How Women May Earn a Living

The Girls' Public Day School Company, in connection with the Women's Education Union, pay their teachers good salaries. The schools of the Company at present in operation are the following:—

• Bath High School, 5, Portland Place, Bath.
• Blackheath High School, Wemyss Road, Blackheath, S.E.
• Brighton High School, The Temple, Montpelier Road, Brighton.
• Bromley High School, Fern Bank, Elmfield Road, Bromley, Kent.
• Clapham High School, The Lawn, Clapham Common, S.W.
• Clapham Middle School, Clarence House, Clapham Common.
• Croydon High School, Wellesley Road, Croydon.
• Dulwich High School, Thurlow Park Road, West Dulwich, S.E.
• Gateshead High School, Windmill Hill, Gateshead-on-Tyne.
• Hackney High School, 273 and 275, Mare Street, Hackney, E.
• Highbury and Islington High School, 6 and 7, Canonbury Place, N.
• Ipswich High School, Northgate Street, Ipswich.
• Kensington High School, 152 and 154, Cromwell Road, S.W.
• Liverpool High School, Prince's Park, Liverpool
• Maida Vale High School, Warrington Crescent, W.
• Newton Abbot High School, Dovercourt, Forde Park, Newton Abbot.
• Norwich High School, Theatre Street, Norwich.
• Nottingham High School, Arboretum Street, Nottingham.
• Notting Hill and Bayswater High School, Norland Square, Notting Hill, W.
• Oxford High School, St. Giles's Road East, Oxford.
• Portsmouth High School, Osborne Road, Southsea.
• Sheffield High School, Surrey Street, Sheffield.
• South Hampstead High School, Maresfield Gardens, Fitzjohn's Avenue, N.W.
• Tunbridge Wells High School, Fair Lawn, Mount Sion, Tunbridge Wells.
• Weymouth High School, 3, Greenhill, Weymouth.
• Wimbledon High School, Wimbledon Hill, Wimbledon.
• York High School, Fishergate House, York.

Ladies desirous of becoming head mistresses must send in their applications to the Secretary of the Company, 21, Queen Anne's Gate, S.W. Every application must be in writing, and be accompanied by original testimonials (which will be returned). Candidates, whose age must be stated, should have had experience in school management, and must produce testimony to their power of organisation, and ability to maintain firm but kindly discipline, as well as to their attainments and capacity as teachers of classes.

Subject to bye-laws, regulations of the Council, and to an annual examination and inspection of the school by independent examiners, each head mistress will have the management of the studies and discipline of the school, and will be consulted in the selection and appointment of all assistant teachers, whose emoluments will be settled by the Council.

The emoluments of the head mistress will consist in each case of a fixed stipend of £250 per annum, together with a capitation fee of £1 10s. for every pupil in the school above the number of 100 up to 200, and of £2 for every pupil above the number of 200 up to 300.

There will be no residences attached to the schools; the head mistresses will not be allowed to take boarders or instruct private pupils except with the express permission of the Council, and the school year will be divided into three terms, each about thirteen weeks in length, and the engagement of each head mistress will be entered into subject to its being terminable either by the Council or by her at the end of a term and after the expiration of one term's previous notice. It is particularly requested that candidates abstain from canvassing members of the Council, either directly or indirectly.

Ladies desirous of becoming teachers in the schools of the Company, are requested to observe the following regulations:—

All appointments of assistant teachers are made by the Council, usually on the recommendation of the Committee of Education.

Candidates and their testimonials are in the first instance referred to the head mistress of the school concerned, who examines the testimonials and makes inquiry as to the qualifications when necessary at personal interviews. The head mistress then lays the several testimonials before the Education Committee, with a report upon them. The Education Committee make such further inquiries and hold such interviews with any of the candidates as they may deem fit, and then submit candidates for the approval of the Council. The Council pay second-class railway fare for those candidates with whom a personal interview is desired.

All appointments of assistant teachers are made on probation for the first two terms, that is to say are terminable by the head mistress at the end of the first or second term without reference to the Council, and without more than a month's notice.

When the Council have approved an appointment after the probationary period, an assistant teacher is required to sign an agreement with the Council, and is removable by the Council after notice of at least two months, expiring at the end of a school term. The same notice is required from an assistant teacher. At the end of the probationary period assistant teachers are placed on the permanent staff at a rate of salary depending upon their work and qualifications. These salaries begin at amounts varying from £70 to £135 per annum, and rise annually for four years by increments varying from £7 to £15. Junior teachers and paid student teachers are not included in the above. Board and residence are not provided by the Council.

The qualifications required vary with each special case. A knowledge of English grammar and literature, arithmetic, and one or more languages besides English, together with some experience in teaching, are usual requisites. Ability to assist in the instruction in drawing is also desirable. Music is always taught by special teachers.

It is a great recommendation if candidates have passed in the Higher Oxford or Cambridge Examinations, the London University Examinations, or other examinations of the like kind.

All applications should be made by letter, stating age, qualifications, and experience, and accompanied by copies of testimonials (not originals). These documents should be addressed to the head mistress of the particular school, at the school; or if not for any special school may be marked "Application for Assistant Teachership," and directed to the Secretary of the Company, 112, Brompton Road, London, who will send them to any head mistress needing an assistant.

Applications to teach special subjects, such as music, harmony, class-singing and pianoforte, drawing, higher Latin, French, or German, mathematics, any branch of natural science, drill, &c., should be made in the same manner.

Inquiries as to vacancies are best made of the various head mistresses early in the months of April, July, and December; they may also be addressed to the Secretary of the Company.

ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS.

