that the best lawyer is he who is skilled in "roguery." We almost feel ashamed to notice such an argument (!), but as "one silly person may throw a stone into the garden while it may take ten wise men to recover it," we may perhaps be pardoned for noticing it. Though we are quite certain that we do not number among the ten sapient beings, yet we trust we shall not be classed among those who cast the lapideous missile into the "labyrinth." We need scarcely say that we are speaking metaphorically. From these remarks it may be clearly inferred that we cannot recognize such an idea, and, with the greatest respect for the examiners, who though learned we will not so designate-lest it might appear that we require a favour of them- they have no right whatever to test one's intellectual faculties. All that the examiners have to do is to ascertain whether candidates show a knowledge of the several subjects of examination, according to a certain standard. We contend that as a general rule there are no unfair "catches,” and if there were we should call attention to the fact that the Preliminary is an Examination in General Knowledge.

A resolution was recently passed at the General Congress of Law Students' Societies, held at the Great Western Hotel, Birmingham, to the effect that the examination should be made more severe. Now we think the questions are difficult enough, but the standard of efficiency might be raised. Instead of passing a candidate who answers half the number of questions, compel him to answer two-thirds. It must be distinctly understood that we are not complaining one way or the other, but if there is any defect on the score that the examination is not difficult enough, we make the suggestion by way of "remedying the evil," if any. In suggesting that a candidate should be required to answer two-thirds of the questions (correctly) we are perhaps not acting with good faith to the majority of intending candidates, but we are quite certain that it will not injure our pupils, for those whom we have already prepared have invariably managed to answer more than two-thirds of the questions, and in many instances nearly all; indeed, we could name several gentlemen who omitted to answer but two or three questions. It must not be considered that the examination is easy because our pupils are able to answer nearly all the questions, for it can easily be seen that with our very long acquaintance with the examination we are able to anticipate the majority of the questions.

Let us see whether the examination is-to use our own words-well calculated to test a candidate's general knowledge. First. He is required to write an English composition in which his knowledge of the rules of composition, orthography and syntax are tested by a skilful and experienced examiner. Secondly. He is required to write from dictation a passage selected by the examiner, who exercises his judgment in selecting an easy or difficult passage. After the candidate has taken it down, he is not allowed a second for correcting it, so that he may not consider over any words which he cannot spell. Thirdly. He is required to answer some very difficult questions on the orthography and etymology of the English language, such questions being as difficult, if not more so, than those set at the Matriculation Examination of the London University. Fourthly. Though the questions on English history are, as a rule, moderately easy, some are certainly very difficult. For instance, "How many wives had the husband of Mary of England and how long was he in this country?" "What issue had James I. by Anne of Denmark and what became of

them?" "Who was Cromwell's wife, what children had he, and what became of them?" Could anyone, unless he is continually studying history or without previous preparation, answer such questions? Fifthly. The same remarks also apply to geography. A candidate's knowledge must be very exact, and though the examiner says that he may answer as much as he can within the limited time, still, if he is not ready with his answers he will have very little time for consideration. We might also call attention to the arithmetic-the sums, appealing, as we have remarked on previous occasions, rather to a candidate's common sense than his knowledge of the rules of arithmetic. Candidates are also required, in addition to answering questions on the grammar of the Latin language, to translate three out of four pieces of Latin or French selected by the examiners.

Surely, with such a range of subjects, a skilful and experienced examiner ought to be able to detect those who have not received a very fair education. Candidates ought not to be required to show that they have received more than a very fair education, for otherwise we believe the number who offer themselves for examination would be reduced to one-half. If anyone thinks that the Law Society is not sufficiently exacting, let him continue his literary studies after the examination.

We must bear in mind, to use a well-known saying, that "Rome was not built in a day." Admitting, for the sake of argument, that there may be many faults connected with the examination, it certainly appears to "work" very well at present. We would never countenance idleness in students, but, as guardians of the intending law candidate, we complain of the apparent unkindness of those who having mounted the ladder wish their younger brethren to ascend the "precipice" as well as they can. We object then to such unnecessary innovations being made.

