immediate and efficient action. Good schools of the moral interests of the rising generation, can alone secure PROGRESS, PROSPERITY, LIB. ERTY. WINTER SCHOOLS. THE period is now near at hand, when the greater portion of the districts are about organizing their winter terms: and a few words of friendly counsel and advice to inhabitants, trustees and teachers, may not be altogether out of place, or unacceptable. we entreat of the inhabitants and trustees of those districts which are unprovided with these indispensable appendages, to take immediate and effective measures for their erection. To some, this may seem a small matter: but while our annual reports continue to present the humiliating display of thousands of districts the school-houses of which are totally unfurnished with privies, and thousands more, inadequately and partially provided, we deem it a duty in 3. In reference to fuel: this should be provided, and stored up, well cut and split, in advance; otherwise it will be found next to impossible to secure comfort in the school-room. The larger boys should alternately be required to make the fires, at least an hour before the opening of the school in the morning. 4. Parents-especially mothers, for in this In reference to the employment of a teacher-cumbent upon us, to press the subject earnestly the trustees should consult freely with those in- and importunately, upon those interested. habitants of the district who have children to send to the school; and should, as far as possible, secure their full and active co-operation and support, in the continuance or employment of a good and well qualified teacher, who will devote his whole time, and his undivided attention to the duties of his station. In proportion as the parents of the district are united in the support of the school, the burden of its main-case, every thing depends on them-should see tenance will be less felt and more equally dif- that their children are regular and punctual in fused; a more liberal compensation to the their attendance; and that the lessons assigned teacher can be better afforded; and what is of them by the teacher, are faithfully mastered. the highest importance and value, perfect har. In addition to this, they should on all occasions mony and union in the administration of the manifest a warm interest in the progress of the affairs of the district, will be secured. school; should visit it occasionally; uniformly In the employment of a teacher, the first ques- treat the teacher with respect and regard; and tion should be as to his or her practical qualifi-afford him every requisite facility for the discations and moral character--the second and sub- charge of his laborious and responsible duties. ordinate consideration, the price. The produc- Above all, they should strive to carry out and tion of a certificate of qualification from the enforce in the domestic circle, the moral lessons proper authority should in all cases precede any and instructions of the school; accustom their negotiation whatever. A good teacher having children to implicit obedience and respectful been secured, the foundation has been laid for a behavior; and by precept and example, lead good school: and the next step should be, them into the pleasant paths of virtue and of peace. In this way they will most effectually sustain the teacher, and promote the lasting interest and well-being of their children. 2. In reference to the school-house: this should be placed in the most thorough and perfect repair, internally and externally. The out-houses, privy, &c., should be placed in suitable order; and if none exist, they should be at once provided, and made adequate to the wants of the school. The absence of privies, with separate apartments for the sexes, from our school-houses, has become an intolerable evil. It is time to speak plainly on this subject. It is disgraceful to the districts which suffer it. To say nothing of the physical evils and sufferings which are thereby occasioned to the children, and of which parents are seldom aware, the utter disregard of decency and delicacy which must necessarily result from this cause, is an evil which brings a terrible blight upon the character of the young. For the credit of our community, therefore-in the name of common humanity, and for the sake 5. The district library should be placed in the school-house, and under the immediate charge of the teacher; and the most interesting and attractive works brought to the notice of the children. These noble institutions are, it is to be apprehended, far too generally neglected and overlooked, simply because they are virtually out of reach of the inhabitants and children. An intelligent teacher, acting for the time being as librarian, will speedily diffuse a knowledge of these valuable works among the districtpoint out their advantages-and enable his pupils to form those habits of reading and of inquiry, which will be found so invaluable in after-life. There are several other subjects which might 143 state of New-York is concerned, the