Teachers in the elementary schools receive good salaries, have short hours of work, and are comparatively in an independent position; but I have no doubt many ladies would find the class of children they would be required to teach a great trial to them, as the habits and ideas of children of the lower classes would, in all probability, prove a considerable shock to the sensibilities of ladies who came in contact with them for the first time. The elementary schools employ an immense number of teachers. In the schools under the School Board alone 2,500 certificated female teachers are employed, besides a large number of pupil-teachers. The teachers under the School Board all receive good salaries, but as the whole scheme of payment is now under revision, it is impossible to give exact figures. Pupil-teachers begin at 4s. a week. There are seven weeks' holiday in the year; the hours of work are from 9 to 12, and 2 till 4.30. The head mistress is expected to give an hour's extra instruction to the pupil-teachers.

These are the regulations for admission of teachers to all public elementary schools—that is to say, all schools in receipt of a grant from the Education Department, including National, British, Wesleyan, Roman Catholic, and Board Schools.

The recognised classes of teachers are: Certificated teachers, pupil teachers, and assistant teachers.

Teachers in order to obtain certificates must be examined, and must undergo probation by actual service in school.

The examination for certificates is open to:—(a.) Students who have resided for at least one year in training colleges under inspection; or (b.) candidates who are upwards of twenty-one years of age. (1.) Completed an engagement as pupil-teacher satisfactorily; or (2.) obtained a favourable report from an inspector; or (3.) served as assistants for at least six months in schools under certificated teachers.

Candidates who at the time of the examination are not teachers of schools to which annual grants are or may be made, must be recommended by the authorities of their college, or by the managers of the school in which they last served.

Candidates for certificates, after successfully passing their examination, must, as teachers continuously engaged in the same schools, obtain two favourable reports from an inspector, with an interval of one year between them; and if the first of these reports be not preceded by service of three months (at the least) since the examination a third report, at an interval of one year after the second report, is issued; if the second (or third) report is favourable a certificate is issued.

Teachers under probation must satisfy the conditions which require that schools be kept by certificated teachers.

Pupil-teachers must be not less than fourteen years (completed) at the date of their engagement.

They are required to pass an easy examination, and produce certificates of health and character.

At the close of their engagement pupil-teachers are perfectly free in the choice of employment. If they wish to continue in the work of education they may become assistants in elementary schools; or may be examined for admission into a training college; or may be provisionally certificated for immediate service in charge of small schools.

Assistant Teachers.—Pupil-teachers who have completed their engagements with credit, and passed their examinations satisfactorily, and candidates not having been pupil-teachers who have passed with success the examination for entrance into a training college, may serve as assistants in schools, in place of pupil-teachers, without being required to be annually examined.

TRAINING COLLEGES.

An examination for Queen's Scholarships is annually held at each college in summer, and at special local centres, commencing at 10 A.M. on the first Wednesday after July 2nd.

The candidates are selected and admitted to the examination by the authorities of each college on their own responsibility, subject to no other conditions on the part of the Education Department than that the candidates:—

(a.) Intend bonâ fide to adopt and follow the profession of a teacher in elementary schools.

(b.) If pupil-teachers have successfully completed their engagement, or will do so before the following examination for admission.

(c.) Not having been pupil-teachers, will be more than eighteen years of age on January 1st next following the date of examination.

The successful candidates are arranged in three classes in order of merit.

A place in the third class qualifies for employment as an assistant teacher, but not for admission into a training college or for a provisional certificate.

The authorities of each college settle their own terms for admission.

Candidates are required to pass a medical examination.

The following is a list of training colleges for mistresses. It must be stated that the entrance fee entitles the student to board, lodging, washing, and medical attendance for two years, except during the holidays:—

All these colleges, with the exceptions specified, are conducted on Church of England principles.

GOVERNESSES IN PRIVATE FAMILIES.

After having said so much about the necessity of training, examinations, &c., I think it only fair to make some mention of governesses in private families for the younger children, under fourteen. Many parents are wise enough to prefer for these posts a thoroughly conscientious lady, even if she is not accomplished, to one who has any number of certificates, unless she combines with them a due sense of the importance of her task.

Ladies whose circumstances induce them to seek a situation in some one else's house should, above all things, avoid undue sensitiveness, and the habit of attributing unkind motives (which probably never exist) to every little incident which may occur. Of course a governess's life is not likely to be the happiest one could imagine, but I think it is usually her own fault if it is not a contented and useful one, and perhaps this is as much as it is wise for any of us to expect.

The best place for governesses of this class to apply to for situations is the Governesses' Benevolent Institution, 47, Harley Street, where no fee is charged. Any governess on procuring and leaving two satisfactory letters from respectable parties, written in the first person, signed, sealed, and addressed to the Board, may enter her name, and such other particulars as she may wish to state, in the books of registration, kept for that purpose. There is also a book to register applications for governesses. The Board of Management abstain from all interference between the parties, and the entries must be made by parties themselves, ladies in the country acting by a friend. No letter or testimonial can under any circumstances be returned nor taken from the office. It is necessary that all letters be written in the first person. Office hours from 12 to 5.

CHAPTER III.
ARTISTIC EMPLOYMENTS.

Schools of Art.—A knowledge of drawing is required in so many of the employments open to women that I think it advisable to give some information as to how it can best be acquired.

