Another event worthy of record is the recent publication by the now University Press of a book on Inorganic Chemis-B'e., lecturer on the modern side of ti The author is Mr. Erik Nystrom,
Imperial University. The stylo is wéuli, with foreign terms for nomenclature. It la printed on good pap-r and profusely illustrated with woodcuts, done by native printers here under the supervision of Mr. Nystrom. The author and printers are to be congratulated heartily, Five Students, who have spent from three to five years in Japan, have just returned. They have had an interview with the Governor, who has offered them, it is said, professorships at the new college. This offer was, however, refused, ostensibly'on the ground that they themselves had need to return to Japan to complete their studies. There was another reason, however, for refusing the impression of the students that there is no certain prospect of a steady advance in educational work in Shansi. There are no indications of a continuous policy. They speak highly of the work done in Western department of the University.
Difficulties in the Way of Reform.
The officials in the outside districts, however, are keeping the educational question to the front by frequent memorials to the higher authorities. There is at present very little actually done, for lack of competent teachers, And ov what is often attempted by the local magistrate is frustrated by the parents of possible pupils and the old-grained Confucian teachers of the village. Recently I
started tw modern schools. The teacher ted village where the magistrate had and buildings had been appointed, but no scholars would come. The reason given was the fear of the parents that those who became pupils would soon be shipped abroad, possibly never to return, There are many ready everywhere to foster such ideas so there msy be some truth in the official contention that it is not easy to reform. The Feng-chi ASf must first be opened.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.