withering reproach which has been cast by modern political economists, upon the inefficacy of Popular Education to withstand the accumulating torrent of vice and crime which follows in the wake of an advancing civilization. Let us bring to bear upon all our institutions for elementary education the pure and elevating influences of Christian morality; and let the lessons of virtue, of obedience, of order, harmony, kindness and mutual affection, be constantly and effectually impressed upon our children by teachers whose lives shall form a perpetual illustration of the maxims and principles they inculcate. Ve earnestly an1 affectionately appeal to the several County and Town Superintendents, to carry out this principle, with an uncompromising profitably come under our notice in this connection-but we must defer them to another occasion. Each successive year adds to the mass of mind and of moral strength in our ten thousand school districts, and diminishes in the same proportion the evils of ignorance and the fearful retributions of vice. The noblest energies of the community are enlisted in the great cause of common school education; and nothing can now put back the waves of light and truth which are rolling over the land from the systematic and combined influences of the great, the good, and the wise-the statesman, the legislator, the patriot and philanthropist. Let the good work go on unimpeded, while our institutions remain the monuments of the virtue and the wisdom of the past, and the hope of the future. Here let all who would perpetuate those glorious institu-fidelity and uniformity. Let no certificate be tions, and erect upon their base a fabric more durable and noble than antiquity has furnished, or experience yet enabled us to construct, combine their exertions and their influence: and posterity shall point to the institution of the COMMON SCHOOL, with its inestimable appendage the DISTRICT LIBRARY, as the germ of a higher and more perfect civilization than the records of history had transmitted down the stream of time, or the wisdom of statesmen bestowed upon the human race. MORAL CHARACTER OF TEACHERS. The several officers upon whom the duty of licensing teachers devolves, should bear in mind that, under the existing provisions of the law, it is in their power to secure for each one of the eleven thousand school districts of the state, a teacher whose moral character shall be above reproach or suspicion; and that their duty as faithful public officers, responsible to their immediate constituents, to the state, and to their Creator, imperatively requires no less than this at their hands. The crowning triumph of our admirable system of public instruction will be found in the fact that the seven hundred thousand children who will hereafter annually take their places in our district schools, will be confided to the instruction and the mental and moral discipline of such teachers only, as by the "daily beauty of their lives" and conversation, their precepts and example, shall best be enabled to form and mature those habits and principles of action, as well as to develope and direct those intellectual faculties, which in their expansion and growth are to constitute the character and the life. Let us then, aspire to this noble distinction! Let us wipe off, so far at least as the granted, except upon satisfactory proof or personal knowledge, of good moral character, correct habits and unexceptionable deportment. Consequences of far-reaching import to the happiness and well-being of individuals and community, to the perpetuity of our free institutions, and to the advancement of Christian civilization, depend upon their action in this respect; and they owe it to themselves and to the great cause of Education confided to their supervision, conscientiously to acquit themselves of the high responsibility thus appertaining to their station, "without fear, favor, affection, or hope of reed by the Department, by an enlightened public ward." In so doing, they will be fully sustainopinion, and by the unqualified approbation of the wise and the good in every section of the state. PROGRESS OF EDUCATION. COUNTY AND TOWN SUPERINTENDENTS; THEIR ALLEGANY. Pike, September 22d, 1845. convention of town superintendents, teachers, and the F. DWIGHT, Esq.