SCHOOL LEGISLATION IN THE LOWER PROVINCES

OF NEW BRUNSWICK AND NOVA SCOTIA. We observe that the important subject of School Legislation is engaging the attention of the Legislatures of both New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. In the speech at the opening of the Legislature of New Brunswick, on the 7th instant, the LIEUT. GOVERNOR says:"The Act regulating the Common Schools requires renewal and revision. The zeal which you have hitherto shown in the cause of education makes me confident that you will devise means for extending its benefits and improving its character."

In Nova Scotia, a government measure has been brought into the Legislature and largely discussed. There seems to be agreement of all parties as to the general principles and provisions of the Bill. All parties seem also agreed that school officers should be appointed without reference to party. The only points of difference appear to be, as to whether the existing School Commissioners or Trustees should be continued in office, or new ones appointed, and whether a person duly qualified for the office of Provincial Superintendent could be found in Nova Scotia, or whether one should be obtained from abroad. In Nova Scotia the local managers of schools are appointed by the government, like the Trustrees of our Grammar Schools, and not elected by the people, like our Trustees of Common Schools. The present (Reform) Administration in Nova Scotia are satisfied to continue in office the local School Commissioners appointed by the advice of the late (Conservative) Administration. The Provincial Secretary (the Hon. JOSEPH HOWE) advocated the appointment of a native or resident of the Province as Superintendent of Schools—a point in which we entirely agree with him. Let a man of strong sense, of a Catholic spirit, of sound attainments, of ardent patriotism be selected, and let him have time and means to employ several months in travelling and visiting the best schools, conversing with experienced educationists, and inquiring into the school systems and school management, in England and the United States, (and we should be happy to see and entertain such a traveller in Canada); and then let him commence the task of securing the best possible education to every child of his native or adopted country. Such a preparation will enlarge his views, will familiarize his mind with various and the most feasible methods of fulfilling his task, will inspire him with confidence, will impress his heart, excite his patriotism, and furnish him with appropriate materials for conferring the highest benefits upon the land of his devotion and love. We venture these hints as the result of some experience. We are persuaded that haste in the commencement of such a work on the part of any new labourer will be attended with loss rather than, gain, both to his own satisfaction and the efficiency and success of his labours. But the difference between the selection of a foreigner and a resident to such an office is, in nine cases out of ten, the difference in the spirit of the ancient Carthagenian and the Roman soldiers,—the one fought from love of money, the other from love of country—the ambition of the one was selfish and mercenary, the ambition of the other was generous and patriotic ; a vital and undying impulse of action that no adventitious accomplishments can compensate.

Mr. SECRETARY Howe observed, in introducing the Government Bill to amend the School law, that the members of the Administration, not being able to agree upon any measure respecting the Colleges, he left the College question untouched, and brought in a measure to which he invited the careful and critical review of all parties, and which he hoped would be approached free from party strife or party spirit.

This new Bill amends the previous School Law chiefly by simplfying its phraseology and arragement, by requiring the classics to be taught in every Grammar School, by requiring agricultural chemistry to be taught in the Common Schools, by providing for the commencement of School Libraries, and by the appointment and duties of a Provincial Superintendent and School Visitors. In reference to the former, Mr. SECRETARY HOWE remarked :

"One of the main features-in fact the principal feature of the Bill was that it gave to the Executive power to appoint a Superintendent of Education. His duties were fully set forth in the Bill. He would be responsible for sending to this Legislature an exact picture of the education of this country from year to year. In the United States it was found that the experience of those who were practically engaged in education was of great value; and this Bill provided for a general meeting of Schoolmasters in each County. once a year--to be presided over by the Superintendent, and where each master would have freedom of speech on all matters connected with education."

In respect to the appointment of School Visitors, Mr. Secretary How observed:

"There is one clause which we have adopted from Western Canada. It asks the Clergy of all denominations, and Magistrates, [There are no Municipal Councillors in Nova Scotia,] to visit, time after time, the schools within the District in which they reside. This recognizes them as the natural guardians of education, who will give the Government the benefit of their experience and knowledge."