In connection with the National Art Training School at South Kensington, Metropolitan District Schools of Art are established at the following places:—

• 1. The Female School of Art, 43, Queen Square, Bloomsbury.
• 2. Blackheath, Lee, and Lewisham (Bennett Park).
• 3. Blackheath Hill, 13, Lansdowne Place.
• 4. Chelsea, Onslow College.
• 6. Chiswick, Bath Road, Bedford Park.
• 6. Holloway (Camden School).
• 7. Hornsey.
• 8. Islington, Barnsbury Hall.
• 9. Lambeth, Miller's Lane, Upper Kennington Lane.
• 10. North London, Sandringham Road, Kingsland.
• 11. St. Martin's-in-the-Fields, Castle Street, Long Acre.
• 12. St. Thomas Charterhouse, Goswell Road.
• 13. Stoke Newington.
• 14. Stratford, Maryland Point.
• 15. West London, 155, Great Titchfield Street.
• 16. Westminster, Royal Architectural Museum.

I give the rules of the South Kensington School; the others differ slightly, but further particulars can always be obtained by application to the head masters; as a rule the expense of studying at the local schools is less than at South Kensington, but the same system of instruction is pursued. The second grade certificate, so often mentioned in these pages, is by no means difficult to obtain. As will be seen by the rules, it is necessary to pass the examination for it before joining the art classes.

There is a large number of free studentships; for particulars of these application must be made to the Secretary, Science and Art Department, S.W.

The South Kensington rules are as follows:—

I. The courses of instruction pursued in the school have for their object the systematic training of teachers, male and female, in the practice of Art, and in the knowledge of its scientific principles, with a view to qualifying them as teachers of Schools of Art competent to develop the application of art to the common uses of life, and to the requirements of trade and manufactures. The instruction comprehends the following subjects:—Freehand, architectural, and mechanical drawing; practical geometry and perspective; painting in oil, tempera, and water colours; modelling, moulding, and casting. The classes for drawing, painting, and modelling, include architectural and other ornament, flowers, objects of still life, &c., the figure from the antique and the life, and the study of anatomy as applicable to art.

II. These courses of instruction are open to the public on payment of fees. These are as follows:—

The classes for male and female students meet separately.

Governesses in private schools or families may attend the day classes for not more than three months, on payment of £1 per month, without payment of the entrance fee.

III. No students can be admitted to these classes until they have passed an examination in freehand drawing of the second grade. Examinations of candidates for admission will be held weekly at the commencement of each term, and at frequent intervals throughout the year. These examinations are held at the school on Tuesdays at 10.30 A.M. and 6.45 P.M. Candidates should bring their own lead pencils and indiarubber. Unsuccessful candidates cannot be re-examined until after a month's interval. The examination fee is 2s. 6d. for day students, and 6d. for evening students, to be paid at the time of examination.

IV. The annual session consists of two terms, each lasting five months, and commencing on the 1st of March and the 1st of October, and ending on the last day of July and the last day of February respectively. One week at Christmas and one week at Easter or Whitsuntide are also vacations. The school is open every week-day except Saturday. Hours of study are—day, 9 to 3.30; evening, 7 to 9. Evening classes for females on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays.

Classes for modelling have been lately formed at the Lambeth Technical School of Art, 122, Kennington Park Road. Practice in modelling from drapery, the antique, and the human figure nude and draped. On Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings, from 7 to 9.30. Fee, 5s. per month.

Modelling from casts of ornaments:—The practice will be adapted to the technical wants of the individual students. This class meets on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, from 6.30 to 9. Fee, 2s. 6d. per month.

There is an annual examination for prizes in all schools of art, and a national competition.

Royal Academy.—Free instruction is given for a period of seven years at the Royal Academy of Arts, Burlington House, to any one who shows sufficient talent. Applicants for admission must have attained a certain proficiency, and must deliver specimens of their work, with a printed form duly filled in, at the Academy on or before the 28th of June, or the 28th of December, to be submitted to the Council. This form can be obtained from the Registrar through the written request of a member, or some artist or person of known respectability.

The hours of work are from 10 to 3. Students are required to provide their own materials.

Designers.—There is a great demand for skilful and original designers, but only for really clever ones, as so much of the ordinary work is done by pupils. Mr. Sparkes, the head master of the South Kensington School of Art, tells me any one with natural taste and invention can be trained thoroughly in designing, including a knowledge of the human figure, in two years, if willing to work hard; after that time it would be necessary to give some months to become acquainted with the possibilities of the material to be designed for, such as glass, table-linen, cretonnes, dress materials, wall papers, &c. After a few months' study, I should advise pupils to ask their head master's candid opinion as to their chances of success, as he would be better able to tell them than any one else.

Many of the large manufacturers employ designers permanently, at salaries not lower than £100 a year, and in many cases the work can be done at home. The authorities at South Kensington have frequent applications for designers, and recommend the most deserving amongst the students. Before offering designs to manufacturers it is advisable to ascertain what style they require, as sometimes a prejudice is created by unsuitable work being offered, which is never overcome. Many of the large upholsterers employ girls to design furniture. It requires a good knowledge of drawing, including perspective, but not so much talent as other kinds of designing. The salaries vary from 25s. to 30s. a week.

At the Lambeth Technical School of Art, 124, Kennington Park Road, classes for the study of design meet on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday evenings. The course is adapted for the use of all students engaged in the practice of ornamental art, and is specially designed for the use of those occupied in pottery painting and surface decoration. The fee is 2s. 6d. per month, except to those students who have already joined the Art School, who will pay 6d. additional fee.

Wood Carving.—A school of art for wood carving has recently been established at the Albert Hall, South Kensington, where ladies can receive the thorough training which is essential to their success in this branch of art labour. Three years is the least time in which a fair knowledge of the art can be acquired by capable and industrious students, but at the end of the first year those who are clever may earn as much as ten or twelve shillings a week; when proficient, their earnings would probably be from £2 to £3 weekly, though in cases of exceptional talent, no doubt, considerably more might be occasionally earned.

