District School Journal, of the State of New-York

I knew by the smiles the wild flowers gave

As it wound its way along,

That Innocence must be the name it bore;
But ere it far o'er fairy spot of earth

Had passed, still other streams, all guided by
A hand unseen, had joined their dancing waves

With that first one, which like some fledging young,
Had dared from parent nest to venture forth.

Mirthfulness joined in the busy train

As it wended its way over mountain and plain,
And as each silver wave threw a smile to the boy,

It gladdened his heart with a holy joy.
Gentleness mingled her waters therein,
Then mirthfulness ceased her noisy din,

As she touched with her wand the busy stream,
Its waves were as still as a pale one's dream :
And each flowret there where feasts the bee
With each vine-clad bower and eachleafy tree,
With the spirits that lingered amidst the spray,
Seemed whispering low, like the dying day,-
"Oh! child of the stream, we would have thee come
And dwell by the brink of our own glad home."
But low to the echo he whispered, "Depart!
The spot where I dwell is the home of my heart;
Yet I know that thou art both bright and fair,
But I hear a low murmur that bids me beware;
And it comes from a rill that is gurgling near,
Whose waters are called the dark waters of Fear."
I marked the boy; while he was speaking
Manhood o'er his brow seemed breaking,
Childish thoughts he seemed dispelling,
Hope within his breast was dwelling,

Sometimes bright with thoughts of heaven,
Then with ruder passions riven.

The clustering stars of heaven, like costly gems
That deck the brave one's coronet, threw soft

Their mellow light o'er earth. 'Twas hush of night;
Life's busy stream moved on, but boyhood slept;
Bright flowers were his couch, the broad expanse
Of heaven the drapery of his bed: he slept !

The last fond link was broke in twain, which bound
Him fast to childhood's years.

The morn was up again, the dewy morn

With breath all incense, and with cheek all bloom,
Laughing the clouds away with playful scorn,
And living as if earth contained no tomb.
He woke! each spot of earth, the busy stream,-
All, all had changed; e'en he himself had changed.
He sat him down; the morning zephyrs fanned
His brow, and tossed aside his darkened locks;

I saw him earnest watch each winding of
The stream, each dancing wave, and listen to
The low, sweet tones of music which they bore;
An inward something seemed to stir his soul's

Deep fount; his dark eye flashed, then slowly moved
His lips, as if communion sweet he held

With some bright spirit near; and then I heard
The tones he breathed:

"Spirit of my waking hours,

Spirit from celestial bowers,

Tell me whence this deep emotion,

Tell me whence this wild commotion,

Tell me why I long to be

Monarch of the earth and sea,

Name the passion then from heaven,
Tell, oh tell me why 'twas given."

"Watch thou the stream," the spirit answered:" is It not of thee an emblem, child of earth?

And see'st thou not the gurgling waters of
Ambition, dancing, waiting not for time
Nor tide? ah that wild passion in thy breast

Is same by name.

"The laurel it wreathes for the brow of the brave, It lays the warrior low in his grave,

It climbs to the topmost tower of fame,

It yields its all for a crown-for a name;

It garners the gold from ocean's bed,

It dwells with the living,it shrinks from the dead." The spirit scarce its tale had ceased to tell, When still another from the mighty mass Went forth, and mingled turbid waters with Ambition's silver waves; 'twas that dark stream That winds so fearless 'long the path of man.

'Tis found at the bridal, 'tis found at the grave, 'Tis found with the timid, 'tis found with the brave, 'Tis found with the humble, to all it is given, Its throne is the earth,-it dwells not in heaven. 'Twas Disappointment's darksome stream; long years Stole by and left their impress bold upon The wanderer's brow; yet with unwearied tread He onward pressed; but ever and anon, Would slake his thirst from Hope's bright rill. He saw each tributary in its turn

From "Stream of Life" go forth; like some rude blast
From the desert blown, which poisons all around
And makes the brightest, purest things of earth
Wither and fade and die; so Error came:
Then followed Truth-the darkened waters e'en

And then came Discord: like some vile one from

The realm where darkness reigns supreme; black were
Its waves, and shapes unholy danced upon