In reply to a proposal from one member, that there should be two Superintendents of Education, Mr. SECRETARY HOWE said

"That he agreed that this officer would have his hands full; but what was chiefly wanted was to have a uniform system, and an officer whom the government could call upon at any time for information; and the framers of the Bill had taken the Canadian Bill for their guide."

It is a peculiar gratification to find that which has been done and is doing in Upper Canada, has engaged attention, and been impartially appreciated in Nova Scotia, notwithstanding the misapprehensions which have existed in some instances, and the bitter attacks which have been made in others, by some persons and presses in Canada.

The SPEAKER OF THE NOVA SCOTIA HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY (who was in Canada and attended a public dinner some years since) made the following remarks, while the house was in committee on the Government Education Bill:

"The SPEAKER had listened to this discussion with a good deal of concern; because there was nothing he would deprecate more than a party discussion of this question. He had been pleased to hear the public pledge given by the Government that it was not the intention to change the Trustees over the length and breadth of the land. Therefore, after that public declaration, it was not a matter of much consequence whether the proviso was introduced or not. This Bill was undoubtedly a great improvement on the old onemerely extending to two years, which would leave the new House to decide how it had worked. I am by no means satisfied with the foundation laid for the Education of the people in this act. I have turned my attention to the system now at work in the two Canadas, -and I think we can claim for Upper Canada a system of Educaion of which no country in Europe need be ashamed. The Bill of 1846 has infused a new spirit into that country-it has given to the people a mode of education nearly equal to the system pursued in New England. This bill would not introduce such a system, nor were the people of Nova Scotia prepared for it; but many years would not elapse before they would have the same system as was now successful in Canada. The question that had been raised here, therefore, was of little importance when we came to consider the term of the bill. The system in Canada under the Bill of 1846, and the zeal, activity and ability of the Rev. Egerton Ryerson, had done wonders; and his remarks in his public reports had been republished in the Journals of Education in the United States. The Province of Upper Canada was divided into districts and the Trustees were elective. The elective principle is in full operation-for as it is next to impossible for any government to carry out these principles with justice to themselves ;- -we find that they have introduced the system, allowing the Counties to elect their own Boards of Commissioners. I shall not at this stage of the proceedings enter largely into the question of Education-but as I do believe that the government has brought down this measure for the benefit of the Country, I hope the united action of all will be secured upon it."

Educational Entelligence.

BRITISH AND FOREIGN.

Supplementary Charter, University of London.-By this charter, recently granted to the University of London, it is authorized to receive certificates in arts and laws from all the Universities of the United Kingdom, as well as from the respective Colleges of Oxford and Cambridge, in addition to those institutions which were previously empowered by the crown to issue such certificates.

Medical Professional Education, London.-With a view to raise the standard of professional education, the Council of the Royal College of Surgeons have decided that in future candidates for the fellowship of the institution shall undergo an additional examination in mathematics and the Greek, Latin, and French languages. The governing body of King's College resolved, on Friday, to sanction a grant of £5,000 for the erection and endowment of a new hospital in connexion with the medical school. The Bishop of London announced an anoymous offer of £5,000 towards the immediate commencement of the new building.

Legal Education, England.-We understand that the ancient usage of reading is about to be resumed at the Middle Temple. Readings will be delivered by Mr. Bowyer, D.C.L., in the hall of the Middle Temple; and all the students and other members of the inns of court will be admitted, without the payment of any fee, to these and the subsequent readings. A favourable result may be hoped from the opening of these meetings to the profession.

The New Congregational College, England.-The following gentlemen have been invited to occupy chairs in the new Congregational College about to be erected at St. John's Wood; the Rev. Dr. Alexander, the Rev. Dr. Harris, Dr. W. Smith, and the Revs. Philip Smith, and J. H. Godwin. There will also be a Professorship of Physical Science, which is not yet filled up.