-Pursuant to public notice a county house in the village of Pike, on Thursday, Sept. 18, friends of education generally assembled at the schoolinst., at 2 o'clock, P. M. fellow, County Superintendent. On motion of C. T. Harris, J. V. W. Abbott, of Pike, J. A. Rockafellow, D. W. Chase and C. T. Harris, of Mr. Rockafellow, from the committee on resolutions, reported the following: Resolved, That town superintendents should not rely merely upon an oral examination of applicants for cer towns, at the opening of the term, and there judge of tificates, but should visit the schools of their respective the fitness and qualifications of teachers. Juvenile Temperance Societies in our schools, and re- commend that town superintendents, teachers and patrons of schools endeavor to organize such societies as far as practicable, upon the plan proposed by the New York Juvenile Temperance Association. Resolved, That in view of the many practical benefits that teachers derive from attending Teachers' Institutes, we hereby pledge ourselves to use our best endeavors in securing a general attendance of teachers at the coming tall term, which will open at Nunda on the 13th of October. Resolved, That the best interests of common schools demands at the hands of those whose duty it is to elect superintendents, that they elect such only to fill that important office as are either practical teachers or who have acquired a good reputation as practical educa EVENING SESSION. Mr. Wilkinson, town superintendent of Pike, offered the following resolution: At the church, after the scholars were seated, as many parents and other spectators as could find entrance crowded the spacious edifice, and had it been twice as large, it would no doubt have been filled to overflowing. The trustees of the village, who had been invited by the Board of Education to attend the Anniversary, were represented, and a portion of the clergy were also in attendance. The Throne of Grace was then addressed by the Rev. Mr. MERWIN, after which Mr. Gibbons briefly addressed the audience. The young ladies of the Grammar School then sung an Anniversary ode. They were followed by the Rev. Mr. Ludlow, with an able and appropriate address. His main position was that "Education is the cheap defence of a nation," which he illustrated by reference to criminal statistics; and he quoted from the writings of eminent statesmen to show that this was also their opinion. The pupils of two of the primary schools then sung some pieces which had been prepared for the occasion, Resolved, That the question of Free Public Schools when the editor of this paper briefly addressed the auis one of unusual interest at the present time, and that dience, urging upon parents and the friends of educait be respectfully recommended by this convention to tion the importance of their frequently visiting our the consideration of the inhabitants of Allegany county. schools, for the benefit of the children, and the enVarious remarks were made in relation to the sub-couragement of the teachers engaged in their arduous ject of the resolution by the chairman, Messrs. Rocka- duties. fellow, Adams, Smith, Bartlett, and others, when the resolution was unanimously adopted. Resolved, That it is not enough to resolve, but that we form ourselves into a laboring committee of the whole, and go forward with a becoming zeal in the great work of building up and guarding the interests of our public schools, and of overthrowing the Empire of ignorance, vice and crime within the borders of our county. Resolved, That the thanks of this convention be hereby tendered to the citizens of Pike for their liberal hospitality to its members during its session. Resolved, That we adjourn to meet at Mt. Pleasant some time in the month of January next, at the call of the county superintendent. JOHN V. W. ABBOTT, Pres't, CURTIS J. BARNES, Secr'y. [From the Poughkeepsie Telegraph ] DUTCHESS. PUBLIC SBHOOL ANNIVERSARY. The second anniversary of the public schools in Poughkeepsie was held on Friday last. The day was a delightful one for a celebration, and well was it improved on the interesting occasion. In the forenoon, the examination was completed in the Grammar School. It was a thorough one, yet the young ladies and gentlemen of the male and female departments of it, passed through it in a very satisfactory manner They showed a knowledge of figures, and an acquaintance with Geography, History, Grammar, &c., far beyond what it was our privilege to possess in our schoolboy days. The compositions by the young ladies were upon appropriate subjects, were well written, and were highly creditable to the authors and instructors. The Examinations in the primary schools took place on Thursday They were interesting. There was evident improvement in all these schools creditable both to the pupils, and to their faithful and capable teachers. Another ode was then sung by the pupils of another Primary school, when the Rev. Mr. Burhans addressed the audience. The venerable speaker is an octogenarian, yet he has a green and vigorous old age. He said he had been a teacher for several years of his long life, and therefore felt a deep interest in the cause of educa tion, and for all engaged in it either as friends, pupils or teachers; that he had attended numerous commencements at colleges and other institutions of learning, yet never did he behold a scene of such heart-felt delight as the one before him. Vacation Ode was then admirably sung by the young ladies of the Grammar School. The singing by all the schools was excellent, and yet they had no other training than that given by their respective teachers, which shows that vocal music, which is a delightful science, can easily be taught in our schools For its softening effect upon the disposition and the temper, if for