MR. EDITOR-I take the liberty to send you the following story, though perhaps you may have heard of it before. It is from the Life of George Washington. Yours, &c. Byron, was early left under the entire control of an unprincipled mother, who fostered the pride, and cherished the selfishness of her son, while she cruelly wounded his sensibility, by unnatural remarks on his natural deformity of person. This injustice of the mother, for a defect beyond the power of his control, begat in his sensitive bosom the feelings of an outcast; he felt himself unjustly the object of contempt, and his wounded pride arrayed itself in hostility to mankind. The more he indulged himself in his misanthropy, the more he became absorbed in self; until his own character, sorrows and vices became the grand object of his thoughts, the centre of his affections, and his only theme for song. Hence we see one after another of the darkest shades of his own character interwoven and personified in his poems, while the sublimity and terrific grandeur of the natural scenery, surrounding his own "Newstead Abby," formed the back-ground of all his poetical pencilings. P. S. Mrs. Washington owned a remarkably fine colt, which she valued very much. But though old enough for use, as it had never been mount ed, no one would venture to ride it, or attempt to break its wild and vicious spirit. George What a responsibility rested on the mother of one day proposed to some of his young compa-such a son! And who can but deplore that his nions that they should assist him to secure the colt until he could mount it, as he was determined to try to tame it. Soon after sunrise, one morning, they drove the wild animal into an enclosure, and with great difficulty succeeded in placing a bridle on it. George then sprang upon its back, and the vexed colt bounded over the open field, prancing and plunging to get rid of its burden. The bold rider kept his seat firmly, and the struggle between them became alarming to his companions, who were watching him. The speed of the colt increased, until at length in making a furious effort to throw its conqueror, it burst a large blood-vessel and instantly died." George was unhurt, but was much troubled by the unexpected result of his exploit. His companions soon joined him, and when they saw the beautiful colt lifeless, the first words they spoke were: What will your mother say? Who can tell her? giant mind, so capable of blessing the world, should be left to so wild and perilous a develop. ment, with the purifying influences of Christian principle, and under the contro, of a pernicious superstition? Who can wonder at the way. wardness of his mighty intellect, or that he has left behind him so many imperishable monu. ments of unsanctified genius, and of the cruel spoilations of maternal influence, "The man was what his mother made him." For the same reason, I perused the biography of Napoleon Bonaparte. I very soon saw the germs of the son's character, in the character and pursuits of the mother. She was a woman of great personal beauty, possessed a vigorous mind, physical energy, and a proud and lofty spirit; her highest ambition was to shine as a woman of chivalrous spirit-she followed her husband in his expeditions on horseback-sharing his perils and fatigues during the war between Corsica and France; she exThey were called to breakfast, and soon after pended the energies of her mind, and the vigor they were seated at table, Mrs. Washington of her body, in flying from town to town, and said: Well, young gentlemen, have you seen village to village, to avoid captivity to the ene my fine sorrel colt in your rambles? No answer my, almost up to the period of Napoleon's was given, and the question was repeated. birth. Napoleon was her favorite son-she deHer son George then replied: Your sorrel colt sired him to be a soldier and a hero. He was is dead, mother. He then went on to give her what his mother made him. She fostered his an exact account of the event. The flush of love of power, by justifying his tyrannical displeasure which first rose on her cheek, soon treatment of his elder brother Joseph-not perpassed away, and she said calmly: While I re-mitting even a word of complaint from that gret the loss of my favorite, I rejoice in my son who always speaks the truth. THE MAN WAS WHAT HIS MOTHER MADE HIM. This rather startling remark was incidentally made in my presence some years ago. I then demurred as to its truth and propriety, but close observation, and the biography of distinguished persons has convinced me of the verity of the sentiment, and I use it now as a note of admonition to mothers, or rather as a mirror in which the mother may see reflected her vast responsibility. I took up the life of Byron, to discover, if possible, the origin of those dark traits so prominent in his character-and so banefully diffused through his works. brother of his ill-usage. The very toys of his childhood were subservient to his sole object of his education, and nursed the spirit of war, and his love of conquest and self-elevation. His mother lived to see his highest exaltation, and to lament the lowest depths of his fall, while a prisoner at St. Helena. How tremendous the responsibility of that mother! But we gladly turn to brighter examples of the same truth, and rejoice that there can be exalted genius, without the licentiousness of Byron, that there can be heroes without the spirit of self aggrandizement, tyranny, and cruelty of Napoleon. We turn with pleasure to the character of our own revered Washington. From all we can learn of his early history, we see the marks of vigilant parental influence, and we have good reason to believe the mother was a very active agent in the formation of his character. What a luxury would it have been to have learned from the lips or pen of Mrs. Washington, the entire process by which were clustered