There are very few highly skilled wood carvers in England, so there would be no difficulty in disposing of really good artistic work. The best plan for those unable to obtain permanent employment is to make small articles, such as blotting-books, photograph frames, glove-boxes, paper-knives, &c., take them to the large fancy shops, and offer them for sale. Upholsterers and picture-frame makers give regular employment to many; and when that can be obtained it is doubtless more satisfactory than anything else.

The rules of the school at the Albert Hall are as follows:—

Both day and evening classes are held in the school. The day classes are held from 10 to 1 and 2 to 5 on five days a week, and from 10 to 1 on Saturdays. The evening classes are held from 7 to 9 on four evenings a week, viz., Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. The fees for day students are £2 a month, or £5 a quarter. The fees for evening students are 15s. a month, or £2 a quarter.

There are at present twelve free studentships, viz., six in the day and six in the evening classes. Candidates must have passed the second grade art examination of the Science and Art Department in freehand drawing at least. Those who have some knowledge of wood carving, or have passed in the other subjects of the second grade art certificate, or in drawing from the antique and the figure, architectural drawing, or designing and modelling, will be preferred. Applications for these studentships should be addressed to the Secretary, at the school.

All students are required to provide their own tools, and work done in the schools by free students cannot be taken away. Students paying their own fees may take away work executed by themselves on their own materials, but all work on materials provided by the school remains the property of the school. Students who have been in the school not less than twelve months may, on the recommendation of the instructor, receive such payment for their work as the Committee may determine.

The tools students are required to provide themselves with, during the whole time they attend the school, cost about £2, but for 15s. they can procure enough to carry them over the first few months. The free studentships are for periods of six months, and are renewed to promising students. A taste for designing, and a considerable knowledge of drawing, are so desirable that I cannot conscientiously recommend any one without them to adopt wood carving as her profession, for although a certain degree of mechanical excellence might be obtained, it would not be sufficient to ensure a livelihood.

Mr. Donaldson, a member of the firm of Messrs. Gillow and Co., Oxford Street, takes a very great interest in the school, and kindly allows me to say that he intends to do all in his power to give employment to ladies competent to undertake it; but, of course, as the work required by his firm is of a superior kind, those anxious to obtain it must study until they can produce excellent work.

Wood Engraving.—To learn the art of wood-engraving thoroughly a long apprenticeship is absolutely necessary. All authorities agree in saying that students must not expect to earn anything at all for the first three years; after that time they may probably earn £1 a week, but should still continue their course of study for two years at least. There is not the slightest reason why women should not rival men in this branch of art, if they will give the necessary time to acquire it.

The work can very frequently be done at home, which is usually considered an advantage; but in that case ladies must make up their minds to work as steadily and for as many hours a day as they would under the eyes of a master; for certainly only those who could be depended upon for punctuality would be likely to obtain remunerative work.

At the expiration of the five years, when the pupil may be expected to have become a skilled engraver, her earnings would be from £1 10s. to £4 or more a week, according to her industry and ability.

The City and Guilds of London Institute has established a technical class of wood engraving at 122 and 124, Kennington Park Road, under the care of Mr. C. Roberts.

The hours of practice are from 10 to 4, and from 6 to 8 in the evening, daily, except Saturday; and all students are expected to attend regularly and punctually.

On Tuesday and Friday evenings the work of the class will be examined. At all other times students will be responsible to an assistant teacher, or senior student, who will be always present.

All members of the class must have taken the second grade certificate of the Science and Art Department, or must be prepared to do so.

Four scholarships, each consisting of a free studentship for one year, will be awarded annually after the first year's practice. These may be renewed in the following year on proof of industry and progress, and on the recommendation of the master. The fee will be £3 3s. a year, payable by half-yearly sums of £1 11s. 6d. in advance. No student can be admitted for a shorter period than one year.

The vacations are six weeks in the summer two weeks at Christmas, and two at Easter or at Whitsuntide.

The cost of the tools each student is required to provide herself with is 22s.

For those students who at the expiration of two or three years are sufficiently advanced in their practice to be able to execute work for publication, Mr. Roberts has, with the co-operation of the Society for the Employment of Women, established a work-room in connection with his own offices at Lonsdale Chambers, Chancery Lane.

At this work-room all those advanced students that Mr. Roberts is able to accommodate and employ will continue to have his supervision, and receive work, and be advanced according to their ability.

Mr. Paterson, an engraver, who has been a most successful teacher for fourteen years in both Edinburgh and London, holds a class for ladies every Monday and Thursday, from 2 to 3 o'clock, at 3, East Temple Chambers, Whitefriars Street. No pupil will be received for less than two quarters.

As his is a private class, he of course cannot compete in price with the one under the patronage of the City and Guilds of London Institute. His terms are:—

A small charge is also made for the wood used by the pupil; it never exceeds 7s. 6d. a quarter. The cost of the tools is 21s., but they are highly finished and ready for use. Many of Mr. Paterson's pupils are now earning considerable incomes. A knowledge of drawing, though very desirable, is not essential, especially as in all probability no one who was entirely devoid of the artistic faculty would care to attempt to become an engraver, as it is doubtless a long and arduous task, though the success which may be attained would, when it came, be, I think, a full recompense for all the time and trouble that had been expended.

China Painting.—Painting on china has been considerably overdone of late years, and now only really good work can be at all certain of finding a market. The best way for amateurs to dispose of their work is to send it to Messrs. Howell and James's annual exhibition, as they allow each exhibitor to send three small or two large pieces of work, and last season £3,000 worth of ladies' paintings on china were sold. Each piece of work should be marked the price at which it is to be disposed of, a commission of 15 per cent. being charged on the published price of all works sold, to defray the expenses of advertisement and exhibition. Only strictly original works are eligible for prizes, but adaptation and copies are not inadmissible for exhibition if approved by the judges, to whom all works are submitted. All works must be sent in by the end of March.

