PUBLISHED BY BELKNAP & HAMERSLEY, HARTFORD, CONN. FOR SALE BY ERASTUS H PEASE, No. 82 STATE-STREET, ALBANY, And by Booksellers generally throughout the United States. WOODBRIDGE & WILLARD'S UNIVERSAL GEOGRAPHY AND ATLAS, new edition, revised and enlarged. The universal favor which this work has received, and the high estimation in which it has always been held by intelligent Teachers, renders it unnecessary for the publishers to do more than call the attention of the friends of education to the new edition which they have recently issued; the Geography contains 100 additional pages, and the Atlas is much enlarged, and from an entire new set of steel plates. MODERN SCHOOL GEOGRAPHY AND ATLAS, on the plan of comparison and classification, with an Atlas, exhibiting on a new plan the Physical and Political eharacteristics of countries, and the comparative size of countries, towns, rivers and mountains, by Wm. C. Woodbridge, member of the Geograpical Societies of Paris, Frankfort and Berlin. School Committees, Teachers, and all others interested in the cause of Education, are respectfully requested to examine this new Geography and Atlas for Schools; it is confidently believed that its merits are of no ordinary character. Its clearness of arrangement, its accuracy, its useful illustrations, and its concise and lucid exposition of Geographical truth, together with the new feature of the Atlas, presenting both Physical and Political Maps of countries, give it strong claims to favor and support. THE CLASS BOOK OF NATURE-Comprising Les sons on the Universe, the three Kingdoms of Nature, and the Form and Structure of the Human Body: with Questions and Numerous Engravings. Edited by J. FROST. Stereotype edition. An excellent little work in many respects, and worthy of public notice and regard. We cannot help admiring in particular, the simplicity, and yet manliness of the style. We are tired of the very frequent substitution of childishness for simplicity in our books for the young. Annals of Education. FLINT'S SURVEYING-Revised edition-Enlarged with additional tables. FLINT'S SURVEYING has now been before the public up wards of 30 years. During this period it has passed through numerous editions, and been enriched from time to time, by important contributions from the present Surveyor General, Geo. Gillett, Esq. The distin guishing feature of the work, as now published, is its excellent adaptation to the every day wants of the practical surveyor, while it supplies to Academies and private students, an eminently useful, clear, and well digested system of Elementary Instruction, both in the theory and practice of surveying. I know of no work in this respect which equals it.-E. H. Burritt, Esq., Civil Engineer. This work, although but recently published, has al ready been introduced into a number of schools, and Ancient and Modern History, on a new plan. received the warm approbation of Teachers and others. ROBBINS' OUTLINES OF HISTORY-Outlines of Among other testimonials in their possession, the publishers have strong recommendations from Rev. Thos. H. Gallaudet, Rt. Rev. T. C. Brownell, Prof. Goodrich of Yale College, Rev. Horace Bushnell, Rev. Lewis A Weld and from a number of Practical Teachers. communication recently received from Professor Potter of Union College, says, "A slight examination or Woodbridge's Modern School Geography and Atlas has satisfied me of their great merit. With such aids, and with proper exercises on the black-board, a good Teacher can hardly fail of communicating this importan: branch of knowledge with pleasure to himself and with striking advantage to his pupils." ANCIENT GEOGRAPHY, as connected with Chronology, and preparatory to the study of Ancient History, accompanied with an Atlas, by EMMA WILLARD, late Principal of the Troy Female Seminary; new edition. THE BOOK OF NATURE, BY JOHN MASON GOOD.This work is so universally known that any remarks upon its merits would be superfluous. It is used as a Reading Book in High Schools. THE PRACTICAL SPELLING BOOK, WITH READING LESSONS, by T. H. GALLAUDET and HORACE HOOK ER. of it. This work is considered a decided improvement in the department of elementary instruction to which it be longs. The publishers are furnished with the most satisfactory evidence of the favorable opinion entertained Wherever it has been introduced, it has fully satisfied the expectations of Teachers. The attention of the friends of Common Schools is earnestly invited to the work; and its new plan of classification, and its oth er prominent features, are cheerfully submitted to their candid examination. THE MOTHER'S PRIMER-To teach her child its letters, and how to read; designed also for the lowest class in Primary Schools. On a new plan. The arrangement of this little book has been found to aid greatly in the instruction of