4th. In the history of the United States, of Englaud, and of Europe generally:

5th. In the principles of English grammar: and,

6th. In the use of globes.

If they are found well acquainted with the other branches, a more slight knowledge of the 4th and 6th heads, as above enumerated, may be excused.

1

Third. The ability of the applicants to teach. Mere learning, without the capacity to impart it, would be of no use. The superintendents should satisfy themselves by general inquiries, and particularly by a thorough examination of the applicants respectively, of their qualifications in this respect, of their tact in dealing with children, and especially of their possessing the unwearied patience, and invariable good nature, so necessary to constitute useful teachers of youth.

Having satisfied themselves on these several points, the town superintendents will grant certificates in the usual form.

V. Miscellaneous Duties.

1. Town superintendents are not within the class of public officers required by the constitution to take the oath of office.

2. Upon filing their bonds and notices of acceptance as required by law, they are directed to announce the fact to this department, stating their places of residence, and the post-office to which communications intended for them should be addressed. They will also state the most practicable mode of transmitting to them any books or packages.

3. The town superintendents should make themselves familiar with the laws concerning common schools, the regulations of the superintendent, and his decisions and instructions in explanation of them, which will be furnished to each. They will find this knowledge equally indispensable to the performance of their own duties, and to enable them to impart the information and furnish the advice for which they will be constantly solicited, and which is, indeed, one principal object of their appointment.

4. By the tenth section, of the Act, chap. 133, of the laws of 1843, the State Superintendent is authorized, on the recommendation of the County Superinten lent, or on such other evidence as he may deem satisfactory, to grant certificates of qualification of the highest grade. This power must of necessity be sparingly exercised and will be reserved as the suitable reward of thoroughly tested superiority in teaching. The several town superintendents may in their discretion suggest the names and distinctive qualifications of teachers within their jurisdictions, whom they are willing to recommend as candidates for such State certificate; having particular reference to ability and success in the communication of mental and moral instruction, and of the power of self-culture and the formation of those habits and principles best adapted to develop and strengthen the various physical, intellectual and moral faculties; which will be considered by the Department.

UNIFORMITY OF TEXT BOOKS.

5. It is believed that a more propitious period could not be presented when an earnest and systematic effort should be made, under the auspices of the Town Superintendents, to relieve our institutions of elementary instruction from the serious embarrassments resulting from the diversity and constant change of text books. The several Town Superintendents are therefore enjoined to avail themselves of the earliest practicable opportunity to cause an uniform series of text books, embracing all the elementary works ordinarily used in the common schools, to be adopted in each of the districts subject to their supervision, under the direction and with the consent of the Trustees; and when so adopted, not to be changed for the term of three years. Whenever such uniformity can be extended throughout all the districts of the town, and throughout all the towns of the county, it is very desirable that such an extension should be made ; but from the great diversity of views in relation to the relative merit of different works, the progress of this extension must necessarily be slow. The foundations may, however, be laid by the attainment of uniformity in the respective districts, for an ultimate harmony of views and concert of action on a wider theatre.

6. County Visiters. The authority to appoint these visiters given by the act of 1839, (No. 3,) remains in full force, and the gentlemen

heretofore selected retain the powers conferred by their appointment and the statute. The same exigency for their services still exists, yet they can be eminently useful in awakening public attention and concentrating public opinion on the subject of primary education, by co-operating with the town superintendents. They are, therefore, to be encouraged and assisted in any efforts they may make to visit the schools and improve their condition. The town superintendents will find them efficient and able auxiliaries.

A review of the several heads of these instructions will impress the town superintendents with the extent, variety and importance of the duties they have assumed. They will perceive that their stations will not be sinecures; and that upon the faithful and conscientious discharge of their obligations will depend the success or failure of our system of common school instruction.

It can scarcely be necessary to say that they are invited to communicate freely with this department; and that all the aid in its power will be cheerfully rendered to facilitate the performance of duties, to which the hopes and expectations of the friends of education are so anxiously directed, and from which good may yet result to the people of this State.

Albany, Dec. 24, 1847.

N. S. BENTON,

Superintendent Common Schools.