no other reason, it should be introduced into all schools, both in the village and country. Th audience which was assembled on the occasion was a very interesting one. The neat appearance of the children, their order and good behaviour, and their bright and intelligent countenances, could not be surpassed by the same number of youth from any place or class. [From the Weekly Pilot, Sept. 17.] ERIE. EXHIBITION OF THE BUFFALO PUBLIC SCHOOLS. The exhibition of the public schools of the city, took place on Monday. The scholars assembled in their respective districts, and were formed in procession by the teachers. From thence they marched to the place of general rendezvous-the Washington-street Baptist Church. The spacious building was filled throughout an-basement, body and gallery. It was a glorious spectacle to see so many of the rising generation there congregated--brought together in a common cause -engaged in a common pursuit-the acquisition of knowledge in the free schools of cur city. It was a proud, triumphant spectacle for those who labored to establish the system, amid opposition and doubt. Here were nearly 4000 of the children of our city, of all classes and conditions, who are enjoying the benefits and blessings of a system of instruction, which is alike open to the rich and the poor-the high and the low. All meet here upon a level-mind and attainments alone forming the mark of distinction. It was one of the finest processions ever seen in our village. It attracted general attention, and called out commendation from all who saw it. The scholars marched two by two, and formed a line more than a quarter of a mile long. We stood on the corner of Main and Washington streets, to take in a view of the whole, but did not do it. The van had extended up Main-street beyond our office, and yet the rear was filing down Mill-street. In all there were about eight hun dred children in the ranks, which is not all that are in our Public schools. In front of the procession, borne by the boys of the Grammar School, was a fine banner of a likeness of Washington. The motto upon it was, "EDUCATION IS POWER, AND SHOULD BE DISTRI- On the top of it was a beautiful miniature globe, surrounded by quills, inkstands, books, and other insignia of educational purposes, the whole handsomely festooned with ribbons. And in the rear of this school was another handsome banner displaying the above motto. The mayor and common council, and others, were present to witness the exhibition. There were numerous banners borne in the procession, upon which there were appropriate inscriptions. There was one bearing "The Standing Army of the People." On another-"The Destinies of the Republic will soon pass into our hands." On a third- Free Schools for Free Governments." On a fourth"Knowledge is the Sentinel of Liberty." On a fifth, the expressive motto of the state, "Excelsior." There were other banners bearing upon them the number of the school by which they were borne. The general appearance of the scholars was remarkably neat, intelligent, and full of the buoyancy of young life. The exercises at the church opened with vocal music by the several schools. Mr. O. G. Steele, the efficent superintendent of the public schools, made a statement of the rise, progress, and present general condition of the schools, from which we make a few extracts: Mr. Mayor and Gentlemen of the Common Council: In pursuance of the authority of your honorable body, and under the direction of the committee on schools, the several public schools of the city, under the charge of their respective teachers, here with present themselves before you, for your examination and inspection. The system of school celebrations of this character, has been practised to a great extent throughout the state; and, as has appeared by the reports thereof, with very beneficial effects, not only upon the public schools, but upon the public mind. In cities like our own, the practice must produce even more beneficial results, than upon country towns. Our system of education is entirely free, and accessible upon equal terms, to all classes and conditions of society, from the highest to the lowest, and from the most wealthy to the poorest day laborer. All meet at the public free school on a common level, and upon a basis which forbids any distinction among them, not founded upon personal merit. The expense of supporting the free schools, falls equally upon the property of the city, and it is pecu liarly proper that the property holders, from whom is derived the school fund, and whose occupations neces sarily prevent a personal examination of the schools, should once a year be able to see with their own eyes, the great number of the rising generation, who are the recipients of the public bounty, and thus satisfy themselves that the benefits derived from the system, will fully justify the expenditure. The simple view of this crowded assemblage of chil dren from our public schools, and which has been gathered together from every portion of the city, and representing nearly