toy motors,
especially in conjunction with “ Meccano”.
8. Carpentry. Training in handicraft is in itself of
advantage, but this subject should be so taught as to
develop a boy's initiative as much as possible.
Much of the apparatus needed for models and simple
experiments to illustrate the branches already considered
may be made by the boys themselves in the workshop,
9. Photography ; both as an illustration of the possibilities
 and value of scientific knowledge and as a
means of recording work done.
10. The knowledge of the mysteries of life and reproduction
 is usually concealed from a boy as long as
possible, and the acquisition of such knowledge as a
shock is exceedingly dangerous to morals. Such knowledge
 should be acquired by a boy gradually, and this
may be led up to perfectly naturally by a study of
fertilization in plants, and of reproduction in the lower
forms of animal life,
During the first few terms at a public school such of
the above suggestions as have not been dealt with at a
preparatory school should receive adequate treatment,
and, as opportunity affords, ideas on the following subjects
should be introduced :—
I. Principles of heat and light as far as they affect
daily life. Colour and the spectrum.
2. The great facts of chemistry.