Lancashire Public School Association.-This Society has lately held a conference at the Mechanics' Institute, Manchester. Mr. Henry, M. P., was called to the chair. Mr. Lucas, the Chairman of the Association, explained its principles,-that education should be national, unsectarian, supported by local rates, and governed by boards popularly elected. Mr. Biggs defended a national system, contending that the voluntary system of Education was as inefficient as a voluntary poor-rate would be. The Rev. Mr. Walker would have education compulsory. Mr. Hole supported the same view of compulsion. It was opposed by Mr. Lucas, as being at present impossible; by Mr. Robinson on 'account of "the present disposition of the people ;" and by Mr. Charlton Hall, on principle. The Rev. Mr. McKerrow said that twelve voluntary schools had been shut up in Manchester within the last few years. A resolution was unanimously carried, recommending the formation of district associations throughout the country. . . . . . .In the evening a great meeting was was held in the Trade Hall, the numbers present being computed at five or six thousand: Mr. Henry again in the chair. Letters regretting inability to attend, were read from the Archbishop of Dublin, Lord Melgund, Mr. Ewart, M. P., Mr. Thomas Carlyle, Mr. R. Chambers, Miss Martineau, Mr. Milnes, M. P., and others.

When we inform our readers that this Association boasts of having secured the adhesion to its principles of sixty members of the House of Commons,that there were from 150 to 200 geetlemen assembled at the Morning Conference, many of them from distant parts of the country,-and that 5,000 persons, at the Evening Meeting, were excited to a high pitch of enthusiasm in favor of its objects, by the speeches of two elegant M. P.'s, (Milnor Gibson and W. J. Fox.,) it will at once appear that the movement is important.-London Watchman.

Queen's College, Belfast. The formal opening of the Queen's College, Belfast, took place on Thursday week, and was most numerously attended. The same ceremonies were observed as those noticed in the paragraph announcing the opening of the Cork College in the last month's Journal of Education.

Privy Council Committee on Education, England.-Dr. Kay SHUTTLEWORTH, who is no longer Secretary to the Educational Committee of the Privy Council having retired from ill health, has been created a Baronet, in testimony of the eminent services to his country, in relation to scholastic operations. The Council have had Ralph Robert Wheeler Lingen, Esq., appointed Assistant Secretary to the Committee.

Examinations, National Schools, Dublin.-The late examinaions of those important establishments have been highly gratifying. The

chief members of the Board were present and delivered addresses to the assembled Students and Professors.

Nova Scotia Common Schools.-His Excellency Sir JOHN HARVEY in his speech on the recent assembling of the Legislature says:-"The School Act expires at the close of the present Session, and a measure aimed at a further extension of the blessings of Education will be submitted to you, which, I trust, will be found to embody the improvements suggested by recent experience."

In the subsequent proceedings of the Legislature we find the following:"The Honourable Provincial Secretary introduced the government measure for Education, and explained its principles. The basis of the existing school act had been adopted, but some new features had been introduced. One of those provided for the appointment of a Superintendent of Education, whose duties it would be to visit all schools in the Province-hold meetings of the Schoolmasters, and thus accumulate a body of information, which would be of much use to the House in dealing with the general subject of education. The bill also provided for the payment of the masters according to the number of scholars and branches taught, and the character of the school. The government had purposely abstained from mixing this portion of the subject with that of collegiate education. The bill also contemplated the formation of general libraries, in connection with schools, and made all clergymen, without reference to denomination, school visitors for the district in which they resided.

French Law against Socialist Teachers.-The Ministry were nearly defeated on a measure to give the Government the power of removing Socialist Schoolmasters. It was ultimately carried, however, by a small majority, although in a mutilated condition.(Cor. N. Y. Com. Adv.

Edict against "Mr." in Austrian Colleges.-The Austrian Minister of Public Instruction has published an edict prescribing, among other things more or less important, that the members of the senior class in colleges shall not be called Herr (Mr.) by the professors, this being likely to put pride into their hearts and vanity into their heads.-(Ibid.

UNITED STATES.

