1901, 76% of the total population could read and write,
and 86% of those over five years of age. These percentages have
gradually risen ever since federation, especially in the province of
Quebec, which was long in a backward state. The school systems of all
the provinces are, in spite of certain imperfections, efficient and
well-equipped, that of Ontario being especially celebrated. A fuller
account of their special features will be found under the articles on
the different provinces.

Numerous residential schools exist and are increasing in number with the
growth of the country in wealth and culture. In Quebec are a number of
so-called classical colleges, most of them affiliated with Laval
University.

Higher education was originally organized by the various religious
bodies, each of which retains at least one university in more or less
integral connexion with itself. New Brunswick, Ontario and Manitoba
support provincial universities at Fredericton, Toronto and Winnipeg.
Those of most importance[4] are:--Dalhousie University, Halifax, N.S.
(1818); the University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, N.B. (1800);
McGill University, Montreal, Que. (1821); Laval University, Quebec, and
Montreal, Que. (1852); Queen's University, Kingston, Ont. (1841); the
University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont. (1827); Trinity University,
Toronto, Ont. (1852); Victoria University, Toronto, Ont. (1836); the
University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ont. (1848); the University of Manitoba,
Winnipeg, Man. (1877).

Of these McGill (see MONTREAL) is especially noted for the excellence of
its training in practical and applied science. Many of the students,
especially in the departments of medicine and theology, complete their
education in the United States, Britain or Europe.

Most of the larger towns and cities contain public libraries, that of
Toronto being especially well-equipped.

Of the numerous learned and scientific societies, the chief is the Royal
Society of Canada, founded in 1881.

_Defence_.--The command in chief of all naval and military forces is
vested in the king, but their control rests with the federal parliament.
The naval forces, consisting of a fisheries protection service, are
under the minister of marine and fisheries, the land forces under the
minister of militia and defence. Prior to 1903, command of the latter
was vested in a British officer, but since then has been entrusted to a
militia council, of which the minister is presiden