It is a matter for continuous surprise that blackboards are not used more than they are in adult education. Universities and technical colleges have large blackboards, but classes which are held in libraries, museums and village halls present a problem, for it is expected that the 3ft x 3ft (often smaller) blackboards provided will be sufficient. It is at least commonly accepted that science teachers require some kind of blackboard, but it seems to be assumed that the arts and other general subjects require on blackboard at all. Surely, only for writing down a data or a technical word or giving the correct spelling of a name, a blackboard is a first essential. But blackboard provision of itself is no enough. The blackboard provides an opportunity for initiative, and as blackboard work tends to set an example it should be neat and tidy and requires planned use. Writing should be large and legible-this may seem an elementary point, yet it is astonishing how often it is neglected. The wise use of colour makes illustrations stand out ant provides effective emphasis and contrast, and yet coloured chalk is a rare commodity in adult education.