Public Schools in Massachusetts.-The Annual Report of the Board of Education for the State of Massachusetts speaks in high rerms of the Normal School system and of Teachers' Institutes, and supplies the following statistical information :

On the 1st of December, 1849, the Massachusetts School Fund amounted to $876,022,26; $155.007,20 is in land notes, on which interest accumulates until the maturity of the principal; and $721,075,06 is in funded property of various kinds, yielding an income of about $39,000. This amount is distributed to the towns for the support of schools. Appropriations for the support of Teachers' Institutes, Normal Schools, and for sundry expenses of the Board, amounting to $17,217,57, from the sales of public lands, set apart for the increase of the School Fund, have been made. The total expenses of the three Normal Schools amount to $5.968,01.

Boston raised by taxes for the support of the public schools, $232.800; Salem, $18,613,75; Lynn, $10,000; Charlestown, $24,955; Cambridge, $18,249,62; Lowell, $30,402.62; Worcester, $13,300; Northampton, $4,600; Springfield, $9,630; Chicopee, $7,400; Pittsfield, $2,800; Roxbury, $19.877,27; New Bedford, $16.600.

The average amount paid by Hampden county for each scholar is $2,83; Hampshire, $2,45; Franklin, $2,17; Berkshire, $1,96. The average amount paid in the State is $3,87. The aggregate amount raised by taxes in the State is $880,575,33.

The entire number of children in the State between the ages of 4 and 16 years, is 215,926; mean average attendance at school, 134,734. There were last year 3,749 public schools in the Commonwealth, and 1,047 incorporated academies.

The ratio of attendance in the State is to the whole number of children sixty-two one hundredths.

The number of scholars of all ages, in all the schools of the Commonwealth, was, in Summer, 173,659; in Winter, 191,712. Average attendance in Summer, 120,512; in Winter, 142,967. The number of children in the State under four years of age, who attended school, was 3,326; over sixteen years, 10,452. The number of teachers, including Summer and Winter terms, was, males 2,426; females 5,737. Average wages paid to males, including value of board, per month, $8402; females, $90.[N. Y. Com. Adv.

Free Academy, City of New-York. The expenditures on behalf of the institution thus far, exclusive of the cost and maintenance of the institution, have been ninety thousand and forty-nine dollars; the number of pupils 194. The library and philosophical apparatus are valued at $2837. The instructors in French, Spanish and German languages, and in pho

nography, are compensated for the time they were employed, at the rate of $1 per hour.-[Ibid.

New-York City Schools. The attendance in the schools in the City of New-York, is larger this year than ever before, and an excellent spirit prevails among persons interested in promoting the cause of education. The Free Academy has received about 126 applicants for admission to its privileges. It is designed to erect an additional Free Academy for females.

Another Distinguished Exile.-Among the many illustrious fugitives from Europe who have fled to our shores, we notice the arrival of Signor Filopanti, late Professor in the far-famed University of Bologna, and ex-member of the Roman Assembly.-[Ibid.

Coloured People and Schools in the State of New-York.— Governor Fish, in his Annual Message to the Legislature of New-York calls particular attention to the fact that the coloured people of this State, whose thirty-five separate schools have been supported during the past year at an expense of $5,016 37, have raised of this sum, by voluntary assessments upon themselves, $2,149 60. He well adds,-"Considering the usual and very limited means of our coloured population, this large proportionate contribution voluntarily paid by them, shows a most commendable desire, on their part, to secure to their children the benefits of education." The entire cost of the public schools of the State for the same period was $1,336,507 08, of which sum $189,696 63 was raised in the school districts, by voluntary assessments. That is to say, the sum raised by voluntary assessments was a little over one-third of the entire sum expended. The proportion raised in the same way among the coloured people was considerably larger! The fact is not less remarkable than creditable to that portion of our population.-[N. Y. Recorder.

Elementary Education in Britain and the State of Massachusetts. -We have noticed statements to the effect that the City of Boston alone expended far more for the support of Elementary Education than England. Boston deserves all praise for what she does; but the following are the facts of the case for 1848 and 1849:

The total amount expended in the State of Massachusetts for Elementary Education during the year 1847-8, was $754,812.00.