every family within its borders, must arouse all the best feelings of the human heart, and bring into active exertion those instinctive sensations of kindness and benevolence towards each other, which exists in the heart of every living soul, whose divine sensations have not been utterly blighted by an absorbing devotion to the demon of mammon and unrighteousness. Here follows an interesting narration of the progress of the city system since 1839, which we unwillingly omit. The condition of the several schools is such as will in general give entire satisfaction to the friends of the cause of education. The number in attendance has been almost continually increasing, and the reports of the last year will show a larger proportionate attendance, than can probably be shown in any other city in the state. The duties of the school teachers in all the departments are generally performed faithfully and successfully, and with a system and completeness which will challenge a comparison with the schools of any other city or state. I cannot too urgently call your attention, and that of the public generally, to the importance of devoting special and personal attention to the progress and condition of the free schools. Faithfully and earnestly as public school teachers may devote themselves to the fulfilment of their duties, they need the countenance and support of the parents of their scholars. Frequent visits made with a good temper, a word of encouragement fitly and timely spoken, a little kindly advice and assistance in removing the petty annoyances which so constantly beset the path of the faithful school teacher, will strengthen his hands and encourage his heart, and produce upon the whole school those strong and genial influences which must inevitably result from a community of feeling between the parent and the teacher. To the authorities in whose hands the destinies of the free schools are committed, the appeal of this vast assemblage of the recipients of your bounty must prove resistless, and cannot need enforcement. Let the encouragement you have had in your efforts, impel you to complete and perfect the system of the free school education, whose foundations have been so strongly laid, and extend its benefits and influences, so that all who will, may to their utmost desire, freely partake of the waters of knowledge. Then shall you receive the approval of every philanthropic heart, and the generations of the earth shall rise up and call you blessed. The mayor responded, in behalf of the council and of himself. He thought it but justice to say, that this exhihition, so imposing in all its aspects, had been got up by the superintendent, on his own motion, and without the aid of the council. As allusion had been made to the action of the council-although it might not become him to speak of their own acts-yet he would say, that the cause of free education-of the general diffusion of knowledge was near to his heart, and that of every member of the council. And what they had done for its promotion, he hoped might be the means of elevating and advancing the cause of primary instruction in the city. The cause of general education was progressing. In Europe, monarchial governments had found it necessary for the better preservation of their power over their subjects, to aid its progress. And if for this selfish purpose, it should be aided there, how much more should it be in this country, where every citizen is a sovereign, or in whom, at least, resides a part of the sovereign power of the land. The mayor pursued the subject further, with other and ap propriate remarks. Master Austin, a lad some 12 or 14 years old, addressed the mayor, returning thanks through him to the common council, and to the city, for the ample provision which had been made for the establishment and maintenance of the free schools. Mr. Mayor-Our excellent superintendent has made a statement which makes us proud of the past and you, sir, whom our fathers have deputed to speak for the city, give us fresh hopes for the future, and the assurance that we shall still have free access to the inestimable fountains of knowledge which have here been opened for us. 1, sir, in behalf of the young thousands here present, am directed to give to you and the body over which you preside, in a word, the whole city, our earnest and cordial thanks for the occasion now granted us. We thank you, and through you, the city, that we are here together in a body, to show our gratitude for these favors. We thank you, and through you, the city, that we have teachers whom we delight to honor. We thank you, and through you, the city, that in the true spirit of the Republican simplicity, the rich and the poor ean sit down together, in their natural equality, and partake of the treasures of pure knowledge, without money and without price. And may He, in whose hands are the hearts of our rulers, prosper all their undertakings, and give them the only reward that the true philanthro pist looks for, the assurance of having made a whole people better, wiser