bi THE modes of building in different countries and in different ages of the world, have resulted in several distinct styles of architecture Among the ancient Egyptians, it would seem, from the low and massy forms of their edifices, that they were fashioned in imitation of caves -the first habitations of savage man. The temples, of which many ruins remain along the borders of the Nile, seem almost like structures hewn out of the rock; so heavy are the columns, and so low the arches. Among the Greeks, the style of architecture seemed to be suggested by the wooden cabin, supported upon the trunks of trees. Thus the lighter and loftier columns supporting their edifices, seem to be a leading feature of their build. ings. In China, the houses appear to be fashioned after the tent, as if the idea had been borrowed from the pastoral age, when the inhabitants subsisted upon flocks, and dwelt in tents. THE APPEAL DIRECT. A few days since a friend in Springfield, Mass. sent us a copy of the annual report of the school committee of that town. Towards the close of it we found the following very plain language, at which we were at first inclined to laugh out right. On second thought, however, we concluded to be sober in consideration of the cutting truth here told. Some of these remarks might apply to parents who are seldom if ever seen in the Sabbath school where their children go to receive moral instruction. "Parents, also, manifest too little interest in the successful operation of the schools. The school-room, by some, is never visited, and in some instances this is true where the office of prudential committee is added to the relation of parent. They may feel incompetent to judge of the character of the school, and therefore, leave the business of visitation to others. But do they not judge of the schools by the reports of their children, and would they not be better prepared to do this, if they should personally visit them? And, granting that they may not be qualified to decide upon the accuracy of the recitations, do they not know that their presence animates and encourages both the teacher and the scholars ? How can a parent feel that he has done his duty to his children, if he never drops in to see how they are passing their time in the school-room? If he is a farmer he daily looks to see how his pigs are thriving, and whether they are comfortably housed; but his children may pass years without his troubling himself as to the quality of their mental aliment, or to the manner in which it is imparted to them. Is not a child of more value than a pig !" DISTRICT SCHOOL JOURNAL. NOTICE TO CORRESPONDENTS. Wr again remind our contributors that the Journal is made up on the 18th of every month. Frequent disappointments have occurred from inattention to this rule; and in some cases, we have been held responsible for the delays thus occasioned. NOTICE. THE reports of Common School celebrations in Washington, Onondaga, (at Camillus,) and Orleans, reached us after the August Journal was in type. They shall appear in the next number. STATE CONVENTION OF COUNTY SU- Ova attention has been called to an error in the reported proceedings of the Convention, which we are anxious to correct. modes of overcoming them, and for ascertaining with as much clearness as possible, the present condition of the schools. He also submitted a letter from Mr. Palmer, an eminent teacher from Vermont, proposing to deliver gratuitously, a course of five lectures to the friends of education in this county, on topics of the greatest import to the cause of moral and intellectual improvement. Mr. Woodin next called the attention of the. Journal, and cordially commend it to the patron- Mr. MACK, the distinguished superintendent of the Rochester city schools, is made "to ex-pressed with the value of the District School cuse himself from voting because he had but the use of one eye-the other being temporarily diseased-and he would be likely to see but one side of the question." This piece of pleasantry, copied from the Rochester Democrat, unintentionally misrepresented Mr. Mack, who made no objection to voting on any question, but, on account of the state of his eyes, wished to be excused from serving on committee. The Committee on Agriculture was not report ed as filled, no name but the chairman's, Mr. Patchin, appearing on the minutes. Mr. Rochester, the President of the Convention, has advised us that the committee consists of Mr. Patchin, of Livingston; Mr. Bateham, editor of the Genesee Farmer, Rochester; and Dr. Potter of Union College. Resolved, That Thomas H. Palmer be invited to visit Columbia county, and give a series of about the 1st of September, 1844. The lectures lectures on the subject of Common Schools, to be given in Hudson. Resolved, That the town superintendents be requested to give a history of the condition of the schools in their respective towns. three be appointed by the chair for the purpose Resolved unanimously, That a committee of of taking into consideration the Text-Books best adapted to our common schools. John Stanton Gould, David G. Woodin and Henry B. Salmon, were appointed said committee. Resolved unanimously, That the trustees, teachers, and friends of education generally, hold a meeting in each town in the county for The Convention adjourned to meet on Tuesday the purpose of benefiting and improving the prethe 22d of April, at Syracuse. COLUMBIA. Agreeably to previous notice, the town superintendents of common schools for the county of Columbia, assembled in convention at the courthouse in the city of Hudson at 10 o'clock