Common Schools in the State of New Jersey in 1849.-The State Superintendent of Schools in New Jersey reports 70,058 children as having attended school during the year. The counties have raised $119,851 49 for educational purposes, which is an increase of $17,381 06 over the amount raised last year.

Agricultural Education, New-York and Massachusetts.—We are happy to say there is every reason to expect that the Legislatures of New-York and Massachusetts will each establish an agricultural school at its approaching session. Public sentiment at last, has been brought not only to tolerate, but to demand the professional education of young farmers. Those that have laboured long and amidst a mountain of prejudice to achieve this result, may well rejoice at the success of their indomitable efforts.

CANADA.

City of Kingston Common Schools, 1849.-Compiled from the Report of the Board of Trustees to the Chief Superintendent of Schools, for the year 1849.-No. of Schools, 10; Time open, 12 months; amount paid Teachers £400; No. of Pupils,798-of boys, 432; of girls, 366; No. of children of School age, 2,500; Common School Libraries,-; Sunday School do, 8; Public Libraries, 1; volumes therein, 1,200; School Visits by Superintendent, 146; by clergymen, 67; by Councillors, 21; by Magistrates,-other Visits, 8; Total Visits, 242; No. of Colleges, 2; No of Students 90; No. of Academies and District Grammar Schools, 4; No. of Students therein, 115; No. of Private Schools, 25; No. of Pupils therein, 621;

Total Colleges, &c., 31; Total pupils therein, 826; Total Educational Establishments in the City, 41: Total Pupils therein, 1,624. The City Superintendent in his report to the Board says:-In 1847 the School Act was amended so far as related to cities, and provision made for the appointment of a Board of Trustees for each city, to whom the sole management of the Schools should be entrusted. The practical working of this system, for more than two years, has proved its superiority over the former plan. In the present year of 1849 the number of Schools in operation is the same as that of last year, while the total number instructed in the different branches taught is 798, being in increase of 298 over that of 1848."

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City of Hamilton Common Schools, 1849.-Compiled from the Report of the Board of Trustees to the Chief Superintendent :-No. of Schools, 6; Time open, twelve months; Total amount paid Teachers, £621 183. 3d.; No. of Pupils, 880;-of boys, 654; of girls, 226; No. of children of School age, 2,382; Common School Libraries,; Sunday School Libraries, 10; Public Libraries, 2; Volumes therein;-; School Visits by Superintendent, 19; by Clergymen, 16; by Councillors, 1; by Magistrates, 4; other Visits, 28; Total Visits, 58; No. of Academies and District Grammar Schools, 2; No. of Students therein, 160; Private Schools, 26; Pupils therein, 648; Total Academies, &c, 28; Total Pupils therein, 808-including Burlington Ladies' Academy. Total Educational Establishments in the city, 34; total pupils therein, 1,688. The Board of Trustees in their Report state, that, "Taking into consideration that there were 868 children on the roll in the six Common Schools during the year 1849, there could not be less than 1,200 children whose names were entered as pupils in the Grammar School, Burlington Ladies' Academy, and the 26 private Schools in the same period,-making altogether, 2,068 scholars in the city who received instruction in the above Schools during the year. "As we have ten Sunday Schools, whose average attendance cannot be less than 800, and as a considerable nnmber of the labourers' children received their principal instruction in them, it is gratifying to report that few are without the blessings of education in Hamilton."

Town of Niagara Common Schools, 1849.-Compiled from the Report of the Board of Trustees:-No. of Schools,4; Time open, 12 months; Total amount paid Teachers, £316 138. 3d.; No. of Pupils, 500;-of boys, 267, of girls, 233; No. of children of School age, 670; Common School Libraries, - Sunday School do., 3; No of Volumes therein, 1,350; Public Libraries, 1; Volumes therein, 400; School Visits by Superintendent, 6; by Clergymen, 4; by Councillors, 4: by Magistrates, -: other Visits, 12; Total Visits, 26; No. of District Grammar Schools, 1; Students therein, 48; Private Schools, 4; Pupils therein, 64; Total Grammar Schools, &c., 5; Total Pupils therein, 112; Total Educational Establishments, 9; Total pupils therein, 612.

