The same conditions result, as there would from the too long and continuous use of the muscles of the arm, when one is learning to execute a piece of delicate work--the drawing of a picture, or making a work of art. In such a case the importance of only limited periods of application would be readily appreciated; great care would be exercised by the teacher lest the pupil should continue the work too long, or after the muscles had become weary and consequently incapable of accurate work. We observe the same care in our treatment of the young of domestic animals, and are watchful that they be not over-driven or over-worked while their systems are undeveloped and in the growing period. When one is looking for the best growth, or the highest strength or speed attainable, if judicious, much vigilance will be exercised lest the animal be over-driven or worked many hours a day, until the system is developed and firmly knit together. Shall we be less careful or less wise in our treatment of children? Surely, there should not be need that I plead for such a course of education as will render the brain stronger and more capable of vigorous work in life, and of transmitting to another generation a sound mental organization, instead of, as is too often the case, a tendency to unstable and irregular action, which will have a final ending in insanity. That this may be the outcome of education there must be changes in the present system, and I plead earnestly that these may relate to at least two things, if no more: first, a larger measure of _individuality_,--smaller schools and fewer pupils for each teacher, that each may have more special assistance and _special_ training; and, second, _a less number of subjects of study_. Let there be fewer subjects studied, and let what is studied be more thoroughly mastered. Have fewer half-understood problems and half-remembered lessons, and I believe we shall have more stable brains and stronger intellects in after-life. CHAPTER VI. INDUSTRIAL EDUCATION. I have lifted at random from my table five yearly reports of institutions. The first is that of the Conn. Hospital for the Insane at Middletown. By reference to the table of occupations of persons admitted last year it appears that more than thirty-four per cent. were of persons, the larger portion of whom had never been educated in any regular method of obtaining a living. Some of them had been accustomed to depend upon the precarious results attending common labor, and some upon domestic labor, while others were without any regular occupation. Probably some of these persons may have had a measure of education in some occupation in early life, but if so, this does not appear in the statistics. The second is the report of the Hospital for the Insane at Taunton, Mass. Of those who were admitted last year to this institution, it appears that thirty per cent. would be included in the same general classes of the population.