Teachers Hand-Book of Slöjd As Practised and Taught at Nääs, Containing Explanations and Details of Each Exercise

Hand-B ook of Slojd, written from the educational point of view. There have been many indications, especially in connection withS lojd carpentry, that teachers are not well enough acquainted with the tools employed to select and manage them properly; and a degree of uncertainty seems to prevail regarding the right method of executing the exercises. Now, it is true that no one can acquire this knowledge from books ;the way to acquire it is by practical, personal experience. Yet, to retain this experience, and apply it, is partially a matter of memory, and, therefore, systematically arranged directions are capable of rendering aid which is not to be despised. A hand-book like the present does not, and could not, supersede personal experience at the bench, or render a course of instruction unnecessary. I ts sole object is to supplement and complete the notes which every conscientious student takes during such a course. I ts aim is, therefore, chiefly to strengthen and confirm knowledge already acquired ;but, though it is thus limited in scope, and, on this account, perhaps to be regarded as in some respects incomplete, the writers venture to express the hope that it will be welcomed by many teachers. Books are, perhaps, more frequently published before their time than after it; and although there have been numerous opportunities for observation in the province of Educational Slojd during the last eighteen years (the Slojd Institution at Naas having begun operations in 1872), the writers are nevertheless uncertain whether the time has really yet come for the publication of definite directions; or, at least, whether their knowledge of the subject is yet complete enough to justify their appearance in print. But, if they have been premature, the sole reason is to be found in their desire to satisfy a want, which becomes every year more pressing. The views expressed