Its liquid spray; then side by side, like brotherhood
Came selfishness and grim Distrust; but soft
Like gentle breathing of some cradled one,
Like incense from some holy shrine, or like
The dews of morn that freshen each loved flower,
Came still o'er pebbled bed the gentle stream
Of Love. Its hallowed waters peace restored;
Bright ones linger'd on its banks and all
Was hushed to solemn silence there; no leaf
Nor vine was stirred; the chirping bird was mute,
And all things round seemed wrapt in slumber now.
There, musing, o'er the past, the pilgrim sat.
Old age had dimmed the lustre of his eye,
Had checked his sprightly tread and o'er his brow
Had scattered silver locks, and busy thoughts
Seemed swelling in his breast. I saw the stream
Whose waters swiftly glided 'neath his feet,
Yield other and still other busy streams,
The turbid waters of Remorse sent forth
Their chilly spray and damped the old man's brow;
I heard him heave a bitter sigh, I heard
Him whisper low,-

"Earth, I have loved thy bright abode,
Have traced life's waters as they flowed,
Have plucked the flowers bright and fair
That blossomed, faded, withered there;
But ah! Remorse is on my brow,

I hear its busy waters now!
Father, from thy throne of light,
From the land where all is bright,
Send some messenger of peace,
Let my weary wanderings cease,
Cleanse and purify my heart,
Take me where thou ever art."

And then the small, still stream of Faith broke forth;
Its gentle murmurings cheered the old man's soul;

And calm delight, like that which sits upon

An angel's brow, lit up his care-worn face;
Sweet thoughts of heaven o'er him came

And bright the pathway seemed.

I saw the spirit hovering round,

I heard the sweet, melodious sound.

Of winged ones in the skies :

I saw the waters ga h'ring fast,

I saw the Stream of Life" had passed

To streams of Paradise.

I saw the Old Man crowned with glory,

Heard him tell the lengthened story,
Of his earthly woes.

Saw him pluck immortal flowers,
Saw him 'midst the heavenly bowers
Where ceaseless music flows.

Book Notices.

THE LOGIC AND UTILITY OF MATHEMATICS, with the best methods of instruction explained and illustrated, by Charles Davies, LL. D., New York, A. S. Barnes & Co., 51 John Street.

It is a

Here is a book that is refreshing to read. Coming as it does from the prolific, yet, vigorous pen of Prof. Davies we could expect nothing short of a rare treat. work that should be read not only by every teacher, but by ALL who would become clear and precise in the use of language. Among the great mass of public teachers and speakers in general, how few, comparatively, can command attention by the clearness and force with which their ideas are communicated. A want of point and method in communicating instruction, is one of the prevailing sins of onr public instructors, and especially of Common School teachers. A careful perusal of the work before us can but be productive of the happiest results, in improving this power of communications, and we cordially commend it to the attention of every teacher in the land.

Aside from its merits in this respect it reveals that, in which too many of our teachers are sadly wanting, the

best method of presenting the various departments of Mathematical science to the young. The mechanical execution of the work fully sustains the high reputation o the enterprising and gentlemanly publishers.

A. S. Barnes & Co. also publish "The elements o Drawing," in two parts, embracing exercises for the Slate and Black-Board, by John Clark, edited by D. M. Reese, M. D. LL. D. This little volume is filled with examples so simple, and yet so progressive, that any teacher who can hold the chalk or the pencil, can introduce the interesting and useful branch of which it treats into his school, thus relieving his labors from much of that tedium

which otherwise would characterize them.