Town of Belleville Common Schools, 1849.-Compiled from the Report of the Board of Trustees:-No. of Schools, 4; Time open, 12 months; Total amount paid Teachers, £278 17s. 6d.; No. of Pupils, 404;-of boys, 237, of girls. 167; No. of children of School age, 717; No. Libraries of any kind reported,-; School Visits by Superintendent, 9; by Clergymen, 11; by Councillors, -; by Magistrates, -; other Visits, 9: total Visits, 29; No. of District Grammar Schools, 1; Students therein, 30; Private Schools, 3; Pupils therein, 90; Total Grammar Schools, &c., 4; Total pupils therein, 126. Total Educational Establishments, 8; Total pupils therein, 530.

Town of Cobourg Common Schools, 1849.-Compiled from the Report of the Board of Trustees:-No. of schools, 5: Time open, twelve months; Total amount paid Teachers, £379 8s. 3d.: No. of Pupils, 305-of boys, 216, of girls, 89: children of school age 888: Common School Libraries, "none": Sunday School do, 3; vols. therein, 400 Public Libraries, "none:" school visits by Supt., 16: by Clergymen, 6 by Councillors, "none:" by Magistrates, 3: other visits, 31: total visits. 56: No. of Colleges 1, Students therein, 60: Academies and District Grammar Schools, 1: Students, 20: Private Schools, 3: Pupils, 40 total Colleges, &c., 5, total students therein, 120. Total Educational Establishments, 10: total pupils therein, 425.

Town of Brantford Common Schools, 1849.-Compiled from the Report of the Board of Trustees :-Schools, 2: Time open 12 months; Paid Teachers, £127 5s. 8d: Pupils, 293-boys 158, girls, 135: Children of School age, 720: Common School Libraries, "none:" Sunday School do,"none:" Public Libraries, 1: No. vols. 800: School visits by Supt, 2: by Clergymen, 1 by Councillors, 3: by Magistrates, 1: other visits, 20: total visits, 27. Academies, &c., -: Private Schools, 2: Pupils therein, 40. Total Educational Establishments, 4: Pupils therein, 333. The Trustees remark, "that the School accommodation being inadequate to the wants of the increasing population of Brantford, they contracted in September last for the erection of a two story brick building, capable of containing, at least, 400 children, at a cost of about £700. The Trustees expect to take possession of the building about the 1st of March."

Brock District Common Schools, 1849.-Compiled from the Report of the Superintendent :-No. of Schools, 136; Time open, 12 months; amount paid Teachers, £4,192 15s. 8d.; No. of Pupils, 6,788; -of boys, 3,763, girls, 3,066; children of School age, 9.955; Common School Libraries, -; Sunday School, do., 28; No. of Vols., 5,125; Public do., 2; No. of Vols., 1,270; School Visits by Superintendent, 120; by Clergymen, 78; by Councillors, 44; by Magistrates, 48; other Visits, 332; Total Visits, 622; Grammar Schools, ; Private Schools, 3; Pupils, 125; Total Educational Establishments, 138; Total Pupils, 6,926. The Superintendent remarks :—“The Act of last Session, I cannot but regard, on the whole, as a far less perfect measure than that of 1846. Intricate and confused in its arrangement, inconsistent and even contradictory in some of its provisions, to amend it would be a work of very great difficulty. It seems to me it should be abandoned. You will not fail to be gratified at the great advance we have made towards securing an uniformity of Books in a single year. In every School now, the National Reading Books are used, and in more than one-half they are used exclusively."