little children. ROYAL ROBBINS. By Rev. I have reviewed "Outlines of Ancient and Modera History," by the Rev. Royal Robbins, and am very much pleased both with the plan and the execution. The method appears to me to be excellent; the incidents are well selected, and the biographical sketches connected with the political history, add much to the utility and the interest of the work. No compend which I have exi D. President amined equals it. Rev. Wilber Fisk, of the Wesleyan University, Middletown' Ct. GOODRICH'S GREEK GRAMMAR-Elements of Greek Grammar, by CHAUNCEY A. GOODRICH. Stereotype edition. Candidates for admission into this College are examined in Goodrich's Greek Grammar; and it is used as text-book for the instruction of the class.-Pres. Day of Yale College. a FIRST LESSONS ABOUT NATURAL PHILOSOPHY FOR CHIDDREN-Part first. By Miss MARY A. SWIFT, Principal of the Litchfield Female Seminary. The "First Lessons about Natural Philosophy," is well calculated to interest the minds of youth. It brings down the popular parts of Natural Philosophy to the level of the capacities of children, with a degree of simplicity and accuracy which I have seldom seen excelled. I wish Miss Swift all success in the useful literary labors in which she is engaged, and in her endeavors to arrest the attention of the young, and simpli fy useful knowledge, Thomas Dick, LL. D, author of the Christian Philosopher, &c. &c. FIRST LESSONS ABOUT NATURAL PHILOSOPHY -Part Second. By Miss MARY A, SWIFT, Principal of the Litchfield Female Seminary. The Lessons are admirably adapted to the capacities of children. Part First is now used in the Schools in this town, and we hope Part Second may be introduced without delay.-Fall River Monitor. PUBLISHED BY THOMAS COWPERTHWAIT & CO. PHILA. MITCHELL'S AMERICAN SYSTEM OF STANDARD SCHOOL GEOGRAPHY, In a series; adapted to the progressively developing capacities of youth. MITCHELL'S PRIMARY GEOGRAPHY. Containing 120 Engravings, and 14 colored Maps, designed as a first book of Geography for children. MITCHELL'S SCHOOL GEOGRAPHY. Accompanied with an Atlas, containing 18 Maps, engraved from original drawings, and executed in a clear and distinct manner. MITCHELL'S ANCIENT GEOGRAPHY. Consisting of a part of the High School Geography, and accompanied with an Atlas, containing 19 Maps, expressly designed for this work, and illustrated by 25 Engravings representing some of the most interesting events of Scriptural and Ancient History. MITCHELL'S ATLAS OF OUTLINE MAPS. (An Accompaniment to the School Atlas,) Possessing all the advantages to be derived from mapdrawing, with a great saving of time. MITCHELL'S GEOGRAPHICAL READER. Designed as a reading-book for classes using the PARLEY'S COLUMBUS--Adapted to the use of School School Geopraphy, or pupils farther advanced. MITCHELL'S KEY TO THE STUDY OF THE MAPS; comprising his Atlas, in a series of lessons for beginners in Geopraphy. PARLEY'S WASHINGTON--Adapted to the use of LIFE and CHARACTER OF PATRICK HENRY. By WM. Wint; revised edition, with headings to each Charter and Notes; rendering it suitable for a Class Book for Academies and Schools. MITCHELL'S HIGH SCHOOL GEOGRAPHY. JOHNSTON'S TURNER'S CHEMISTRY. A Manual of Chemistry, on the basis of Dr. TURNER'S Elements of Chemistry, containing, in a condenser form, all the most important facts and principles of the Science designed as a Text Book in Colleges and other Seminaries of learning. By JoHN JOHNSTON, A. M., Pro- CHARLES PICOT'S SERIES of FRENCH SCHOOL fessor of Natural Science in the Wesleyan University. From Prof. Booth, of the High School, Phila. Phila., Nov. 30, 1942. BOOKS. No. 1.-FIRST LESSONS IN FRENCH, consisting of Rules and Directions for the attainment of a just ProI find, upon a careful examination of Johnston's Ma-nunciation, select pieces, sentences, colloquial phrases nnal of Chemistry, that it is extremely well adapted to the object for which it is designed As a text book, I re. gard it as superior to Turner's Chemistry, on which it is based, being more condensed and practical, and yet sufficiently expanded, and equally presenting the late rapid advancement of the science. Respectfully yours, JAS. C. BOOTH. FROST'S HITORY OF THE U. STATES, and words in general use; conveniently arranged for doubletranslation, from French into English, and from English into French. Ey CHARLES PICOT. No. 2.