Now, pandering to our thirst for dealing in personalities, we cannot refrain from remarking that our pupils have met with the greatest possible success, and it will be considered so when we mention that many of them had previously failed two, three, and even four times, before we knew them. Many of our pupils were residents in Oxford and Cambridge, where they had every opportunity of seeking the assistance of some of the most able and acute scholars, yet they found it necessary to come to London for special preparation. We hope we shall not be considered presumptious. We merely mention the fact to show that the examination is not so easy, and that the majority of candidates seek the assistance of those who have had some experience in preparing for it. We may just mention that we have had in our classes many gentlemen from first-class colleges, and that there is scarcely a public school from which we have not had from one to four pupils.

We must now conclude this subject by congratulating all those candidates who have met with success, and reminding those who have been unsuccessful that with ordinary application they may approach this ordeal; provided, however, they have received a fair education.

CHAPTER V.

REMARKS ON MEMORY-continued.*

HAVING promised to continue our remarks on this important subject, we now redeem our promise. As, however, we have treated of so many other subjects in this number, we shall be very brief. We have been exceedingly pleased to receive some marks of approval from many who have adopted our suggestions for the improvement of the memory. One gentleman in particular has informed us that he has tried the plan with a most favourable result. Thus far we are glad.

Well, we beg to say that it does not necessarily follow that the same method of improving the memory is applicable in every case, though, as a general rule, committing to memory passages of prose or verses of poetry is a very excellent and sure method! Another plan is to study mathematics; for they strengthen both the mind and memory. Indeed, if at any time, such as at Christmas, we are compelled to give our pupils a holiday, we ask them to prepare a few examples in arithmetic at their leisure. Our object is to keep their minds in a pliable condition. Ought not a machine to be kept in working order lest it may become rusty?

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If a person's memory be very defective, the system we recommend would be of little practical value. Then some powerful method ought to be adopted,―say a course of mental arithmetic." In fact, in order to improve the memory, every method that taxes it should be resorted to. It must be remembered that if a person have a good memory he may not be able to improve it. Need he try?

Memory is a natural gift, but still, as we have seen, it may be cultivated or strengthened, and the sooner those who have defective memories set about improving them the better, for we know of no mental qualification which equals it. Nearly all our eminent jurists have excellent memories. They are able to remember cases that have been decided years ago, and the various sections of acts of parliament that they have read. We do not, however, think every one should endeavour to bring his memory to such a point of perfection, for unless he have a good ground-work for the superstructure, his efforts would be futile.

We know that the late Mr. Justice Willes had a brilliant memory, and that very frequently he would, in the course of an argument, be able to name, without recent reference, the number of the page of a certain book where particulars of a decided case might be found, so as to assist the judges in arriving at a decision.

A great deal depends upon the state of a person's health and general tone of mind; for very often when the memory has been over-taxed, it will refuse to perform its functions for a time.

• For commencement of the remarks on this subject, see No. 7, p. 235.

CHAPTER VI.

SYNOPSIS OF LEADING AUTHORS, STATESMEN, POETS AND PHILOSOPHERS. [ARRANGED IN CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER.]

Brunswick Period-continued.

JOHN KITTO, an able writer, was born at Plymouth in 1804 A.D. His father, who began life as a master builder, was reduced to the position of a jobbing mason, in which business young Kitto's help was required at a very early age. While thus employed, in 1817, a fall from the top of a house totally destroyed his sense of hearing. His · education had been meagre, but the love of reading became the solace of his loneliness and the foundation of his attainments. In 1819 his parents, being unable to maintain him, placed him in the workhouse. In 1823 he was enabled, by the kindness of two gentlemen in the neighbourhood, to publish a small volume of essays and letters, and' was placed in a position less unfavourable to self-improvement. He spent ten years abroad, travelling over a large part of Europe and Asia, and acquired that familiarity with the scenery and customs of the East which was afterwards of such signal service in the department of literature to which he became devoted. He returned to England in 1833, and gained attention by a series of papers in the "Penny Magazine," under the title of "The Deaf Traveller." His chief productions consist of "The Lost Senses," "A Bible History of the Holy Land," "Palestine," "Physical Geography of the Holy Land," &c., &c.; he also founded and edited "The Journal of Sacred Literature;" but his chief fame rests on his "Cyclopædia of Biblical Literature." Died 1854.