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Talbot District Common Schools, 1849.-Compiled from the Report of the Superintendent:-No. of Schools, 94; Amount paid Teachers, £2,739 0s. 8d.; No. of Pupils, 4,996;-of boys, 2,597, of girls, 2,399; children of School age, 6,782; Common School Libraries, 28; No. of Vols., 3,528; No. of Sunday School do., 15, No. of Vols., 1,500; Public Libraries, 3; No. of Vols., 250; Visits by Superintendent, 94; by Clergymen, 62; by Councillors, 19; by Magistrates, 54; other Visits, 253; Total Visits, 464; Academies and Grammar Schools, 2; Students, -; Private Schools, 5; Pupils, 147; Total Educational Establishments, 101; Total Pupils, 5,137. The Superintendent observes :-"There is an almost unanimous feeling in this District in favour of Free Schools, and the only obstacle now being the inequality of the present assessment law. I congratulate you on the marked success of your exertions for this object. I have also to inform you that the Educationists of this county hope that the School Act of last Session, will be repealed on the meeting of Parliament, and that the Act of 1846 will be continued in its general features, as they believe that nothing more is required than some amendments which may be dictated by sound judgment and practical experience, beyond adapting it to the provisions of the Municipal Council Bill.-I subjoin part of my Report to the District Council, with the response they were pleased to make: It is gratifying to know that such a resolution passed unanimously. The following is the Resolution referred to :-[Ed. Jour. of Ed.] Rev. William Clarke, Superintendent of Common Schools, Talbot District. This gentleman has for six years filled the office of Superintendent of Common Schools for this District. This offic is done away with under the new School Act; and the Committee on Schools, at the last Session of our District Council, being aware of this fact, passed the following highly complimentary resolution, which was afterwards adopted in Council:

"Your Committee avail themselves of the occasion to express their unqualified approbation of the able, efficient, and dignified manner in which the onerous and unthankful duties of the office of Superintendent of Schools for this District, have been performed by the Rev. Mr. Clarke, during the lengthened period since his appointment to that office."

Mr. Clarke is well known in this neighbourhood as one of our most gentlemanly, dignified, and popular pulpit orators; and all those who are acquainted with him, bear testimony not only to his learning and ability, but also to his upright and amiable conduct, both as a Christian and a man. We understand Mr. Clarke will serve, if elected, as Superintendent of Schools for the different Townships, to which the election under the new School Act have left it.-(Long Point Advocate.

Johnstown District Common Schools, 1849.-Compiled from the Report of the Superintendent:—No. of Schools, 204; Amount paid Teachers, £4,801 2s. 94d.; No. of Pupils, 9,267 ;—of boys, 5,120; of girls, 4,147; children of School age, 14,504; Common School Libraries, -; Sunday School Libraries, ; Volumes therein, 2,896; Visits by Superintendent, 241; by Clergymen, 180; by Councillors, 71; by Magistrates, 132; other Visits, 548; Total Visits, 1,172; Academy and Grammar Schools, 2; Students therein, 90; Private Schools, -; Total Educational Establishments, 206; Pupils therein, 9,357. The Superintendent states that "nearly all the Schools are supplied with the National Readers. The Journal of Education has had the effect of stimulating the Trustees of many Schools to build proper houses. There were but 100 Schools in this District in 1843; now there are 204. We have also better School houses and a supply of suitable books. The few Normal School pupils that are in this District employed as Teachers give sufficient evidence of the utility of that Institution. Teachers trained there can command a much higher salary than those of the same literary qualifications, but destitute of system in their mode of instruction."

Ottawa District Common Schools, 1849.-Compiled from the Report of the Superintendent :-No. of Schools, 44; Amount paid

Teachers, £1,094 17s. 41d.; No. of Pupils, 1,656—of boys, 921, of girls, 735; children of School age, 3,937; Common School Libraries, 6; Volumes, 391; Sunday School do., 10; Volumes, 1,002; Visits by Superintendent, 45; by Clergymen, 31; by Councillors, 22; by Magistrates, 36; other Visits, 113; Total Visits, 246; Academy and Grammar Schools, 2; Pupils, -; Private Schools, 1; Pupils, 12; Total Educational Establishments, 46; Total Pupils, 1,668. The Superintendent states "Respecting Education in general in this District, it may be safely asserted that its progress is positive and encouraging. The necessity for Education seems to have taken hold of the public sentiment. A willingness to be assessed seems to be general with persons of wealth; and many Trustee corporations are having their Sections assessed without even an attempt at opposition; and it does appear that the present moment is most favourable to introduce the system of Free Schools based on general taxation. It is a system universally approved of; and must ultimately become the law of the land. Let it be done now."

