In contrast, this drawing by William Elliott, a District Superintendent of Schools for Middlesex County, portrays Upper Canadian common school children and their master in 1845. Typically, the scholars are dressed in ordinary clothes. The school is small, the children are few in number and all ages seem to be represented. Some recite, while others are idle. The teacher is a man and, with one exception, the scholars are boys. This is probably typical for the early part of the nineteenth century since in rural parishes or school sections it was common to have a as choolmaster in the winter. When summer came, many of the older boys and often even the master himself would be occupied in farm work. A female teacher was then hired to instruct younger children who attended during the season when the walk to the school was easier and older people were busy on the farm. In general, attendance at common schools during the first half of the nineteenth century, whatever the season of the year, tended to be somewhat irregular. Work in the household or on the farm came first for many children.
