P.—]STo. 1.

would not, I think, in the present infancy of the Colonies, be likely to lead to such a result. Not that there would be wanting Professors of first-rate talent in any such institution, but rather because a scholar is not likely there to obtain that general experience and liberal view which he may obtain at one of the Universities in England. The preparatory step, again, would be determined by the University selected—Oxford being the best finishing school for classics, Cambridge for mathematics : the one having its merit in the development of practical and scientific men, the other of political and well-read men. A scholarship at each University would be preferable to the invidious selection of the one above the other; for whilst the merit of cither can be by such a course best known, the double advantage would be obtained in the training of men peculiarly adapted for any exigency of the Colony thereafter. Ido not recommend Dublin because I believe it wanting in those advantages which the other Universities possess; and London or Edinburgh is wanting in like manner. Either of the two latter places the pupil at a considerable advantage in the subsequent competition at Cambridge for scholarships and exhibitions, and can well form the scholar in his preparation for a practical and scientific life. Many of the public schools in England train distinctively for either University. To name any would be to disparage the rest. I unquestionably recommend, that, if Cambridge or Oxford is selected as a finishing University, that the scholar should have the previous benefit of scholarship at one of such school or University, and that the best adapted for the talent he may appear to possess. 2.] Exhibitions would no doubt very greatly improve the class of studies within the schools of the Colony, and give an impetus to education very desirable. In the foundation of those exhibitions, I think a certain standard of education should be maintained, and certain subjects laid down, to form the particular feature of the examinations for such exhibitions, —which subjects might be judiciously chosen most advantageous to Colonial life. I do not suppose that these exhibitions arc intended to act as a substitute for, or even a stepping stone to, the scholarships, the subject of the preceding query. I rather understand that they have for their object the education of boys for the general, rather than for the special purposes of the Colony; for first and foremost do I think the special education for responsible positions in after life claims the interests of the Colony; the general education, or that adapted for ordinary positions, will necessarily follow in the wake of its improvement. Doubtless, as yet, many candidates may be found for the general education before one can be found for the special one; and if it were supposed that the exhibition could be made to serve the purpose of a discovery for the special education, I would submit that, by the time any candidate has proved himself entitled to an exhibition, he has become too old, or his education has been too prejudiced, to undertake the preparatory step to which I have previously alluded. 3.] I feel a delicacy in replying to this query other than as already anticipated, from the circumstance that there are within the reach of the questionists those who are more competent than myself to give a satisfactory reply. All that I can say generally upon Questions 1 and 2 I have already stated. Many particulars can be gone into with the view of facilitating the working of the general principle, which would be premature now in me to advance. With regard to the conduct of the examinations and the formation of a Board of Examiners, I imagine a difficulty not speedily removed. The formation of a Board is very simple, and the material ample; but how the examinations should be conducted before such Board, so that the most deserving candidate is awarded the exhibition or the most promising pupil selected as the scholar, it is not easy to determine. Probably the matter and the manner might be with advantage left to the direction of the Board; and as the Board would be constituted by gentlemen the most intelligent and the most interested in the welfare of the Colony, I do not think that any prejudice can arise. Many a boy has shown a precocity and a promise not sustained in after years. Again, many have in after years shown talent that in boyhood was lying dormant and unperceived. This suggests a new feature in the examination, prompting rather a sustained and quiet observation of the merits of each candidate, than one periodic, and in many ways perplexing. The subjects selected for exhibitions should be high and practical; those for scholarships searching and fundamental. 4.] I have anticipated this query by my reply to Query 1; yet I cannot help expressing my decided preference for Oxford or Cambridge as a finishing University. They have the greatest number of students in residence, young men of all shades of opinion, habits, and tastes. They have the advantage of the most learned Professors of the day, and the greatest facilities for the purposes of instruction. These, I consider, are features that should by no means be lost sight of in imparting a finish of education to men for responsible positions in life. Besides which, in the Colonies, a University man of Oxford or Cambridge is accounted of more consideration, and therefore calculated to obtain more influence,, than a man educated elsewhere— especially if he gives proof of his education in the polish of his manner, in the elegancy of his speech, in the depth of his knowledge, or in the extent of his acquirements. Scholarships should, I think, be made available for either or both of these Universities, for the reasons I have previously advanced. They should not be made absolute even for the purpose of education, but should be made dependent upon the good conduct, persevering application, and

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ESTABLISHMENT OF UNIVERSITY SCHOLARSHIPS.