CAMP THOUGHTS
SIR,—Private X and his companions discussing Education on their bags of grain were perhaps a little hard on the pedagogues, to whom, though they do not seem to realise it, they probably owe a great deal of their ability to enjoy "the freshness and freedom of learning." I think I shall be supported by a great many experienced schoolmasters if I sound a nate of warning to well-meaning people who, like Private X, condemn Certificate Examinations out of hand.
Before anyone can come to the enjoyment of learning, he or she must first of all pass through a period of long and arduous spade-work. Neglect of this leads to superficiality, slovenly thinking and lack of moral fibre. To a few, lamentably few, the dreary task of acquiring facts comes easily ; to the majority of young people it is incomprehensible and a thing oa be avoided if possible. The task Of the pedagogue, a task which his own inclination would often lead him to neglect for more interesting digres- sions, is to see that his pupils acquire the minimum of sound learning which will enable them later on, if they so desire, to build upon that foundation. When, forced by parents and teachers alike, they have to clear the obstacle of the Certificate, the habits of self-discipline which they must then practice will stand them in good stead later and enable them to expand their knowledge to the great advantage not only of them- selves but of the community at large.
Let us beware of making education so easy and attractive to the young that they never learn that self-discipline and capacity for hard work, by which alone sound knowledge and true wisdom can be gained.
Dunlas House, Kinnear Road, Edinburgh, 4. H. C. FERGUSON.
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