-THE FRENCH STUDENT'S ASSISTANT, being a recapitulation of the most important Grammati cal Examples and Facts of the French language; with a key to Pronunciation; by CHARLES PICOT. We have only room to insert the following recommendations, taken from a large number received: SWAN'S SERIES OF READERS. The Primary School Reader, Part I. This book is deFor the use of Common Schools, condensed from the signed for beginners. It contains the Alphabet, a less author's larger History of the United States. son upon each of the elementary sounds of our language, and a few simple, interesting stories for children. The Primary School Reader, Part II. This book contains lessons upon the consonant sounds in Combina. tion, Exercises upon Inflections, and a selection of Easy Reading lessons FROST'S AMERICAN SPEAKER, Embellished with engraved Portraits of distinguished American Orators, on steel. Dr. GOLDSMITH'S HISTORY OF ENGLAND, (Pinnock's improved edition ;) From the invasion of Julius Casar to the year 1638; illustrated with thirty Engravings. Dr. GOLDSMITH'S HISTORY OF GREECE. (Pinnock's improved edition ;) With Questions for examination at the end of each section; thirty Engravings. Dr. GOLDSMITH'S HISTORY OF ROME (Pinnock's improved edition ;) With Questions for examination at the end of each section; thirty Engravings GOLDSMITH'S NATURAL HISTORY, Abridged for the use of Schools, by Mrs. PILKINGTON; revised and corrected by a Teacher of Philaldelphia with Questions, and upwards of 100 Engravings. The CHILD'S HISTORY of the UNITED STATES, By CHARLES A. GOODRICH; designed as a first book of History for Schools; illustrated with numerous Engrav. ings and anecdotes. The Primary School Reader, Part III. This book is designed for the highest class in Primary Schools, and the lowest class in Grammar Schools. It contains a selection of Easy Reading Lessons, and Exexcises upon Articulation in connection with them. This series of books, whole or in part, has been introduced into the Public Schools of Boston, Charlestown. Cambridge, Roxbury, Springfield, Dorchester, DedhamQuiney, Milton, Marblehead, and many other placesNumerous testimonials in favor of them have been received from Teachers and committees in these and other places. Teachers and commitees are requested to order copies gratis for examination.: Also, just published, the Grammar School Reader. This book is designed to follow the Primary School Reader, Part III, and is intended for the use of the mid It has already been dle classes of Grammar School introduced into several of the places above named. The concluding volume of that series will soon be published For District er Public Schools and Academies. These Maps are by S. Augustus Mitchell, author of those celebrated works composing "Mitchell's American System of Standard School Geography;" in connexion with which, they furnish a resource for a finished geographical education. The mechanical execution of each is of the most elegant and durable kind. They are also much cheaper than any similar works ever published in this country. Trustees or superintendents who remit $50 at one time, will have the Maps sent, freight free, to any point ordered on the public works. MAP OF THE WORLD, ON MERCATOR'S PROJECTION. Size 6ft. 6in. by 4ft. 6in. Price $8 00. This Map is the largest and most comprehensive work of the kind ever published in America. It represents the surface of the earth as it really exists, according to the best authorities; the routes of the most celebrated Travellers and Navigators, from the first voyage of Columbus to that of Lieut. Wilkes, in 1840, and all recent Geographical and Nautical Discoveries. The accompaniment, a book of 600 pages, contains a Consulting Index, by the use of which, any item on the Map may be readily ascertained; and geographical descriptions of the various Empires, Kingdoms, Republics, &c., on the Globe. REFERENCE AND DISTANCE MAP OF THE UNITED STATES. Size 6ft. by 4ft. 8in. Price $7 00. It exhibits an accurate representation of the various States, Counties, Townships, &c.; the most important Canals and Railroads, and the principal travelling routes, with the distances in miles from place to place. The accompanying volume includes Indexes of all the Counties, Towns, Rivers, &c., in the United States, by the use of which, any place on the Map may be easily found; and an accurate Synopsis of the Census of 1840, alphabetically arranged. NATIONAL MAP OF THE AMERICAN REPUBLIC. Size 4ft. lin. by 3ft. 4in. Price $200. It is sold for less than one half the price hitherto charged for Maps of the like size; forming, without question, the cheapest work of the kind ever published in the United States, or in the world. Surrounding the general Map are smaller Maps of thirty-two of the principal Cities and Towne, with their vicinities; and in the margin there is a Table of all the Counties in the United States, (nearly 1300 in number,) with their population according to the Census of 1840, and other useful matter. THE EMPIRE STATE-NEW YORK. Size 4 feet 1 inch by 3 feet 6 inches. Price $250. This work is engraved in the best style of the art; the lettering is neat and distinct, and so arranged as to be read with ease. The Canals, Railroads, Stage Roads, &c., are shown with distinctness. The