We shall notice other publications of this House in our

next.

repre

The following Statement of the vote in the several Counties of the State, for and against the Repeal of the Free Sehool Law, is derived from the official returns to the Secretary of State's Office: Against Repeal of the New

Albany,
Allegany,
Broome,
Cattaraugus,
Cayuga,

THE BIBLE AND CIVIL GOVERNMENT: In a course of Lec-
tures. By J. M. Mathews, D. D., New York. Robert
Carter & Brothers, 285 Broadway, 1850.
We have perused this work with the highest interest | Dutchess,
and pleasure. Its leading object is to show the indissolu- Erie,
ble connection which exists between an enlightened civi!
government and the religion of the Bible. With this
view the institutions of Moses are shown to have been in
their spirit, the pioneers and harbingers of modern
sentative Republican governments, based upon the Sov-
reignty of the people. The provisions made by the in-
spired law-giver of the Hebrews, for the physical, intel-
lectual and moral culture of the people are examined and
critically and ably analyzed and the broad foundation of
our prosperity and continual welfare as a nation, shown
to rest upon the adamantine rock of Christianity. We
had intended to subjoin a brief extract from this in-
teresting work; but have to regret that the demand-
upon our columns, preclude us from drawing at this time
upon its instructive pages:

We cheerfully recommend the work to parents and teachers, as well as to Trustees of the several District Libraries.

THE ILLUSTRATED AMERICAN LIBRAYRY.-Life of Gen.
Francis Marion, by W. Gil nore simm Esq; Li
of Capt. John Smith, by W. Gilmore Simms, Esq;
Life of Gen. Israel Putnam, by Wil iam Culler;
Life of Benjamin Franklin. by O. S Holley Life
of Generl LaFayette, by William Cutler; Life of
Gen. Nathani Greene, by W. Gilmore Sims,
Esq.; Biographical Sketches of the Signers of the
Declaration of Independence, by J Lossing; "Inci-
dent in American History, by J. W. Barber.
This excellent and instructive series of American Bio-
graphical and Historical sketches is from the press of
George F. Cooledge & Brother, New York. The work
are beautifully executed, and illustrated by a rich variety
illustrations and portraits of the distinguished chieftains
of the Revolution. And they comprise a vast amount of
interesting and valuable matter, such as every child in
the country should be familiar with. We should be glad
to see them in every District and Family Library, as we
are satisfied they will powerfully tend to foster and nour-
ish a spirit of enlightened patriotism, and to perpetuate
the memory of the great Apostles of Liberty.

"As surely as God is good, so surely there is no such thing as necessary evil. For, by the religious mind, sickness and pain and death are not to be accounted evils. Moral evils are of our own making; and undoubtedly the greater part of them may be prevented."--Id.

Kings,

Lewis,

Livingston,
Madison,
Monroe,

For Repeal
of the New
School Law.

Majority
for

School Law.

Majority against Repeal. Repeal.

5272

Chautauque, 4724

Clinton,
Columbia,
Cortland,

Delaware,

RECENTLY PUBLISHED BY

HARPER & BROTHERS, 82 CLIFF STREET, NEW YORK.

THE PILLARS of HERCULES; or, a Narrative of Travels in Spain and Morocco in 1848. By DAVID URQUHART, Esq., M.P. 2 vols. 12mo, Paper, $1 40; Muslin, $1 70. NEANDER'S LIFE of CHRIST, in its Historical Connection and its Historical Developments. Translated from the Fourth German Edition, by Professors M'CLINTOCK and BLUMENTHAL, of Dickinson College. 8vo, Sheep extra, $225; Muslin, $2 00.

CHALMERS' LIFE and WRITINGS. Bý his Son-in-Law, Rev. WILLIAM HANNA, LL.D. 3 vols. 12mo, Paper, 75 cents per Vol.; Muslin, $1 00 per Vol.

SOUTHEY'S LIFE and CORRESPONDENCE. Edited by his Son, Rev. CHARLES CUTHBERT SOUTHEY, A.M. To be completed in Six Parts, 8vo, Paper, 25 cents each.

LIFE and LETTERS of THOMAS CAMPBELL. Edited by WILLIAM BEATTIE, M.D. With an Introductory Letter, by WASHINGTON IRVING, Esq. Portrait. 2 vols. 12mo, Muslin, $2 50.

THE CONQUEST of CANADA. BY WARBURTON. 2 vols. 12mo, Paper, $1 40; Muslin, $1 70.

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trated Catalogue.)

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Miscellany.