A. M., on Friday the 14th day of June, 1844. sent condition of our common schools. Resolved unanimously, That this convention adjourn to Tuesday, the 18th day of October, at 10 o'clock A. M., at the court-house in Hud. БОД. WM. E. HEERMANCE, President. HENRY B. SALMON, Secretary. NOTICE TO PUBLISHERS. The convention was called to order by David A committee consisting of John Stanton Gould, G. Woodin, County Superintendent, and on his David G. Woodin and Henry B. Salmon, has motion, Col. Wm. E. Heermance, of the town of been appointed by the Educational Convention Greenport, was called to the chair, and Henry of Columbia County to select Text-Books on B. Salmon of Stuyvesant, was appointed Secreta- Algebra, Surveying, Natural and Moral Philoso. ry. Mr. Woodin stated the object of the con-phy and Chemistry. Authors are requested to vention to be the interchange of views on the furnish copies of such works asare published by subject of education in this county-for ascer- them on these subjects, for the examination of taining the nature of the obstacles which op- the committee, directing them to the care of the pose its progress for expositions of the best Messrs. Wynkoop, in the city of Hudson. VALUABLE WORKS ON HISTORY AND MATHEMATICS, PUBLISHED BY A. S. BARNES & CO., PHILADELPHIA. Willard's Historical Works. WILLARD'S HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES, OR REPUBLIC OF AMERICA, commencing with its discovery, and brought down to the death of General Harrison-Illustrated by a Chronographic Chart, a Chronological Table, and a Series of Maps. DAVIES' ELEMENTARY GEOMETRY-This work reasoning is plain and concise, but at the same time, embraces the elementary principles of Geometry. The strictly rigorous. DAVIES' PRACTICAL GEOMETRY-Embracing the facts of Geometry, with applications in Artificers' work, Mensuration, and Mechanical Philosophy. WILLARD'S HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES, WILLARD'S UNIVERSAL HISTORY-Illustrated by Chronological Picture of Nations-A Perspective Sketch of the Course of Empire, and a Series of Maps, giving the Progressive Geography of the World. New and much improved edition. Davies' System of Mathematics. The following works embrace a complete Course of Mathematics, by CHARLES DAVIES-they are designed as text books for classes, in the various institutions of learning throughout the United States. ELEMENTARY COURSE.-FOR SCHOOLS. DAVIES' FIRST LESSONS IN ARITHMETIC-Designed for Beginners, or the first steps of a course of Arithmetical instruction. DAVIES' ARITHMETIC. It is the object of this work to explain in a clear and brief manner, the properties of numbers, and the best rules for their practical application. KEY TO DAVIES' ARITHMETIC, with the addition of numerous examples. DAVIES' BOURDON'S ALGEBRA-Being an Abridg. ment of the work of M. Bourdon, with the addition of practical examples. New and much improved edition. DAVIES' LEGENDRE'S GEOMETRY AND TRIGONOMETRY-Being an Abridgment of the work of M. Legendre, with the addition of a treatise on Mensuration of Planes and Solids, and a table of Logarithms and Logarithmic Signs. DAVIES' SURVEYING-With a description and plates of the Theodolite, Compass, Plane-Table and Level; also Maps of the Topographical Signs, adopted by the Engineer Department, and an explanation of the method of surveying the Public Lands. DAVIES' ANALYTICAL GEOMETRY-Embracing tem of Conic Sections-the Equations of the Line and the Equations of the Point and Straight Line-a SysPlane in Space-also, the discussion of the general Equation in the Second Degree, and of Surfaces of the Second Order. DAVIES' DIFFERENTIAL AND INTEGRAL CALCULUS-Embracing the Rectification and Quadrature of Curves, the Mensuration of Surfaces, and the Cubature of Solids. DAVIES' DESCRIPTIVE GEOMETRY-With its ap DAVIES' ALGEBRA-Embracing the first principles p'ication to Spherical Projections. of the science. KEY TO DAVIES' ALGEBRA. DAVIES' SHADES, SHADOWS, AND LINEAR PERSPECTIVE. ** The above Works are for sale by all the principal Booksellers throughout the United States. M. A. ROOT'S PHILOSOPHICAL THEORY & PRACTICE OF PENMANSHIP. A System of Twelve Books, in Three Parts. Appollos W. Harrison, 8 SOUTH-SEVENTH-ST., PHILADELPHIA. The object of this system is to furnish to Common or District school teachers, the means of accomplishing all with their pupils in the art that the best writing masters can. This it is believed will be fully realized on trial, and at a less cost for books, than for the use of blank writing books. It has been ascertained by careful analysis, that Root's Writing Books, average four times as much writing for the pupil, as the same number of blank books; and as the cost for each number is but a trifle more than for blank books, they must be much the cheapest, at least by more than one-half. Besides there is a great saving of time to the teacher, the copies being all set in a fac-simile of the beautiful hand of the author. PLAN AND USE OF THE SYSTEM. The arrangement is such, as to enable teachers who use them, to superintend, and rapidly advance very large classes with comparatively little labor. Every exercise to be practised, and letter to be imitated, is fully and clearly explained in bold type upon the same page with the lesson. This, and the ready set copies, with cuts illustrating and exhibiting both the correct and false positions of the hand and pen, enables any one of common capacity, who will read, think, and exercise his own judgment, not only to teach himself, but become with the aid of these books, a thorough and