and happier. [From the Amsterdam Intelligencer.] COMMON SCHOOL ASSOCIATION. The Montgomery County Common School Association met pursuant to notice, at the Fonda Academy, on Wednesday, the 10th inst., at 11 o'clock, A. M. President-ABRAM HEES, of Palatine. Vice Presidents-D. B. Hagar, of Canajoharie, Horace M. Dewey, of Amsterdam. Recording Secretary-M. Freeman, of Fonda. Corresponding Secretary-W. McGoffin, of Fort Plain. Treasurer-S. Van Allen, of Mohawk. The committee on resolutions, made the following report, which was unanimously adopted with the excep tion of the 4th, which called out a long and spirited discussion on the motion of M. Freeman to lay it on the table; he expressing a hostility to the resolution, and a desire to discuss its merits, but felt too much out of health to do it at present. The debate in opposition to laying upon the table was sustained by Rev. Mr. McFarlan, Messrs. Hagar, Heath, Ramsey and Dewey. In favor of laying upon the table, by Rev. D. Van Olinnda, Messrs, DeLamarter and Atwater. The motion to lay on the table was rejected by a majority of one. The original resolution was then approved, by the President voting in the affirmative. 1 Resolved, That we witness with the most heart felt gratification the increasing interest which is manifested on the part of the public in relation to the subject of education; and that we hail it as a sure indication of the growth of the people in that virtue and inliberty and sound religion. telligence which are the only enduring basis of civil 2. Resolved, That although our common school system has accomplished so much towards imparting to the children of this State a correct moral and Intellectual education, yet, in the opinion of the Association, in many respects, the system is still radically defective. 6. Resolved, That we recommend to the several town superintendents of this county, to hold annual celebrations of the schools under their supervision; believing them to be powerful auxiliaries in awakening the public attention to our all important object. 6. Resolved, That the frequent change of teachers and the inadequate remuneration granted for their services, are regar-led as serious obstacles to the rapid advancement of the schools under their charge. Adjourned at 7 o'clock to meet at the Reformed Dutch Church. dered as attractive to the pupil as his own home, so that he may enjoy a pleasing variety in passing from the one to the other, that thereby the reminiscences of his school-boy days, long after he shall have mingled in the busy scenes of manhood's strife, shall awaken joyous sensations and be gratefully associated in his 3 Resolved, That the only way of securing to all the mind with the most delightsome and durable impres youth of our country such an education as shall empty sions of his juvenile years. This irregularity when it our poor-houses and prisons, is to make our schools is within human control, can only be obviated by the entirely free. intervention of parents; and until they apply the cor4. Resolved, That the State Normal School at Alba-rective, our schools can never reach the high standard ny, is wise and beneficent in its design, efficient and they should attain to, when all other causes shall have satisfactory in its operations, and therefore eminently conspired for their promotion. The pupil should be worthy of the cordial support of the friends of educa- well grounded in the rudiments, and every successive tion. step thereafter should be well and surely taken, so that whatever elevation he may reach, he may have no occasion to look back with regret upon any errors he may have committed which shall tend to impede or render less rapid his onward course. Let me here remark,. that the method of reciting in concert, when injudiciously and extensively practiced, as it too frequently is, has an injurious tendency. While the most ambitious and forward may excel by such means, those less so, will be growing more and more superficial; they will rely upon the resources of their fellows, and chime as harmoniously as they, without any adequate preparation for it, or bestowing scarcely a thought upon their lessons. In the examination of the schools of this town, at a school celebration held in this place in January last, while a member of the class which was quite numerous, was tracing the outlines on one of Pelton's maps, and the others vociferating the localities, some of the chimers during the exercise were gazing eagerly about the house, as we supposed for tokens of applause. And why? Because they chimed so melodiously; for it required, I assure you, the most practiced ear-aye, indeed, an amateur in the art, to detect any dissonance in the sound. Although highly gratified with the proficiency exhibited in the schools generally, on that occasion, this defect we could not avoid remarking, and it made a deep impression; nor could the teacher be induced to desist, by the town superintendent, until he had nearly consumed the time allotted to his school, by this single revolting spectacle. We do