title, embracing the arms of the State, is beautifully executed in an ornamental style. Well designed views are given of four of the most striking and important national events, that have occurred within the limits of the State, viz. the surrender of Burgoyne, the evacuation of the city of New York at the close of the Revolution, McDonough's victory, and the Canal celebration in 1823. All the counties and towns in the State are alphabetically arranged in a tabular form, with the population according to the Census of 1840. ALEXANDER HARRISON, General Agent, 8+ South Seventh Street, Philadelphia, PERKINS' MATHEMATICAL SERIES. AN ELEMENTARY ARITHMETIC, Designed for Academies and Schools; also serving as an Introduction to the Higher Arithmetic. BY GEORGE R. PERKINS, A. M. From the numerous commendations which this book, The work bears the indubitable mark of having been has received, we select the following extract: scientifically arranged by a practical and yet deeply "Numerous as are the School Arithmetics of the day, mathematical mind. From his familiarity with the and simple as the branch is, this work nevertheless abstruse branches of the science of quantity, and from possesses merits which are peculiarly its own. Among his adeptness in the art of instruction, Mr. Perkins was these merits we would enumerate his logical method of admirably fitted for the present task. He has silently treating Decimal Fractions, before introducing the sub- lopped off extraneous and useless matter, corrected ject of Federal Money; and also, the adoption of Mr. the expression of rules, and adapted his examples to Horner's excellent rule for the extraction of the Cube the rule in such a form, that the pupil comprehends Root. In addition, however, to these obvious improve- with clearness, and retains with great facility all the ments, there is another excellence which is unique.-mysteries of this complicated science." HIGHER ARITHMETIC, Designed for Common and High Schools, Academies and Colleges, in which some entirely new principles are developed, and many concise and easy rules given which have never before appeared in any arithmetic. By GEORGE R. PERKINS, A. M. This work has been before the public for three years, and received the unqualified approbation of nearly every mathematical teacher or professor, editor or superintendent, in whose hands it has been placed. A new and improved edition will be issued adout the 1st | of October, which will be especially adapted to the wants of the higher classes in common schools, and in style of execution second to no school-book ever published. COMMON SCHOOL ALGEBRA. We have in course of preparation, and shall publish the same author. designed expressly for the use of com early next spring, an elementary work on Algebra, by mon schools, or for beginners. A TREATISE ON ALGEBRA. Embracing besides the elementary principles, all the higher parts usually taught in Colleges; oontaining, moreover, the new method of Cubic and Higher Equations, as well as the development and application of the more recently discovered Theorem of Sturm. By GEO. R. PERKING, A. M. This book is well known and highly approved, being to have an opportunity of presenting copies of the above used in Union and Geneva Colleges, as well as in most to teachers or superintendents who may wish to examother leading schools. The Publishers are always happyine them with reference to their introduction. Utica, August, 1844. BENNET, BACKUS & HAWLEY, Publishers. VOL. V. DISTRICT SCHOOL JOURNAL, OF THE STATE OF NEW-YORK. TERMS ALBANY, FEBRUARY, 1845. For one copy, in all cases, (per annum,).... 50 cts. ............ 31 в No. 11. ANNUAL REPORT OF THE STATE SUPERINTEN- THE entire territory of the state, comprising, exclusively of the waters of the great lakes, an area of 45,658 square miles, has been subdivided into 10,990 school districts, averaging somewhat more than four square miles each,-seldom, especially in the rural districts, varying essentially from this average, and bringing the remotest inhabitants of the respective districts within a little more than one mile of the school-house. 1. The year shall be divided into terms as follows: the first term commencing on the second school district, and entitled to hold lands in this Every male person of full age, residing in any Wednesday of April, in each year, and continu- state, (including aliens who have filed their cering twenty weeks. The second term commenc-tificate of intention to become citizens, in the ing on the third Wednesday of October, and continuing twenty-one weeks. 