Before taking lessons in painting on china, it is essential that ladies should have a good knowledge of drawing. With that, a few months' lessons will make them proficient china painters; without it, they will never do anything worth buying. Classes for pottery painting are held at Messrs. Howell and James's, Regent Street, every day excepting Saturdays. Terms:—The course of ten lessons of two hours each, £3 3s.; six lessons, £2; three lessons, £1 1s.

Messrs. Doulton and Co., Lambeth, employ about 120 ladies permanently in painting on china. The work is paid by the piece, so the amount earned depends on the workers. A class for pottery painting is formed on Tuesday and Friday at the Lambeth School of Art, Miller's Lane, Upper Kennington Lane; fee, 10s. 6d. per month. I believe this class was formed at Messrs. Doulton's request principally to prepare ladies to execute their work, as they found teaching ladies who had no previous knowledge of the art took up too much of their time. The head master of the Lambeth School of Art told me he thought it useless for ladies to join the class who had not a considerable knowledge of drawing, such, for instance, as they might acquire by two years' study at some school of art.

Painting on Leather.—This branch of decorative art is well suited to women, but there is but a small demand for it. Some of the large upholsterers are willing to employ ladies, but they must have a good knowledge of drawing, and be willing to give two years to learn the technicalities of the art, and to gain experience of the different styles, especially Spanish and Italian, at the South Kensington Museum and other places. At the expiration of that time wages would begin at from 6s. to £1 a week, according to ability; and the probable eventual earnings would be from £2 to £3 weekly.

Mosaic.—Women have frequently been employed in manufacturing mosaic; but it is so little used in England that at present I can hear of no place where they would be likely to obtain work. But when the decoration of St. Paul's Cathedral in mosaic is commenced—if it is entrusted to an English firm, as I sincerely hope it will be—there will be employment for hundreds of women for some years. The usual pay mosaic workers obtain if they have no knowledge of drawing is about £40 a year; if they can undertake the more difficult parts, such as the human figure, their salaries are proportionately higher. The mere technical knowledge is easily acquired in a month.

Painting on Glass.—It is a great pity ladies are not more extensively employed in painting on glass. Messrs. Powell and Co., of the Whitefriars Glass Works Company, Whitefriars Street, employ a few. These ladies work in a separate room, six hours a day, and four on Saturdays; these are obviously very short hours, and Mr. Powell has no objection to increase them if he finds the ladies he employs are willing; of course their work is paid by time. He intends to increase his staff of lady workers as occasion arises. Only a very slight knowledge of drawing is required for the lower branches of this art, and it is necessary to give perhaps three months, certainly not more, to acquire it. The average earnings are from £60 to £70 a year; any one capable of copying figures and painting them on glass would obtain a higher salary, probably £100 a year.

Decorative Work.—Messrs. Simpson and Co. employ a large number of ladies in various kinds of decorative work, such as painting tiles, glass, decorating enamelled iron, &c., at salaries beginning at £40 a year, and rising according to the value of their services. The hours of work are from 9 to 6, with the usual interval of an hour.

A good knowledge of drawing is required, such as might be obtained by two years' hard work at a School of Art, and it is desirable that the human figure should have been carefully studied; but Messrs. Simpson and Co. prefer that the ladies who come to them should be without any special knowledge of the work they will be employed in, as they would rather impart it themselves.

Miss Collingridge, 9, Beaumont Street, Portland Place, N.W., undertakes all kinds of art decorative work, and receives pupils; the hours of study are from 9.30 to 4 o'clock. Many of her pupils have been very successful in obtaining engagements as designers, china painters, &c., and two are now employed in drawing for costumiers. To obtain constant work at the conclusion of a course of study, Miss Collingridge thinks versatile invention and refined feeling essential, as is also business capacity.

The Misses Rhoda and Agnes Garrett were in business as house decorators, cabinet-makers, and designers of all the details of household furniture and upholstery, at 2, Gower Street (corner of Bedford Square), London, and I understand they were very successful. They attributed their success entirely to the thorough training they went through, and their strict attention to business. Miss Rhoda Garrett has unfortunately lately died, but Miss Agnes Garrett still carries on the business. Miss Garrett takes pupils or apprentices for a not shorter time than three years, at a premium of £300. The hours of work are from 10 to 4. After the apprenticeship industrious ladies of ordinary intelligence would be prepared to start in business on their own account, but for this capital is of course required. If two sisters or friends went through the course of study together, and into partnership afterwards, as the Misses Garrett did, they would be much more likely to succeed than one would alone.

Plan Tracing.—It has been thought that women might very well be employed in tracing the plans of builders, architects, and engineers, and an office for the purpose has been established, through the agency of the Society for the Employment of Women, at 8, Great Queen Street, S.W. It is going on very satisfactorily; several ladies are employed; they give three months to learn the work, and after that time their pay commences at threepence an hour, rising to sixpence; they work seven hours a day. Ladies who wish to learn the work, without desiring employment, can be received on payment of a premium of £10; but it is requested that all inquiries should be addressed to Miss King, Secretary to the Society for the Employment of Women, 22, Berners Street, Oxford Street.

I think many of the large firms might be induced to employ women permanently in copying their plans, if personal application were made to them and specimens of work taken. The great requisites for success in this work are neatness and accuracy; the merely technical knowledge is easily acquired.