not condemn concert recitations altogether, we think they may some times be resorted to and serve to give a pleasing variety to the dull and irksome routine of the school cxercises, thus operate as a relief, and be profitable on that account, but it may be carried too far, and prove hurtful. EVENING SESSION. Hon. J. D. DeGraff delivered the annual address. On motion of G. H. F. Van Horne, the thanks of the Association were presented to the speaker for his able, eloquent and practical address. On motion of S. P. Heath, the speaker was requested to furnish the Association a copy of the Address for publication. Mr. Sweet delivered a lecture on Geography. The following resolution, which was read and laid on the table, by M. Freeman, at the special meeting in January last, was taken up and passed unanimously: Resolved, That this Association take measures and recommend to the friends of education throughout the state to unite with us in petitioning the legislature to establish Normal Schools in each of the several counties of this state, and appropriate such sums annually as shall be deemed necessary to defray the expenses of said schools-paying teachers, purchasing appara tus, and paying board of students, &c., for such length of time each year as the legislature may deem expe. dient. On motion, it was Resolved, That a special meeting of the Association be held at Canajoharie on Saturday, January 3d, 1846, at 2 o'clock, P. M. The President appointed D. B. Hagar, to deliver the next annual_address, and Rev. J. M. Van Buren his alternate. Adjourned sine die. A TEACHER, however well adapted to his vocation, by his insulated well directed efforts cannot overcome all the difficulties that lie in his path towards the attainment of this object. Some of them may be vanquished; the errors imbibed by many pupils in the inceptive stages of their education at home and through incompetent teachers, must be eradicated before the clear light of truth can be successfully revealed to their understandings. They should be classified at school not merely according to their age and proficiency, but as far as may be ascertained, according to their susceptibilities as to future advancement-one scholar may be enabled to make much more rapid progress than another, whose ambition should not therefore be check ed and his course retarded, nor should the youth of more moderate abilities be hurried forward faster than is consistent with the modicum of talent he possesses, lest he may become superficial and defeat the grand object of his pursuit. Irregularity of attendance is a most serious evil, and one of the greatest hindrances to the pupil's success; no blame can reasonably attach to the teacher for any defective acquirements in the pupil, when it emanates from such a source, unless this irregularity is induced by wanton or ill-judged severity on his part. The school-room should and may be ren Another indispensable ingredient to constitute a flourishing school, is, that the pupils should universally receive an equal share of attention from the teacher; none should in any degree be neglected. Teachers often have favorites at school, and some, on the other hand, are the objects of their dislike. No partiality, or favoritism, or loathing, or the slightest approximation to any such feeling, should be tolerated in the school-room. No distinction should be known or suspected to exist there, no matter how high or how low the parentage of the pupil. All are on the same common level, and the benefits of education are to be equally dispensed to all alike. One other essential element we shall mention, and that is, that the education of youth should be practical; it should not be confined merely to books, or the recitation of lessons, or the solution of problems. "It is habits of abstraction united with habits of business," enabling us to judge of things either in general or in detail, as occasion may require, that constitute a perfect system of education. "That education only in the language of Milton, fits one to perform justly, can be considered as complete and generous, which, skilfully and magnanimously, all the offices, both public and private, of peace and of war." The teacher, if he be thoroughly bred to the work, and felicitously disposed, may by oral instruction, and propounding familiar questions to his pupils, implying a previous knowledge of men and things connected with the active pursuits of life and moral conduct, convey more practical information to their minds in one hour, than they can collect from all other sources combined, in one month. They would thus be infinitely better prepared to enter upon the new and untried scenes that await them in future life, with a knowledge of many of the temptations and allurements that may beset their path to entice them in the way of evil. This would be in accordance with the dictates of a broad and enlightened philanthropy that seeks not the mitigation of suffering merely, but a removal of the causes that may lead to it, and thus adds to the sum of human felicity. |