2. All pupils intending to enter the Normal School at the next term must join it during the first week of that term. 3. After the close of the current term, an equal number of state and volunteer pupils will be received from each county, and in case of the failure of any county to send its quota of pupils, the committee will at their discretion receive volunteers from other counties, until the number in the school of state and volunteer pupils shall be two hundred and fifty-six. NOTICE TO COUNTY SUPERINTENDENTS. Each mode prescribed by law,) who owns or hires real school purposes, and every resident of such district authorized to vote at town meetings, who property in such district, subject to taxation for within one year, or a tax for district purposes has paid a rate-bill for teacher's wages therein within two years preceding, or who possesses personal property liable to taxation for school purposes, exceeding fifty dollars in value, betled to vote at school district meetings, for the choice of officers of the district, and upon any yond such as is exempt from execution, is entiquestion which may properly come before such meetings. Under the act of 1843, three trustees were chosen in that year, in each district, for one, If the supervisors of any county shall not succeeding year, one trustee is annually to be two, and three years respectively; and in each meet on or before the 10th day of March next, to chosen by the inhabitants and legal voters, who, make a selection of state pupils for said county, in conjunction with his colleagues previously in that case, the county superintendent shall no- chosen, holds his office for three years. tify the several town superintendents to assem-district also annually chooses a clerk, collector ble within ten days thereafter at such conve- and librarian. nient place as he shall designate, to form a Board; whenever lawfully assembled, to designate one The inhabitants have power, and the said county and town superintendents or more sites for the district school-house; to shall by joint ballot, make selections of state lay such tax on the taxable inhabitants of the pupils to supply any vacancies of such pupils district, as may be deemed necessary to purfor said counties. purchase a school-house, or houses, and to keep chase or lease such sites, and to build, hire, or in repair and furnish the same with necessary fuel and appendages, and generally to transact such other business as the interests of the district organization may require. If, however, a greater sum than four hundred dollars is requisite to defray the expenses of building, hiring, the town superintendent that such increased sum, or purchasing a school-house, the certificate of specifying the amount, ought, in his judgment, to be raised, must be obtained; and when the school-house has been built or purchased, its site cannot be changed, nor the building be removed, while the district remains unaltered, except by the written consent of such town superintendent The committee have agreed to allow the state pupils, during the current term, if females, $1.25 per week, and if males $1.00 per week, for their board, and they believe they will be able to allow the same sums for the summer term. S. YOUNG. NOTE. The county superintendents should ascertain at once whether there are or will be any vacancies in their respective counties, that they may be filled with pupils fit and ready to enter the school on the first day of the next term. Volunteer pupils will have theirtuition free and be supplied with text-books. setting forth that, in his opinion, such removal apparatus, at the discretion of the inhabitants. is necessary-nor then, unless two-thirds of all The annual apportionment, therefore, for the the legal voters present at a special meeting cal. benefit of common schools, from the funds of the led for that purpose, shall vote for such remo- state set apart for that purpose, is $275,000; val, and in favor of the contemplated new site-and the board of supervisors of each county is such vote to be taken by ayes and noes. required by law annually to raise on the taxaThe general administration of the affairs of ble property of the several towns, an amount the districts, devolves principally upon the trus.equal to the share apportioned to such towns, tees, who have the custody of all the district pro- from the school fund, for the use of the common perty; contract with and employ the teacher; schools therein, and such additional amount as appropriate, in the absence of any direct action the inhabitants of any town may, by vote at of the district on that subject, the share of pub- their annual town meeting, direct to be raised lic money applicable to teachers' wages for the for this purpose, not exceeding a sum equal to respective terms; pay such share by a draft on that apportioned to such town by the state. In the town superintendent, and raise the residue addition to the funds thus provided and author. of the amount due the teacher under his contract, ized, many of the towns of the state are annuby rate-bill against those who send to