Dalhousie District Common Schools, 1849.-Compiled from the Report of the Superintendent:-No. of Schools, 68; Amount paid Teachers, £1,704 18. 8d.; No. of Pupils, 3,252-of boys, 1,698; of girls, 1,554; children of School, age, 6,338; Common School Libraries, 2; Volumes, 141; Sunday School Libraries, 1; Volumes, 54 Public Libraries, 4; Volumes, 286; Visits by Superintendent, 57; by Clergymen, 78; by Councillors, 21; by Magistrates, 14; other Visits, 50; Total Visits, 220; Grammar Schools, 1; Students, 20; Private Schools, 3; Pupils, 122; Total Educational Establishments, 72; Pupils therein, 3,394.

Bathurst District Common Schools, 1849.-Compiled from the Report of the Superintendent:-No. of Schools, 116; Time open, 12 months; amount paid Teachers, £3,899 Os. 4d.; No. of Pupils, 4,957 -of boys, 2,792; of girls, 2,092 children of School age, 9,055; various Libraries reported, 31; vols. therein, 4,599; visits by Supt., 157; by Clergymen, 102; by Councillors, 28; by Magistrates, 67; other visits, 284; total visits, 634; Grammar and Private Schools, not reported. The Superintendent states that, "To the Teachers generally of this District, so far as I have had an opportunity of hearing their opinions, the new Act is far from being acceptable. That the late Act required some revision and amendment all admit; but to supplant it by a new, and in many points so very different and so unnecessarily burthensome an Act as the present, I have heard but few persons intimate was either desired or desirable. On the whole I fear that, without various modifications and numerous omissions, alterations and amendments, the present School Act will prove an extensive injury, rather than a general good."

Chief Superintendent's Lecture at Oshawa.-Agreeably to appointment, the Chief Superintendent for Canada West delivered a Lecture on the subject of Education in the Methodist Chapel last Saturday evening. Both the Lecturer and his subject were honored by a creditable number in attendance. The simple fact of so many assembling together the occasion argued well for the educational interest in this region, and was not altogether void of compliment to the gentleman at whose instance they assembled. The address, on the whole, was able and universally favourably received. We shall take pleasure in directing attention to some of the points it embraced at a future day.-[Oshawa Reformer, 28th Feb.

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Lecture on Education at the London Mechanics' Institute, by T. J. Robertson, Esq., Head Master Provincial Normal School.-We have listened in our time to a good many discourses' and 'lectures' on Education, and we confess that they often partook of the character which we designate as 'dry' and 'uninteresting.' But we now see plainly that it was because the lecturer did not know how to handle his subject. Mr. Robertson's lecture on Education on Monday evening is a strong proof of this. The large hall of the Mechanics' Institute was crowded with the most respectable and intelligent of our inhabitants, and though the lecturer descanted on this all-important subject for more than an hour and-ahalf not a sign of weariness manifested itself in the whole assembly, and when near concluding, the lecturer began to apologise for the length of time he had detained his audience. The cries of 'go on,' 'go on' showed most unequivocally the interest that the audience felt in the lecMr. Robertson's views of Education are of the right stamp,-and he is manifestly master of his business. We cannot over estimate the advantage of having such a character at the head of our common school institutions, and young men subjected to his daily training and example for a course of six or nine months must leave the Normal School better qualified in every respect for their important offices than when they entered it. We hope that the time will soon come when every common school master in our country will be a graduate of the Normal School.[Canadian Free Press, 4th February.

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Free Schools-Town of Niagara.-The Town Council were disposed to carry on the Common Schools according to the free system,