ENGLISH BOOKS FOR ESTONIA [To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.]
Sin,--When visiting Estonia a. few months ago, I was struck by the keen . interest in education shown by an enterprising people, and by the efficiency with which that interest is being put into action. One advantage - of an entirely. new State and new system is that its governors can avoid. the mistakes of others and profit by their successes, and in ten years' hard work the Estonian Government has evolved a system of education that will bear comparison with that of any country. I wish, however, to touch upon one subject only—the teaching of English--and to bring forward a suggestion which is not
original, and which I can therefore commend without diffidence. English is taught in many primary; school-and _all secondary.
schools in Estonia, and it is to our own interest as well as -making for our satisfaction', that it should- be taught well and attractively. But English books are expensive, and Estonia is poor. It would help the cause of education and promote the growing sympathy between the two countries, if a number of people would send a Christmas gift of an English book or books for use in Estonian schools. Attractive 'books of fiction or essays, and juvenile books of all sorts, as well as technical books for centres of higher education, would meet the need, and sueh a gift would be of real use. Parcels should be sent to :—The Estonian Legation, 167, Queen's Gate, London, S.W. 7.—I am, Sir, &c.,
- GEORGE F. NAYLOR.
Church House, Lower Kingswood, Surrey.
[We entirely sympathize with this appeal. We hope that iiaders who are able to respond to Mr. Naylor's suggestion will send parcels of English books to the Estonian Legation.— ED. Spectator.]
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