tage of a reconciliation between the Master and Usher, he
refused to discuss or enquire into the personal aspect of the matter.

His report described the financial resources of the School, which
consisted of 732 acres of land, and produced a yearly income of over
L1,120. There was also an increasing surplus of revenue over
expenditure, which three years later amounted to little less than L800.
The average number of boys during the years 1846-1860 had been
eighty-three, and the highest point had been ninety-six. This according
to the testimony of those, who had the longest associations with the
School, was a considerably larger number than had ever been reached at
any previous period. In 1860 the number had dropped to fifty-six, and at
the time of the Inspector's visit was fifty-one. Ten of these were
boarders, of whom nine lived in the Usher's House, one with the
Headmaster. There was one day boarder; nine lodged with strangers, four
more with relatives, the rest, twenty-seven in all, were home boarders
or boys coming to School from their homes in the neighbourhood. The
education was mainly Classical, although some boys who were intended for
a commercial career were excused Greek and Latin Verse, while almost all
learned both French and German.

The chief difficulty under which the School was labouring, was the class
of boy from which it drew. The whole education was given free and this
tempted many parents to send their sons, who in reality were not fitted
to take advantage of the curriculum provided. There were exceptions, and
some boys of humble parentage had distinguished themselves in an
intellectual sphere, but their proportion was not great. It was
therefore suggested that tuition fees should be imposed. Such a charge
was revolutionary and was stoutly condemned by all the inhabitants
living around. It formed the battlefield for ten years. Face to face
with the Inspector, the Governors gave their consent to the change, but
presently local pressure became so strong that they withheld it. But the
short Scheme of 1864 which enabled members of the Governing Body to be
chosen from a wider area, and the consequent appointment of Sir James
Kay Shuttleworth gave a great impetus to reform. There was now no
faintness of heart. The increased efficiency of the School became a
dominating idea, and the principle of capitation fees was accepted. But
it was impossible to carry through such a principle without the consent
of the