together so rich an assemblage of virtues. In the letters of the late Mrs. Adams, we find a happy illustration of maternal influence; and who can contemplate the character of her son, John Quincy Adams, (this almost last relic of that stern age,) standing as he does, like the oak, unscathed by the lightning of political strife, unharmed by the malignity of his foesunbending and fearless, in what he deems to be right, and not say in the language of our caption, "The man was what his mother made him."Mother's Journal. CHINESE AGRICULTURE. one of sixteen discourses read annually to the people. At the conclusion of the leeture he strikes the buffalo three times with a staff, when it is immediately broken in pieces by the populace, and a number of little porcelain cows, with which it was filled, furnishes materials for a scramble. The rest of the day is devoted to amusements. It is thus that rulers of China, both by precept and example, stimulate their subjects to the pursuit of agriculture, so essential to the support of the empire. And, as the Emperor ploughs the ground and sows the seed, so the Empress also performs her part to encourage another most important branch of industry, by going through, (in appearance at least,) all the labors connected with the culture of silk.[Miss Carey's History of China. BOYS AND GIRLS. The greatest annual festival on which the Sovereign appears in his sacerdotal character, is The times have indeed sadly changed. One that of the celebration of the season of spring, entire portion of human life is struck out. It which takes place about the middle of Februa. is now babyhood or manhood. There is no conry, and is one of those ancient observations that servative state, (we do not speak politically.) help to preserve the primitive character of this Once there were intermediate states of boyhood nation. It is then, that the Emperor performs a barefooted and bean porridge eating statethe part of a husbandman, by ploughing and a spelling and cyphering period-when there sowing seed in an enclosure set apart for that were boys to do the chores and go on errands, purpose near the palace. The day for the roy- when apprentices' indentures were in fashion, al plowing is fixed by the Board of Rites, and and the line between boyhood and manhood this ceremony was accompanied by many so well defined by the "freedom suit." But there lemnities on the part of the Emperor, and those are no such things now. The child steps out of who were to assist at the sacrifices-such as his diaper and frock into a "long tailed coat" fasting for three days until the evening of each, and calf-skin boots. Not one of the present and abstaining from all kinds of amusement du- generation has ever seen a real bona fide," nine ring that period. day old" pot of bean porridge: Noah Webster's Early on the morning of the festival, the Em-spelling book is crowded out of school by high peror, attended by the great officers of State, re-works on Philosophy and Metaphysics. There pairs to the temple of the Earth, where he are no apprentices now. Young men take a makes sacrifices and implores a blessing on the few lessons in the trade they fancy, and then labors of the spring, that they may produce a set up for themselves. plentiful harvest; and when these rites are en- But the present generation is destitute of girls ded, he descends from the temple into the field, as of boys. It is either baby or lady-nursery where all the requisite preparations have been or parlor. The mother tends her infant or waits made by forty or fifty husbandmen who are in upon her daugter. Instead of spinning flax for attendance. The Emperor ploughs a few fur- father's shirts, they reel silk for the ladies' fair: rows with his own hands, and sows five sorts of and instead of knitting stockings and mending grain; after which twelve grandees of the first trowsers for their brothers, they work lace and rank, plough and sow in turn, and then the make stays for themselves. The mother milks, work is completed by the professional husband-churns, washes and irons, and young ladies read men, each of whom receives a present of a piece of Nanking cloth. The produce of this field is held sacred, and carefully preserved in a granary by itself, to be used for the most solemn sacrifices. novels, dress, and make and receive calls. They make parties instead of puddings, and cook by the book rather than from knowledge. We should be delighted to see a generation of boys and girls-in looks, actions, and dresswe should then hope for health and strength, industry, frugality and economy, prosperity and happiness. We go for protection to this class of our community. Every father should protect and enforce home industry. He and his wife and children should enter into a 'Home League' on the subject. This is the tariff that will restore confidence. This is the bank that will freely discount and never suspend. The ploughing by the imperial husbandmen takes place only in the capital; but in every large city a ceremony is performed, called meeting the spring," when the Governor assumes the character of high priest, and goes out in state, carried in a finely ornamented sedan chair, preceded by banners, lighted torches and music. He is followed by several mandarins in their sedans, and by a number of litters in which are placed children, who are fancifully dressed and crowned with flowers, representing various deities connected with the labors of the field. But the most prominent figure among the dra. Is published on the 1st of each month-Office New matis persona is a huge earthen buffalo, the representative of spring, which is borne in procession to meet the high priest, who delivers a lecture on the benefits of husbandry, which is District School Journal. State Hall For a single copy for one year, ....... 