ROBERT FITZROY (ADMIRAL): superintendent of the Meteorological Department of the Board of Trade; was born 1805 A.D. He entered the navy at the age of fourteen. In 1828 he was appointed to take part, as commander of the "Beagle," in the government expedition for the survey of the coasts of South America. In 1831 he was charged with the conduct of a second scientific expedition to South America in command of the "Beagle," Mr. Darwin accompanying the expedition as naturalist. The valuable scientific results of this voyage, which occupied five years, were published in Darwin's wellknown "Journal of a Voyage round the World," and in a separate narrative by Admiral Fitzroy. In 1841 Admiral Fitzroy entered parliament for Durham, and two years later he was appointed governor of New Zealand, a post which he held till 1846. superintendent of the Meteorological Department of the Board of Trade he rendered very important service by the establishment of his system of "storm warnings" and forecasts communicated to the principal ports of Great Britain. His latest publication is "The Weather Book," containing the explanation of his method of forecasts and the chief results of his studies and observations. He was a fellow of the Royal Society and of the Royal Geographical Society, &c. Mental overwork and excessive wear and tear of

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brain and nerves undermined his health, and in a state of extreme depression or derangement he committed suicide by cutting his throat April 30th, 1865.

WILLIAM THOMPSON, a distinguished naturalist, was born at Belfast in 1805 A.D. The numerous memoirs published by him, chiefly in scientific periodicals, and latterly more especially in the "Annals of Natural History," embrace all departments of zoology, and several are devoted to botanical investigations. He added considerably to our knowledge of the natural history of England and Scotland. His love of ornithology was intense, and the results of his labours are narrated, with full and charming details, in the volumes that have been published of his great work on "The Natural History of Ireland." His reputation stood equally high on the Continent and in America. His love of the fine arts was only second to his love of science. Died 1852.

JAMES WILSON, a well-known financier, was born in 1805 A.D. He commenced his career as a hatter, but failing in that business, he turned his mind to political economy, in which his great powers raised him a high reputation. In 1839 he published a volume on "The Influences of the Corn Laws." This was followed by others on "The Fluctuations of Currency, Commerce and Manufactures," "On Capital, Currency, Banking," &c. In 1843 he set up the "Economist" newspaper; in 1848 he was appointed secretary to the Board of Control, and subsequently financial secretary to the Treasury. In 1859 he went as finance minister to India. Died at Calcutta, 1860. ROBERT MURPHY, a distinguished mathematician, was born in 1806 A.D. His parents were very poor. Being disabled by an accident from manual labour, he applied himself to mathematical studies. He obtained the appointment of examiner in mathematics and natural philosophy at the London University. His works are, "Elementary Principles of the Theory of Electricity," "Treatise on the Theory of Algebraical Equations," prepared for the Useful Knowledge Society; and various scientific memoirs contributed to the "Philosophical Transactions," the "Cambridge Transactions," &c. Died 1843.

SIR GEORGE CORNEWALL LEWIS (BART.): an illustrious English statesman, historical critic and political philosopher; was born October, 1806 A.D. He was early introduced to official life, being a member of the commission appointed in 1831 on the Irish Church, and soon after joint commissioner with the great jurist, John Austin, in Malta. In 1839 he succeeded his father as chief commissioner of Poor Laws, and held that office for eight years. He was returned to parliament in 1847 for Herefordshire, and was at once appointed secretary of the Board of Control. In the following year he became under-secretary of the home department, and in 1850 secretary of the Treasury. Two years later he lost his seat and did not again sit in parliament till 1855, when on his father's death he became member for the Radnorshire boroughs, and was soon after named by