155-7

..155
158-9

TO FARMERS, TEACHERS, ¡AND EDITORS. We invite the special attention of farmers, teachers, and editors to the following articles on "AGRICULTURAL GEOLOGY." They are so simple, direct, practical and elementary, as to afford both interest and instruction to farmers, now so generally seeking the science of their art-SCIENTIFIC AGRICULTURE. If generally inserted in papers and read in schools, newspapers would become school books, and much of the surplus boy-power, now exhibited in lawlessness, violence and rowdyism, would be converted into practical sciencethe worst boys, in many cases, changed into the best:

Agricultural Geology-No. 1.

BY JOSIAH HOLBROOK.

Here is an example of geology and chemistry, alike useful to the farmer and interesting to the farmer's child, or any child. The same simplicity and direct fundamental instruction run through the whole of both of these exceeedingly practical sciences.

I may hereafter point out a few of the leading principles of these two sciences; their connection with each other; their essential importance to all classes; and, most of all, farmers; their exceeding fitness for the early instruction of children, aud the entire feasibility of having them among the "first lessons" taught in each of the eighty thousand American schools. Agricultural Geology-No. 2.

BY JOSIAH HOLBROOK.

Oxus is the Greek word for acid; ginomai, in Greek, means make; hence the literal meaning of oxygen is acid maker. Combined with sulphur it forms sulphuric acid; with aitrogen nitric acid; with carbon, carbonic acid, &c. Respiration, combustion and fermentation are the three principal operations producing the combinations of oxygen and carbon; the re

No class of the community have an equal interest in geology with farmers. No science is so interesting to farmers as geology, in connection with chemistry. The two sciences cannot be separated and justice done to either. While the elements of of our globe, espec-sults, carbonic acid. ially of soils, require chemical tests to determine their character, these very elements are absolutely essential for experiments to determine the fundamental principles of chemistry. Oxygen, the most powerful chemical agent in creation, is also the most abundant material in rocks and soils. The one as an element, the other as an agent, are alike essential to each other, and both indispensable, as at the foundation of all agricultural science.

A knowledge of each is as feasible as it is important-entirely within the comprehension of a child six years old. Each is a science of facts more than of abstract reasoning-of facts, too, equally instructive and delightful to every young mind.

Take an example: The child has placed before him two glass tumblers-the one containing quartz, the other lime or sand and chalk. The name of each is of course as readily learnt as the name of iron, lead,

Acids combine readily with metals, earths and alkalies-as iron, lime and potash. By chemists these combinations are, called salts, designated by the termination ate. Sulphuric acid combining with various bases, produces sulphates; nitric, nitrates; carbonic, carbonates. Sulphate of lime is gypsum or plaster of Paris; sulphate of iron, copperas; of soda, glauber salts, of magnesia, epsom salts. The carbonate of lime is common limestone, marbles, chalk, and many beautiful crystals-Carbonates of iron, copper, and lead are ores of those metals.

About a century ago water was found to be composed of oxygen and hydrogen, and common air of oxygen and nitrogen. About half a century since oxygen was found by Sir Humphrey Davy to be an element of rocks, of course of soils, as it was of the alkalies, which combined with oxygen,were found by the same great chemist, to be metals very peculiar in character,

It hence appears that oxygen is an element in air, earth and water, existing abundantly in solid, liquid and aerial forms. In the whole it constitutes nearly half our globe. It is, of course, the inost abundant element in the material world. It is also the most important agent in producing changes in matter essential to human existence. It is very appropriately called vital air, as neither animal life nor any life can exist without it. It is no less essential to combustion than to life. It also acts with great energy upon metals and other solid substances. In this action it produces three very large and very important classes of bodies-oxydes, acids and salts. Iron rust is the oxyde of iron; the dross of lead, oxyde of lead; burnt lime, the oxyde of calcium; pure potash, the oxyde of potasium; pure soda, the oxyde of sodium; silex or flint, the oxyde of silicium. The combination of one part oxygen and four of nitrogen constitutes the at mosphere; three parts oxygen and one nitrogen form nitric acid, aquafortis. Combined with other substances, it forms numerous acids. Saltpetre is the nitrate of potash. The large quantity of oxygen it receives from the nitric acids fits it for a material in gunpow-decomposition of feldspar, is the most abundant ele der-giving to that powerful agent its principal

are used for watch seals, finger rings, breast- pins, and other ornaments. Cornelian is quartz of a fine texture and of a yellowish red color. Chalcedony, bloodstone, catseye, and many other gems, are varieties of quartz,

