SCHOOLMASTER'S DIFFICULTIES,

ABROAD AND AT HOME.

"non omnia possumus omnes.'

VIRG. Ecl. viii.

LONDON:

LONGMAN, BROWN, GREEN, AND LONGMANS.

ΤΟ

THE MASTERS AND MISTRESSES

OF THE

Parochial, National, British, and Infant Schools,

IN GREAT BRITAIN AND IRELAND,

IN TOKEN

OF LOVE TO THEIR OFFICE, OF SYMPATHY IN THEIR TRIALS,

OF GOOD WISHES FOR THEIR PROSPERITY,

THIS VOLUME

IS RESPECTFULLY INSCRIBED.

PREFACE.

THERE are, doubtless, many teachers among those to whom these humble pages are addressed, who feel none of the difficulties therein mentioned; and some of whom may even be at a loss to comprehend what is intended by their recital. To them, of course, the whole volume, under any view, will possess little value; and all that is asked of them is, a candid allowance that others may differ from themselves. As good men and true, they have, probably, often seen, and sorrowed over, the trials and failures of their brethren; and may have sometimes tried to amend, direct, or soothe, where they had a reasonable hope that their influence and experience might be brought to bear. But if they be merely such as close their own eyes and then fancy that all are blind; or again, such as are merry monarchs of their little kingdom, because they know neither the privileges nor the responsibilities of their office,-they should be reminded, not to condemn others for being more sensitive, and less