12 copies to one order, for one year, each....... $0.50 0 33 0.25 In No. 7. book, he is furnished with a copy of Murray's English Reader. The lesson commonly consists of several pages. Due regard is sometimes paid to pronunciation, but scarcely ever to any other requisite of good reading, and in ninety-nine schools out of every hundred, the sense and meaning of the author has nothing to do with the exercise. In too many schools, the dull monotony of the exercise is not even enlivened by the teacher's example, and it is scarcely too with the child through life, and effectually prevent his ever making even a tolerable reader. NORMAL SCHOOLS RECOMMENDED. But the common defects in the quality of the instruction and modes of imparting it are not confined to reading alone. A want of method and of practical application is manifest through In assuming the superintendency of the schools of Delaware county, we have felt the responsibility of the task, and our own unfitness to perform it; and in endeavoring to discharge our duties to the best of our ability, we have been both elated and cast down; we have had frequent al-much to say, that children are often thus exerternations of hope and despair; we have seen cised for years, without deriving a single new some things to applaud and many to condemn; idea. But what is infinitely worse, the evils and in some things our previous views in relation of this wretched farce are not negative only, but to the schools, have undergone an important habits of inattention, and careless, slovenly, mechange. That our schools have been grossly neg-chanical reading are contracted, which will abide lected, and are now (as a general rule) in a degraded condition, few will risk their reputation for common sense by denying. Public opinion has long ascribed their degradation to the ignorance of our teachers, and perhaps in one sense this is correct. Still our experience and observation have led us to the conclusion that it is not correct to the extent generally believed. So far as out the whole course of common school instruc mere literary qualifications are concerned, we consider their acquirements very generally retion, and there is good reason to apprehend that spectable-much more so indeed than we had the instruction of the school is often rendered anticipated previous to our late connexion with entirely useless from this cause; and until the formal routine which so generally obtains in the the schools as county superintendents. our judgment, by far the greatest and most ge-judicious modes of imparting instruction, all at schools shall be displaced by more rational and neral deficiency in our teachers, is a want of method in communicating instruction, and perhaps tempts to impart to them a more intellectual a want of judgment in adapting instruction to character will we fear be attended with little the capacity of their pupils; in short, a want of success. To teach successfully, a man must not that common sense which may be denominated only understand science, but how to teach it.— aptness to teach. Here is the grand and almost And we cannot but consider the contemplated universal defect of our teachers. Most of them establishment of normal schools to familiarize pursue a formal course, utterly devoid of inter- our teachers with better modes and more fami. liar illustrations, and, in short, to disseminate est to the scholars, and otherwise ill adapted to bring out and strengthen the intellectual powers. some knowledge of the science of teaching, a Indeed, the majority of our schools are conduct step absolutely necessary to the success of the ed as if this was not one of the objects of educa-system. The sooner such institutions are estab tion at all. Many of our teachers seem to act lished, and the more extended their ramifica under this mistaken view of the subject, that ed- tions, the sooner will the common schools asucation is not calculated to make man an intel- sume an intellectual aspect, and the more wide lectual being, but merely to make his mind a spread and extensive will be their blessings. kind of storehouse of facts, without the slightest regard to the application of these facts in the business of life. Defective as is this notion of education, it is not more so than the means commonly used to carry it out. A more defective method of learning children to read, could scarcely (in our opinion) be devised, than that which usually obtains in our schools. So soon as the child is capable of mouthing the simple senten ces which are interspersed through the spelling LIBRARIES. The enlightened policy of establishing school district libraries has, we think, been eminently successful, and done more for the dissemination of useful knowledge, than any other step that has ever been taken by our State for promoting the great cause of public instruction. The situ ation of these institutions, so far as we have had opportunity of judging, does great credit to the good sense and intelligence of the people of this county, both as regards the judiciousness ly ventilated; and the seats are as inconvenient of the selections, generally, and the state of the and uncomfortably arranged as can well be imabooks. It will be seen by a reference to the sta-gined. They are in most instances emphatically tistical table appended to this report, that most stools of torture," and even the dread of per of the libraries are in a good state and extensively read. A little over one-ninth part of the whole are in constant circulation, showing that the munificence of the State in making provision for the accumulation of district libraries, is properly appreciated by the people. MORAL INFLUENCE OF SCHOOLS. sonal chastisement is often insufficient to keep the children still upon them for any length of time. In most cases a sufficient degree of exercise is allowed to the pupils. The schools are generally in operation from nine until four o'clock, and during this period the average relaxation