APH
By Very Rev. Doctor Smyth, O.S.D.
Source: Catholic Registry of Colleges 1850.
This establishment was opened for reception of Pupils on the 4th of August, 1847, at the Festival of St. Dominick.
The main object of this Institution is to combine, with a sound and religious education, efficient and comprehensive instruction in Literature and Science, especially in reference to such purposes as are most important in the present state of Ireland, – the diffusion of a comprehensive knowledge, theoretical and practical, of Agricultural.
In this view the course will be divided into two departments:
I. The Literary or Classical will embrace the several studies necessary for those who are destined for the universities, or the learned professions. The Latin and Greek Languages and Literatures amongst the ancient; and amongst the modern, French, Italian, and Spanish, will be taught; preceded by competent instruction in English Grammar, Literature, and Composition, and accompanied by an enlarged course of Geography, especially in reference to Statistics and History
II. The Science Department will comprise a course of:
(1st) Sound practical instruction in Arithmetic, Algebra, and Geometry, followed by Book-Keeping, the elements of Surveying, Linear Drawing, and also Engineering.
(2nd) Courses in Natural Philosophy and Astronomy, (3rd) Courses in Chemistry, Mineralogy, Botany, Vegetable and Animal Physiology.
Each of these courses will be taught not only in their abstract form, but in their application to Agriculture, to such students as propose to devote themselves particularly to that study. In order to carry this application on a sufficient scale into effect, a considerable portion of land is attached to the College, and will be dedicated to the purposes of agricultural teaching and experiment.
The utmost attention will be given to the formation of the character, and to the training of habits of the Pupils. Solid instructions in the principles of religion will be conveyed by those most competent to such important duties; and every exertion, by teaching and example, employed to engage their young hearts in the observance of its precepts. In this view, the Pupils will take their meals with the Community (now consisting of six clergymen), and be constantly under the eye of one or more of their superiors. In connexion with the College, a beautiful Church has been lately erected, where the ceremonies of religion are performed with due regularity and solemnity.
There will be but one vacation in the year; it will commence on the 1st of July, and terminate on the 16th August, previous to which will be held the Annual Examination.
Premiums, consisting of valuable works, will be distributed on this occasion, at the expense of the College, to those who shall have distinguished themselves in the several departments of Literature and Science.
The pleasure grounds, the walks, the healthy air and retirement of Esker, are much admired by visitors.
The age of admission is from eight to that of sixteen years.
Before the Pupil is sent to the college, a promise of admission must be obtained, and for which purpose his Name, Age, and Residence must be made known by letter, or personal application to the President.
It would tend much to proper direction of the Pupils were the parents to state the length of time they mean to have their children at the College, and also the profession or department in life for which they wish them to be particularly prepared.
A quarter’s notice is to be given previous to the removal of the Pupil.
As the sole object of the Domincans at Esker is to render service to the country, they have fixed the charges as low as possible. Boys under the age of twelve are to pay Twenty-five Guineas per annum; after that age, Thirty Guineas per annum. These pensions must be paid half-yearly and in advance.
Music, Dancing, and Washing are extra charges.
Each Pupil is to come provided with two pair of Sheets, two Pillow-cases, and six Towels.
On these terms alone will Pupils be educated and boarded.
Uniformity of dress will be observed. In the House of Industry, attached to the Institution, clothes, shoes, etc. can be made for the Pupils at moderate charges.
The attending Physician of the College is Francis Lynch, Esq. M.D., Loughrea.
Further particulars may be known by application to:
The Very Rev. Doctor Smyth,
Esker College,
Athenry,
Co. Galway
N.B. A respectable Matron is attached to the College, for the care of the little boys, the sick, and the linen of the young gentlemen. Parents are respectfully assured that the College Matron will take as much care of, and pay the same attention to their children that they could possibly meet at home.