Although they do not actually teach plan-tracing at the schools of art, their architectural classes would be found to give most of the necessary information, sufficient to enable a careful student to apply for work with the full consciousness of being able to do it.

Photography.—The following particulars respecting the employment of ladies in photography have been kindly given me by Mr. Elliott, of the firm of Elliott and Fry, photographers, Baker Street, London. He requested me to warn ladies against wasting their time in learning to tint photographs, as the fashion for these has almost entirely died out, and he has innumerable applications from ladies anxious to tint them. A considerable number of women are employed by the trade in spotting photographs; their wages usually begin at 6s. a week, rising, when they have learnt their business, which can easily be done in two months, to 15s. or £1. The hours of work are from 9 to 5. Many are employed in mounting photographs on cards; it is work that requires great neatness and accuracy; the pay varies from £1 to £1 5s. a week.

Re-touching negatives is the most difficult and consequently the best-paid branch of photography open to women; it requires some knowledge of drawing, and, Mr. Elliott says, considerable common sense; a few lessons in the technicalities should be taken from some re-toucher before applying for work, a month would be quite long enough to acquire them, and the fee would probably be small. A re-toucher willing to give the necessary instruction could usually be heard of at the leading photographers'. The salaries vary from 30s. to £3 a week.

Art Needlework.—The Royal School of Art Needlework in the Exhibition Road, South Kensington, is by far the best of all the work societies, and the only one where ladies who are once admitted can be certain of constant employment; so it is the only one of which I shall give a description. These are the rules:—

I. Application for admission as qualified workers for the school must be made to the Manager by the applicants in person, and they must give two references to prove their position.

II. Applicants must fulfil the following requirements:—

(a.) They must be gentlewomen by birth and education.

(b.) They must be able and willing when employed to devote seven hours a day to work at the school.

III. Every applicant is required to go through a course of instruction, for which £5 is charged.

IV. The course of instruction consists of nine lessons in art needlework, of five hours each. If after the first two lessons, in the opinion of the teacher, the applicant is not likely to be successful as a needle worker, she will be recommended to retire, and on so retiring the £5 will be returned to her.

V. The school enters into no engagement to give employment to any lady.

This last rule is practically not carried out, as ladies are never allowed to take the preliminary lessons unless there are vacancies for qualified workers.

It is difficult to give the probable earnings, as all work is paid by the piece; but I have been able to gather that the average earnings are from 20s. to 30s. a week. This sum is practically only exceeded by very quick and clever workers.

During the holidays given by the school, ladies are allowed to take work home, so their incomes are only limited by their own industry, or perhaps I should say lack of it. About 120 ladies are employed, and I understand there are a considerable number of candidates for each vacancy as it occurs.

Painting on Silk and Cards.—All the paintings on silk, satin, or cards, for fans, valentines, scent packets, and Christmas cards, sold by Mr. Rimmel, 36, Strand, and at his various branch establishments, are executed by ladies and gentlemen at their own homes. The paintings must be of a superior character, and not mere repetitions, as anything original is sure to sell. Some of the ladies who paint regularly for him earn as much as £3 or £4 a week. I have no doubt many other firms employ ladies in the same way.

Medical Drawings.—Doctors frequently require careful drawings of different diseases, and ladies who are good draughtsmen are usually employed to make them. Application should be made at the different hospitals, and specimen drawings taken. It would be good practice to make copies of the drawings of diseases to be found in medical works. I understand ladies are now making as much as £2 to £3 a week in this way. Of course the demand is somewhat fluctuating.

Tapestry Painting consists of painting with specially-prepared liquid colours on a woven textile fabric. Messrs. Howell and James sell all the necessary materials, and classes for instruction are held at their Art Studio, 5, Regent Street. Terms:—The course of ten lessons of two hours each, £5; the course of six lessons of two hours each, £3 3s.

CHAPTER IV.
MEDICINE AS A PROFESSION FOR WOMEN

Ladies wishing to enter the medical profession can receive the necessary instruction at the London School of Medicine for Women, 30, Henrietta Street, Brunswick Square. It is desirable that they should have private means, as, unless they go to India, where there is a considerable opening for medical women, it would probably be some time before their practice would be sufficiently remunerative. Ladies desiring to prepare for the medical profession must pass one of the examinations in Arts recognised by the General Medical Council, such an examination being compulsory before registration as a medical student.

Among these examinations are:—

I. The Oxford and Cambridge Local Examinations, Senior and Junior.

II. The Senior Local Examinations for Honorary Certificates, and the ordinary Local Examination of the University of Edinburgh.

III. The Local Examination for Honours Certificates of the University of St. Andrews.

IV. The Examination in Arts of the Society of Apothecaries in London.

V. The examinations for a first-class certificate of the Royal College of Preceptors.

VI. The Local Examinations of the Queen's University in Ireland.

VII. The Matriculation Examination of the University of London.

Certificates must in all cases include English literature, Latin, arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and also one of the following optional subjects:—

Greek, French, German, or natural philosophy.

Four years is considered the necessary time of study to obtain a license to practise from the King's and Queen's College of Physicians in Ireland; and the expense, including examiners' fees, hospital practice, books, and instruments, is slightly under £200. This, of course, does not include board and lodging.

An M.D. degree from the University of London is more difficult to obtain, and necessitates additional study of a year, or possibly more. There are at present thirty-six pupils in the school. No one is admitted under the age of eighteen. An entrance scholarship of the value of £30 is competed for annually in September.

All persons requiring further information on subjects connected with the medical education of women, with the residence of students in the neighbourhood of the school, or respecting scholarships, are invited to apply to Mrs. Thorne, hon. secretary, 30, Henrietta Street, Brunswick Square, London.

