Thomas Dyke Acland

“ But I do not forget, nor would I have others to forget, that there is a book suited above all others to train the young intellectually as well as morally, because it speaks to man as man, and that with that book are connected institutions of primary importance to domestic and national life. However much men may differ as to the interpretation of the one, or as to the authority of the other, no view of education can be considered complete without some reference to them. ”

“ Although addressing farmers, I have treated of middle-class education in general. I have endeavoured to describe a really useful 'Middle-class Education,' and yet I doubt not it will appear to some that I have passed too lightly over commercial and technical acquirements, and have understated the value of particular sciences; but my object has been not so much to lay down a system for any particular class, as to awaken attention to the spirit and aim of all education that can fairly claim to be called "practical." ”

“ I may venture nevertheless to express the opinion that success in the efforts made for national education by religious bodies and by the State will to a great extent depend on the interest which the middle classes may be induced to take in it, and that it imports much to the welfare of the nation that the practical activity called forth in agriculture, manufactures, and the arts, should be guided not only by sound teaching of science, but by moral and humanising influences. ”