the school, ally in the receipt of local funds, to a considerain proportion to the number of days and of chil.ble amount, arising from the proceeds of certain dren sent by each, exempting, either wholly or in part, indigent inhabitants, and levying the amount of such exemption on the taxable property of the district generally; assess all district taxes, according to the valuations of the town assessors, so far as they afford a guide, and make out tax lists and warrants for their collec tion; give notice of annual and special meetings of the inhabitants; purchase or lease the site for the district school-house as previously designated by the inhabitants, and build, hire, or purchase, keep in repair and furnish such school. house with necessary fuel and appendages, out of the funds collected and paid to them for those purposes; and between the first and fifteenth of January in each year, make their report of the condition of the district in the form prescribed by law, to the town superintendent They are also the trustees of the district library. The duties of the clerk, collector and librarian are chiefly ministerial. lots reserved by the Surveyor-General in the original allotment of townships in 1789, and from other local sources; and in most of the cities of the state large additional amounts are raised for this purpose, under special acts providing for the organization and support of their schools. The aggregate amount of the funds thus ap- Sums raised in cities under special 18,000 00 200,000 00 18,000 00 $786,000 00 The share of each county and town, respecBy a provision of the constitution of 1821, the tively, under the apportionmeut of the State Suproceeds of all lands belonging to the state, with perintendent, is paid over by the state to the the exception of such as may be reserved for pub. county treasurer, and by the latter to the town lic use or ceded to the United States, together superintendent of common schools, who also rewith the then existing school fund, were decla- ceives from the collector of his town the corresred to constitute "a perpetual fund, the interest ponding and additional amount raised by taxaof which shall be inviolably appropriated and tion, and from the trustees or agent of the local applied to the support of common schools through-fund, the avails of that fund. Within ten days out the state." The state lands remaining un-after his election at the annual town meeting,he sold consist of 358,000 acres, principally situated is required to execute a bond with sufficient surein the northern portion of the state, and are val- ties, to the supervisors of his town, for the faithued by the Surveyor-General at $179,000-con-ful application and legal disbursement of all the stituting what is termed the unproductive portion of the capital of the school fund. The productive capital of the fund amounted on the 30th of September last, to $1,992,916.35, consisting of bonds for lands sold and for loans from the fund, bank and state stock growing out of investments of portions of the fund, and money in the treasury, yielding a revenue for the year ending on the 30th of September last of $89,019.46, and admitting for a series of years taken together, of an annual apportionment of $110 000 among the several counties, towns and wards of the state, according to the ratio of population in each, as ascertained by the last preceding census, for the benefit of common schools. An equal amount was appropriated by chapter 237 of the laws of 1838, from the annual revenue of the United States Deposit Fun 1, together with an additional amount of $55.000, to be expended in the pur chase of district libraries, or, in the cases and with the restrictions imposed by the act of 1843, for the purchase of maps,globes and other school public money coming into his hands; and on or before the first Tuesday in April of each year, to apportion such money among the several dis tricts, and parts of districts of his town, from which the necessary reports bearing date on the first of January preceding, have been received, in the ratio of the number of children between the ages of five and sixteen years residing in each. One-fifth of the amount thus apportioned is denominated "library money," and is paid over directly to, or on the order of the trustees, who are bound, on or before the first of October subsequent to its receipt, to expend the same, either in the purchase of'suitable books for the district library, or if the number of volumes in such library exceed 125 in a district numbering 50 chil. dren or more, between the ages of 5 and 16, or 100 in a district having a less number of such children, in the purchase of maps, globes, and other school apparatus, when specially directed by a vote of the district. The residue of the money in the hands of the town superintendent |