Pharmaceutical Chemists.—As the Pharmaceutical Society has now thrown its examinations open to women, there is nothing to prevent them from setting up in business as chemists. It is an occupation peculiarly adapted to women, and returns a better interest on invested capital than most other trades.

A preliminary examination in Latin, Arithmetic, and English, has to be passed, unless the candidate can produce a certificate of having passed the Local Examinations of the Universities of Oxford, Cambridge, Durham, or Edinburgh, the Examination of the College of Preceptors, or those of any legally constituted examining body previously approved by the Council, provided Latin and arithmetic be included in the subjects.

Before going up for the other examinations each candidate must produce a certified declaration that for three years she has been registered and employed as an apprentice or student, or has otherwise for three years been practically engaged in the translation and dispensing of prescriptions.

The cost of passing the three examinations necessary to become a pharmaceutical chemist, including tuition, examiner's fees, books, chemicals, apparatus, &c., is from £80 to £100, and the time required for study after the apprenticeship would be from a year to eighteen months.

Miss Isabella S. Clarke, a pharmaceutical chemist, in Spring Street, Paddington, is willing to take outdoor apprentices for three years at a premium of £100.

The capital required to start in business with a reasonable prospect of success is from £500 to £1,000; the nearer it is to £1,000 the better. The stores have done much to injure chemists' business by selling patent medicines, hair-washes, soap, scents, &c., at much lower prices than private traders can afford to adopt.

Dispensers.—I understand that many doctors who prepare their own medicines are willing to employ ladies to dispense them, at salaries ranging from £30 to £50. The necessary knowledge can be acquired at the New Hospital for Women, Marylebone Road, where they are willing to take girls and teach them dispensing for six months for a premium of £5. It is necessary that candidates should have a slight knowledge of Latin, and an intimate acquaintance with arithmetic, especially fractions; and desirable that they should be of studious habits, as they are expected to read various books recommended them by the authorities. Employment can also occasionally be obtained at hospitals, especially by ladies who can undertake bookkeeping as well as dispensing.

Hospital Nurses.—Hospital nursing affords certain employment to capable women, and, although the salaries are low, it must be remembered that liberal board, comfortable bed-rooms, and washing, are always included. Trained nurses' salaries usually commence at £20, rising, according to experience and responsibilities, to £30. Chief nurses of wards, usually called ward sisters, obtain in the chief London hospitals from £35 to £50. Matrons and lady superintendents of nursing receive from £50 to £100. Nearly all the London hospitals train nurses.

I give the rules of the Nightingale Fund and of the Westminster Training School, as I believe these will be found fair specimens of the rest.

At St. Thomas's two classes of probationers are received. The rules for special probationers are as follows:—

The committee of the Nightingale Fund have made arrangements for the admission to their school at St. Thomas's Hospital of a limited number of gentlewomen who may desire to qualify themselves in the practice of hospital nursing, with the express object of entering upon this profession permanently, by eventually filling superior situations in public hospitals and infirmaries.

These probationers will be required to pay towards the cost of maintenance during their year of training the sum of £30, and to give an undertaking to continue in the work for three years after leaving the school; but, upon payment of a higher sum of £52, to cover the cost of maintenance and also partly of instruction, &c., the undertaking will be limited to one year after leaving the school.

Occasional vacancies occur for the admission of gentlewomen free of expense, together with, in some cases, a small salary during the year of training. These advantages will be strictly limited to those whose circumstances require such aid.

Candidates desirous of receiving this course of training should apply to Mrs. Wardroper, the Matron, at St. Thomas's Hospital, subject to whose selection they will be received into the hospital as probationers. The age considered desirable for these probationers is from twenty-seven to thirty-seven, single or widows; a certificate of age and other information will be required. Should opportunities occur for affording instruction in some of the duties of supervision, they will be expected to remain for that purpose for a further period of two or three months, but in that case no further payment will be required. Payment will be required by two equal instalments in advance, viz., half on admittance, and half at the end of six months. No part of the paid instalment will be returned in the event of the probationer leaving from any cause.

The probationers will receive instruction from the medical instructor and the hospital "sisters," and will serve as assistant nurses in the wards of the hospital.

The names of the probationers will be entered in a register, in which a record will be kept of their qualifications. At the end of a year those whom the Committee find to have passed satisfactorily through the course of instruction and training will be entered in the register as certified nurses.

On completion of their training they must be prepared to take employment on the nursing staff of some public hospital or infirmary wherever offered to them by the Committee, and to continue in similar employment for a period of three years at least, this period being limited to one year in the case only of those who have paid at the higher rate. As a step to superior situations, they will be expected, if required, to accept an engagement as nurse (day or night), at the usual salary, for the whole or a portion of the first year after leaving the training school. Engagements, whether as nurse or in a superior situation, will from time to time, during the above period, be made through the Committee with the managers of the institution, by whom the certified probationer is to be employed. Her salary will be paid to her by such managers, but it is expected that she will not terminate any engagement without due notice to the Committee.

Withdrawal from the service may be allowed upon special grounds—family circumstances or otherwise—to be approved by the Committee.

Probationers will not be expected to go out of Great Britain unless at their own request.

The Committee desire, in every case where a staff of nurses is engaged from the "Nightingale Fund," to place at the head of them a superintendent, who has been also trained in the same school. Applications have been numerous for trained nurses to fill superior situations, such as matron, superintendent, assistants to those officers, and ward sister or chief nurse, while there has hitherto been a want of qualified candidates. The Committee therefore anticipate no difficulty in being able to offer suitable appointments to their certified probationers. They will, in recommending for employment, consult the inclination of every probationer—so far as a due regard to the special circumstances of each case enable them to do.

