res the use of illustrative material. With the
general introduction of illustrations in our modern
schools began the rapid progress in science that
distinguishes our age. All true teachers of science
affirm with one voice that this aid is indispensable even
with the most favored races.

In botany, zoology, mineralogy and geology we need
specimens--the great type examples on which
classification is founded. In physiology and anatomy we
need, in default of _material_, cheap models. In natural
philosophy, chemistry and astronomy we need
apparatus--not the costly instruments of precision, but
plain, cheap pieces, that are fitted to illustrate and in
some cases demonstrate the many and various principles
that are taught.

In the pressure of the growing work upon the society,
beyond a small sum for incidental expenses, most of the
money appropriated for schools goes for the payment of
salaries. Our land and our buildings have come from other
sources. But our outfit of school requisites has been for
the most part overlooked. Some fine instruments have been
presented to us, much more costly than we would have
selected for ourselves; but their value would be
increased many fold by accessory and supplementary
apparatus. Are there not those who can, by special gifts,
make up this lack also? Must _we_, of all other teachers
of science, be left to make bricks without straw? What
answer should be made to those who depreciate the negro's
mental capacity? Is it not a pitiful waste of the
opportunity, that a factory building should be put up,
workmen hired, materials supplied, but no _machinery_ put
in? Yet this has been going on with class after class for
ten years.

Three-fourths of our graduates follow teaching as a
profession, and are more or less teachers of science.
They should not only learn that which apparatus alone can
teach, but also how to use it themselves. Should a master
workman be expected to teach the theory and practice of a
trade through the use of _pictures_ of tools and
machines?

We have not neglected our opportunities in respect to
making collections of specimens about us, and
constructing cheap forms of apparatus. We have learned
new trades and toiled early and late and often through
wh