A little over two years ago (March 22, 1884), under the title of ‘A Practical Science and Art School,’ we gave an account of the transformation that had taken place at Gordon’s College, Aberdeen, the old ‘hospital’ having been converted into a day and evening school, both possessing sections specially devoted to technical instruction. The first independent examination of the College (day-school) has just been made, the examiners being Professor Birrell of St Andrews, and Professor Kennedy of University College, London, who report highly on the appearance made and the work done by the pupils, and on the general condition of the College. They mention that the College has so prospered under its new constitution, that whereas the pupils in attendance previous to 1881 at no time exceeded two hundred, the number on the register for this session (1885-86) exceeds eight hundred. Of these, one hundred and twenty are foundationers, who are entitled to free education, books, and an allowance of £15, 12s. per annum for maintenance and clothing, &c.; and this is all that remains of the ‘hospital’ system. We excerpt the portion of the Report bearing on ‘Handicraft,’ as being of general interest: ‘A certain number of the most promising boys in the third division are allowed to receive workshop instruction for from one and a half to two hours a week; while in the fourth and fifth divisions of the Commercial School it forms a regular subject of instruction, to which about four hours a week are allotted. Some boys have only one year of this work, some (occasionally) over two years. A year and a half seems to be about the average. The work done by individual pupils depends upon their ability and probable future employment, each having free choice so far as it is practicable. All boys occupy themselves with simple woodwork for about a year after entering. Later on, they obtain practice in fitter’s work (filing, chipping, scraping, &c.), and in work at simple machine tools (simple and screw-cutting lathes and planing-machines), also in forging and greensand moulding. Those who require it are also taught something of tinplate and plumber’s work. From twenty to twenty-five lads work in the workshop at one time—there is not room for more. At present, about eighty lads in all are receiving practical instruction in four detachments. Earlier in the session (a large number of the more advanced boys having left for situations in the early spring), the total number was about one hundred and twenty-five, receiving instruction in five divisions.