Every probationer will be required, at the end of one month from the date of entry into the hospital, to sign a written engagement, agreeing to abide by these regulations.

These are the rules for the ordinary training of hospital nurses:—

The Committee of the "Nightingale Fund" have made arrangements with the authorities of St. Thomas's Hospital for giving a year's training to women desirous of working as hospital nurses. Women desirous of receiving this course of training should apply to Mrs. Wardroper, the matron at St. Thomas's Hospital, subject to whose selection they will be received into the hospital as probationers. The age considered desirable for probationers is from twenty-five to thirty-five single or widows; a certificate of age and other information will be required. They will receive, during the year of training, payment in money and clothing to the value of £16, on the following footing, thus:—Clothing, costing about £4; payment at the end of the first quarter, £2; at the end of the second quarter, £2 10s.; at the end of the third quarter, £2 10s.; at the end of the fourth quarter, £8; and a further gratuity of £2 if recommended for employment. Should the term of residence be extended beyond the year, payment will be made at the end of the fifth quarter of £4.

At the close of a year their training will usually be considered complete, and during the three years succeeding the completion of their training they will be required to enter into service as hospital nurses, in such situations as may from time to time be offered to them by the Committee.

The names of the probationers will be entered in a register, in which a record will be kept of their conduct and qualifications. This will be submitted at the end of every month to the Committee of the "Nightingale Fund." At the end of a year, those whom the Committee find to have passed satisfactorily through the course of instruction and training, will be entered in the register as certified nurses, and will be recommended for employment accordingly. The Committee have hitherto readily found employment for their certified nurses in some public hospital or infirmary, at salaries usually commencing at £20, with board (including tea and sugar) and washing. Many have, after some years' service, obtained superior appointments.

Engagements are not to be made except through the Committee, and no engagement is to be put an end to without a quarter's previous notice to the Committee.

The Committee will allow a yearly gratuity of £2 to all their certified nurses, to be paid at the end of every complete year of service, succeeding the term of training, up to the third year, inclusive, providing that evidence be given at the end of each year that the nurse has served the whole time satisfactorily.

No gratuity will be paid if the Committee have reason to suppose that the nurse intends to discontinue her employment. At the expiration of one month from the date of entry, every probationer will be required to write a letter to the following effect:—

To the Chairman of the Committee of the "Nightingale Fund."

Sir,—Having now become practically acquainted with the duties required of a hospital nurse, I am satisfied that I shall be able and willing, on the completion of my year's training, to enter into service in a public hospital or infirmary, and I engage, in accordance with the annexed regulations of the "Nightingale Fund"—in return for the advantages bestowed upon me—to continue in such service for the space of at least three years, in whatever situations the Committee shall think suitable to my abilities, it being my intention from henceforth to devote myself to hospital employment. I further agree not to enter into any engagements except through the Committee, and not to leave any situation without giving due notice to the Committee.

I am, Sir, &c., &c.

The following regulations are common to both classes of probationers:—

The term of the probationers' training is a complete year. Probationers will be received on the distinct understanding that they will remain for the required term; they may, however, be allowed to withdraw upon grounds to be approved by the Committee. They will be subject to be discharged at any time by the matron in case of misconduct, or should she consider them inefficient or negligent of their duties.

The probationers will be under the authority of the matron of the hospital, and will be subject to the rules of the hospital. They will be lodged in the hospital in the "Nightingale Home," which adjoins the matron's house; each will have a separate bed-room, and they will be supplied at the cost of the "Nightingale Fund" with board, including tea and sugar, and a weekly allowance of 1s. 6d. for washing; and with a certain quantity of outer clothing of a uniform character, which they will always be required to wear when in the hospital.

The usual times of admission are the quarter days. Candidates must be seen by Mrs. Wardroper, at St. Thomas's Hospital, Albert Embankment, Westminster Bridge, London, between 10 and 12 A.M. only, on Tuesday or Friday. These regulations may be obtained by writing to H. Bonham-Carter, Esq., Secretary to the "Nightingale Fund," 91, Gloucester Terrace, Hyde Park.

The regulations of the Training School for Nurses in connection with Westminster Hospital are very similar, but I think it better to give them in detail.

The Committee of the Westminster School for Nurses has made arrangements for training their probationers in a practical way in the wards of the above hospital. Those young women who are desirous to be so trained should apply (personally, if possible, or else by letter) to the lady superintendent of the Training School, 8, Broad Sanctuary, Westminster. It is desirable that the ages of candidates should be between twenty-five and thirty-five. Testimonials of health and character, according to forms supplied by the lady superintendent, will be required; and when satisfactory, and as vacancies occur, the applicants will be received as probationers.

Probationers will be under the direction and authority of the lady superintendent and the rules of the training school; and whilst at work in the hospital they must obey and recognise all the standing rules of that institution. Probationers will be supplied with board, lodging, and washing.

If retained, the wages in the first year of a probationer will be £16, of which a portion may be retained till the completion of her year of probation, as guarantee of her good behaviour, and subject to forfeiture in case of misconduct. Probationers will be required to conform to any regulations in regard to uniformity in outer clothing, and if supplied with materials for the same by the school, the cost (not exceeding £4 4s.) will be retained from their wages.

It is expected that at the end of a year probationers will be fitted to be nurses, and their engagement will require them to serve two years more in hospital or private nursing, with an increase of £2 for each year—that is, £18 for the second, and £20 for the third.

At the expiration of one month from the date of entry every probationer will be required, in such form as may be in use, to engage herself to continue in the service for at least two years longer than her probation, after which her time will be her own. In the event of her not continuing after the first month no wages will be paid.