'My personal knowledge of that institution is very much out of date,
being derived from the experience of twenty years ago; the
establishment was at that time in its infancy, and a sad rickety
infancy it was. Typhus fever decimated the school periodically, and
consumption and scrofula in every variety of form, which bad air and
water, and bad, insufficient diet can generate, preyed on the
ill-fated pupils. It would not then have been a fit place for any of
Mrs. Chapham's children. But, I understand, it is very much altered
for the better since those days. The school is removed from Cowan
Bridge (a situation as unhealthy as it was picturesque--low, damp,
beautiful with wood and water) to Casterton; the accommodation, the
diet, the discipline, the system of tuition, all are, I believe,
entirely altered and greatly improved. I was told that such pupils
as behaved well and remained at school till their educations were
finished were provided with situations as governesses if they wish to
adopt that vocation, and that much care was exercised in the
selection; it was added they were also furnished with an excellent
wardrobe on quitting Casterton.
'If I have the opportunity of reading _The Life of Dr. Arnold_, I
shall not fail to profit thereby; your recommendation makes me
desirous to see it.
Pages:
379
380
381
382
383
384
385
386
387
388
389
390
391
392
393
394
395
396
397
398
399
400
401
402
403