is about one hour and twenty minutes. A considerable portion of this time is spent in In our official capacity we have taken unwea-athletic exercises. Still such are the defects in ried pains to satisfy ourselves in relation to the the construction of most of our school houses, moral influences of these institutions. Previous and the inconvenience of the seats and other apto our late connexion with the schools, we en- pendages, that we cannot doubt that many of tertained strong doubts in relation to their bene- the diseases that are prevalent among us, may ficial effects upon the morals of the community, be traced to the school room for their origin. and we are sorry to say that in our official capa- Most of our teachers seem to be aware of the city a few circumstances have come under our necessity of active exercise in the open air. observation which tended to confirm these But an unreasonable prejudice in the minds of doubts. But the results of our inquiries and some of the parents unhappily sometimes prepersonal observations have convinced us, as a vents them from allowing it. There is not the general rule, that their tendency cannot be oth- slightest room for doubt, that in this way both erwise than good. It is true that" evil commu- the mental and physical powers are in some innications corrupt good manners," but we have stances debilitated. It is to be hoped, however, reason to believe that vicious propensities in the that such prejudices are rare; and the vast im. scholars are generally restrained, frowned upon provement in the construction of such school and punished by the teachers. Very few instan- houses as have been recently erected, demonces indeed of improper deportment, either in strates that public attention is being turned to teacher or scholars, have come under our notice this subject, and furnishes a well grounded hope during our intercourse with them; still it is to that the evils to which we have alluded will not be regretted, that in this respect our schools are be of long continuance. In conclusion we would far from being what they might be, or ought to say that we have found the schools, as a genebe. We have reason to apprehend that the mo- ral thing, in a better state than we anticipated, ral training of the school looks no farther than notwithstanding there are many evils which are to the prevention of vicious outbreaks. Too attributable to the teachers and patrons of the frequently this comprises the whole code of schools, and can only be remedied by their united school ethics. The inculcation of sound princi- exertions. ples and correct rules of action for the government of future life, is seldom attempted. or even thought of. And it is to be deplored that many teachers manifest by their practice that they do not realize their responsibility in this matter; or at the best that they consider moral culture a department of education better adapted to the nursery than the school room. It is gratifying, however, to know that we have some teachers who know that the cultivation of the moral sense is by far the most important branch of education, who realize their responsibility, and Eighty-two school houses stand upon the line of who teach accordingly. But after all it is to the road, and consequently the scholars have no the discipline and government of the school that play ground, aside from the filthy highway, unwe are to look for its influence upon morals.-less they become trespassers upon the enclosures There is a more direct connexion between the discipline of the schools and the ethics of the community than many are accustomed to recog. nize. The physical part of our nature is not more surely developed and strengthened by ex. ercise than the mental. And where the worst passions of our nature are continually appealed to and kept in exercise, how can we expect any other than a deleterious influence? PHYSICAL EDUCATION NEGLECTED. The physical influences of the schools ought not to be entirely overlooked. We deem the influence of schools upon the physical frame a subject of vital importance to community, and we do not doubt that in this respect they are generally defective, and often their effects are highly pernicious. The school houses are in very many instances entirely too small, and bad DAVID MCFARLAND, Deputy Superintendents. DUTCHESS CO.-(Report by A. S. Clement.) [As this report has been published in Dutchess county, we omit its republication.-ED.] FRANKLIN COUNTY. SCHOOL HOUSES AND APPENDAGES. of the inhabitants, a circumstance which almost invariably produces discord in a district, and in many instances dissatisfaction with the teacher. School houses thus located are with much difficulty kept clean, from the circumstance that the mud of the road is constantly carried into them upon the feet of the scholars. The remaining nineteen houses stand a little back from the line of the highway, but no one of them has any thing like an enclosed play ground, as every one should have, decorated with walks and shrubbery, to which scholars would like to resort for amusements, and in which they would be protected from evil influences and danger. In a country like this, where land is of so little value, it is believed that parents are perfectly inexcusable for neglecting to furnish their school houses with the necessary play grounds; and the only apology that can be offered for them is, they have not been convinced of the utility of such accompaniments. himself by a hair." Children are reasonable beings, and just convince them of the disrespect they show their parents, their teacher and themselves, by disobeying the orders of school; make them understand how much more advantage. pect to the will of the teacher, and in nine-tenths of the cases, your object is accomplished. Ex. perience upon this subject compels to the foregoing conclusions. Both ways have been thoroughly tried; and