f-years and in some cases two full years, before entrance
to the school. They must have also a fair general knowledge of their own
language, and of reading and writing as well. The candidate must be a
graduate of the Volksschule or must subject himself to an examination.
The fees in these schools vary from fifty to two hundred marks per year.
These are day sessions only. The governing power is in some cases vested
in the municipality, frequently in the State, and again in private
enterprise.

While those who go out from these schools may, some of them at least,
follow the trades as regular laborers, others again are qualified as
master-workmen and leaders in their craft. Construction in wood, stone,
iron and metals; laws of building; modes of heat, light and ventilation;
plumbing; interior fittings; these and other occupations are taken up.
The sessions of most schools extend over the winter months only, the
students being actively engaged in their several trades during the
summer season. These schools holding continuous sessions, are sparsely
attended during the summer. When theoretical work is given, such
subjects are included as bookkeeping, descriptive geometry, physics and
mechanics, German, free-hand and mechanical drawing, design, principles
of architecture. The practical programme comprehends a study of building
materials and the procuring and working of the same; relative strengths
and adaptability to purpose; models of construction; ornamentation;
architecture and design; estimates; chemical properties of materials;
supports, trusses, arches and the like. In the more advanced
institutions, algebra, surveying, mechanics, study of machines and
chemistry may be added to the theoretical list given, while the
practical studies are more intensive, and of a somewhat higher order.
Special departments for engineering, (Tiefbauabteilungen) preparing men
to occupy positions as superintendents, managers of public works,
construction directors, etc., are sustained in some instances.

Such schools are of an inferior engineering type, and deal with problems
of advanced work as related to the construction of roads, water works
and railroads; municipal engineering; bridge construction;
electro-technics. The theoretical lines are similar to those pursued in
other courses.

The schools to which we have just referred illustrate well the statement
made in a previous connection, that the grade of instruction rather than
the char