Most, perhaps all, the gems used in the breast-plate of Aaron, the high priest, were quartz of different textures, colors, and hues. The precious stones presented by the Queen of Sheba to the King of Israel were probably quartz. The stones mentioned in the Book of Revelations as forming the streets of the New Jerusalem, with all the gems referred to, were but varieties of the stones used for paving our streets. and of the earth moved to the plough and the hoe of the farmer, and of the dirt carted for filling our docks.

power.

A plate, tumbler and scrap of paper, with a little water, will enable any teacher or parent to perform an experiment on oxygen equally simple, instructive and interesting. In a deep plate pour some water. On the water place a scrap of thick paper, piece of cork, or other light substance, on that another piece of paper or cotton moistened with oil. On lighting the paper or cotton, place over it a large empty tumbler. The combustion continues for a few seconds, and when it is extinguished the water occupies about one fifth of the space in the tumbler, showing the necessity of oxygen for combustion, and that it constitutes about one fifth the air we breathe. What man, woman, or child would not like to be familiarly acquainted with an element so abundant and agent so active as oxygen, especially when such an acquaintance is equally simple, useful and delightful ?

Agricultural Geology-No. 3,

BY JOSIAH HOLBROOK.

Rocks are the oxydes of metals. Silex, the most abundant ingredient in rocks, mountains, and soils, is the oxyde of silicium. This oxyde constitutes nearly one half of the solid matter of our globe. It is the principal element of quartz, in all its varieties, which are exceedingly numerous, and some of them very beautiful. Quartz is the only mineral found everywhere. Sand is pulverized quartz. Pebbles are fragments of quartz, rounded by attrition. Gunflint is quartz, breaking with a conchoidal (shell like) fracture. Jasper is red quartz, with a fine compact texture. Amethyst is purple quartz, frequently found in six-sided crystals, which is the common shape of quartz crystals in its different varieties. Agate is clouded quartz, in numerous varieties, some of which

The coloring matter giving most of the beautiful hues to gems, and an endless variety of colors to quartz, is the oxyde of iron. The oxyde of silicium and the oxyde of iron are hence united in this same most abundant mineral in the world.

Next to quartz, feldspar, or clay formed by the

ment of soils. This, too, is composed of several oxydes of metals in chemical combination. Feldspar is also very extensively united with quartz in the formation of rocks, not by chemical combination, but mechanical mixture. The feldspar and the quartz can be separated by the hammer. Not so with the oxygen and silicium, forming silex. Chemical agency alone can separate chemical combinations. Such combinations in rocks, soils, and other mineral bodies, are exceedingly numerous, complicated, and delicate. The most common stone that meets the eye in any part of the world is composed of two oxydes. The oxygen and the metals are each united by chemical affinity, and then the two oxydes are again combined by the same agency to form a "common stone," evidently worthy of more respect than it commonly

receives.

An experiment: Pour upon a little pearlash in a tumbler some strong vinegar. An effervescence will follow, producing carbonic acid. A burning candle immersed will be extinguished, showing that carbonic acid is fatal to combustion. It is equally so to life.

"There can be no health, no soundness in the state till government shall regard the moral improvement of the people as its first great duty. The same remedy is required for the rich and for the poor. Religion ought to be so blended with the whole course of instruction, that its doctrine and precepts should indeed "drop as the rain, and distil as the dew, as the small rain upon the tender herb, and as the showers upon the grass." The young plants would then imbibe it, growth. We are in a great degree what our institutions made us. Gracious God! were those institutions adapted to thy will and word--were we but but carefully instructed to believe and obey—in that broken in from childhood to thy easy yoke-were we obedience and belief we should surely find our temporal welfare and our eternal happiness.-Southey.

and the heart and intellect assimilate it with their

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