UNION OF INSTITUTES.

Having referred to the method by which each Institution may individually be best improved and developed, we proceed to consider in what way the collective action of a number of Institutes may be made conducive to the same end. Here, as in everything else, system and organisation give power; and the more complete and perfect this is, the greater the advantages to the respective Institutes. If, indeed, a combination of them were incapable of reflecting any benefit on the individual Institutes, there would still be ample reasons why such an organisation should exist. It is important that some minds should be occupied in the work of inspection, and in securing the general advancement of those objects at which Mechanics’ and Literary Institutes aim. There should be men who, by their freedom from other occupation, position in life, superior culture, and strong sympathy with the cause of popular education, are fitted to watch over its general interests. They should at the same time be so familiar with the management of these institutions, as to give their labours a practical value.

The associations for diffusing knowledge among the people may, like the members of individual Institutes, derive stimulus and help from the sympathy of congenial pursuits.