it is hoped that our teachers hereafter will institute every means possible before taking up the rod or the ferule, and let that be a dernier resort. LIBRARIES. No appendages are more necessary to a school house, especially in densely populated districts, than privies; and it is to be deeply regretted that the erection of these important, though unexpen-ous it will be for them to submit in every res sive buildings, is so much neglected. But nine are to be found in this entire county, and those hardly deserve the name. Every district in this entire state should be induced to supply its school house with privies forthwith, and then institute some means by which they may be kept fit for use. We often hear the objection raised, which, indeed, is the only one that can be adduced, that privies for school houses are of no consequence, for the reason that they so soon become unfit for use. This difficulty, however, can be easily obThe expectations of the friends of the district viated, if the teacher will divest himself of false school libraries have not been so fully realized modesty, and enforce neatness upon the scholars as could be wished. The books are, generally in their use of these buildings. There is, like- speaking, in a good state of preservation, and wise, nearly as great a destitution of wood will probably remain so, for the very good reahouses as of privies; but twenty-two school son that they are not read enough to make them houses in the county have houses for the protec- otherwise. It is painful that the munificence of tion of wood, yet fifty-two districts say they our State is met with so much ingratitude, and usually burn dry wood. The burning of dry so much intellectual apathy on the part of the wood is a desideratum to which the attention of inhabitants. There are many objections raised every district should be called, and no district, against the libraries, like the following: "The however indigent, should be excused for neg. regulations are too severe," "the books are lecting this part of parental duty. Now, the good for nothing," &c. &c. The last objection majority of our districts attempt to warm their has always been replied to with much fervency, school houses with green wood; and the con- and they have been defied to select a better assequence is, in short winter days the teach-sortment from the vast catalogue of books exer's efforts are so paralyzed, and the progress of the pupils so curtailed, that the school is comparatively good for nothing, however well qualified the teacher may be for his task, or however well inclined the children may be to improve. The attention of our school districts has been called to the importance of having a year's supply of wood in advance, fitted for the stove; through the medium of our county papers; and it is hoped that there will likewise be a refor-ginning to give way, and that ere long the office mation in this important particular. IMPROVED METHODS OF TEACHING. The undersigned is enabled with much pleasure to inform the department, that the method of teaching is becoming much improved in this vicinity. That old, mechanical, and to the pu pil, irksome method of giving instruction, is, it is hoped, sinking into an undisturbed and everlasting repose. Teachers are beginning to feel the importance of having apparatus, by which to demonstrate the studies; and parents to think that improvements recommended are not mere innovations. Nearly every school house in the county has now suspended upon its walls a black board, the utility of which is appreciated by the teacher; and pupils now, instead of being drilled in that old routine of mechanical nonsense, are interested and enlightened. Aside, however, from the black board, and that apparatus which an inventive teacher may furnish for the time, there is nothing of any kind in the county for demonstrating the respective studies, and thus facilitating the progress of the scholars. DISCIPLINE. Formerly a school teacher was good for nothing unless he governed with the rod and ferule, unless the "children could trace the day's dis. aters in the morning face;" but the characteris. ties of a good disciplinarian are found in one who, with " a gentle hand leads the elephant tant For further particulars respecting the it is thought, will give you all the necessary incondition of our several schools, the synopsis, formation. The law which provides for the appointment of deputy superintendents has many prejudices against it in this county, especially in those but it is believed that those prejudices are be towns where the schools are the most miserable; will be considered as necessary as any other. whose jurisdiction does not extend beyond the confines of a county. D. H. STEVENS, Dep. Supt. of Com. Schools. Franklin Co., Sept. 28, 1842. GENESEE COUNTY. CHARACTER OF TEACHERS. The teachers employed in winter are for the most part young men who resort to the business of teaching to acquire the means of pursuing some profession, or some business of life less arduous and perplexing to their minds and more gratifying to their ambition. Consequently the powers and energies of their minds are not brought into exercise with that ambition to excel or desire to improve, that they otherwise would be if their means for a livelihood and their aspirations for distinction were made to depend upon their reputation as teachers. Let sufficient encouragement be offered to the talented young men of the country to make the business of teaching alike lucrative and honora. ble as a profession, and a guaranty might safely be given that a supply of competent teachers would be found in the field, ready and willing to perform the arduous and responsible duties devolving upon them. The majority of teachers are not so much wanting in talent or science as defective in manner of teaching. One of the most common faults of teachers is that of advan |