successful teacher of practical writing. The whole plan is pleasing, interesting, and effectual; entirely new and original with the author. THE PRIMARY PART Is for beginners, and is peculiarly adapted to their youthful capacities. The lessons are so arranged that short, long, and capital letters are classed and prac tised first, according to similarity of formation; then, alphabetically in single letters and words, so as to fix the form of each letter in the pupil's mind. Each lesson is alternated with exercises, to give facility of action to the muscles, and establish the correct manner of holding the hand and pen. THE INTERMEDIATE PART, Though a proper successor to the primary, may be used as a commencement by pupils somewhat advanced, or self-instructors. It will produce a practical business style. It comprises as exercises, single small letters, entire words, capital letters, alphabetical sentences, and a series of bold exercises for acquiring great freedom and command of hand. THE FINAL PART. Contains off-hand or whole arm exercises, capital letters, select sentences of one and two lines each, and business transactions; such as Notes, Orders, Drafts, Receipts, &c., and the ornamental branches of the art, comprising Round Hand, German Text, Old English, &c. Each part although gradually progressive, and designed to be used in regular suecession, is so planned as to make a complete series of itself, and may be used independently of the others. The whole forming the most complete, philosophical, practical, and economical system ever before published. EMERSON'S ARITHMETIC. IN THREE PARTS. SOLD BY JENKS & PALMER, AND BY BOOKSELLERS GENERALLY. PART FIRST, is a small book, designed for the use of young classes, from five to eight years of age. PART SECOND, contains within itself, a complete system of Mental and Written Arithmetic, united; and this book, having been lately enlarged, is sufficiently extensive for common schools. PART THIRD, for advanced scholars, comprises a brief review of the elementary principles, and a full development of the higher operations, with extensive com mercial information. This System of Arithmetic has been adopted by the Boston School Board, to take the place of Colburn's First Lessons and Sequel-by the Providence Board, to take the place of Smith's Arithmetic, and by the Philadelphia Board, to take the place of Pike's. The recommendations of the work are from gentlemen who do not lend their names to give countenance to indifferent publications. They are such as the following: To Mr. Frederick Emerson. Sir, I have received the First and Second Parts of your North American Arithmetic, and am highly pleas ed with the plan of the work, and the manner of its execution thus far. It unites simplicity with fulness, and will thus be sure to interest the beginner, while it furnishes, at the same time, an ample guide to the more advanced pupil. Respectfully and truly yours, ALBERT HOPKINS. Late Professor of Mathematics and Natural Philosophy in Williamstown College. To the Publishers of Emerson's Arithmetic. From the Masters of the Public Schools of Boston, in the Third Part,) has been in use in the Publie Schools P. Macintosh, jr., Haneoek School. Samuel L. Gould, Winthrop School. Emerson's Arithmetic, Part Third, has for several years been a text-book in the Boston English High School. I think that it is a highly useful book for those scholars who have faithfully learned the Second Part, which, in my opinion is an excellent work. THOMAS SHERWIN, Gentlemen, I have examined the Third Part of Mr. Emerson's Arithmetic with great pleasure. The perspicuity of its arrangement, and the clearness and brePrincipal of the Boston English High School. vity of its explanations, combined with its happy adap- Having for several years, used Emerson's North tation to the purposes of practical business, are its American Arithmetic, and having had a fair opportuni great recommendations. I hope it will soon be intro- ty to compare it with other works upon the same subduced into all our schools, and take the place of ill.ject, I cheerfully certify, that I consider it decidedly digested treatises, to which our instructors have hith erto been compelled to resort. Respectfully, BENJAMIN PIERCE Professor of Mathematics and Natural Philosophy, Harvard University. the best Arithmetic which has fallen under my notice. VALUABLE SCHOOL BOOKS, PUBLISHED BY THOMAS COWPERTHWAIT & CO. PHILA. And for sale by the Booksellers generally throughout the United States. MITCHELL'S AMERICAN SYSTEM OF STANDARD SCHOOL GEOGRAPHY, MITCHELL'S GEOGRAPHICAL READER, Designed as a reading-book for classes using the In a series; adapted to the progressively developing School Geopraphy, or pupils farther advanced. capacities of youth. MITCHELL'S KEY MITCHELL'S PRIMARY GEOGRAPHY. TO THE STUDY OF THE MAPS; Comprising his Atlas, in Containing 120 Engravings, and 14 colored Maps, de-a series of lessons for beginners in Geopraphy. signed as a first book of Geography for children. MITCHELL'S SCHOOL GEOGRAPHY. Accompanied with an Atlas, containing 18 Maps, graved from original drawings, and executed in a clear and distinct manner. MITCHELL'S HIGH SCHOOL GEOGRAPHY, With an Atlas, will contain about 600 pages, and com. en-prise a complete system of Mathematical, Physical, Political, Statistical and Descriptive Modern Geography; together with a Compendium of Ancient Geography; illustrated by Engravings, executed by the first artists of the country. MITCHELL'S ANCIENT GEOGRAPHY. Consisting of a part of the High School Geography, and accompanied with an Atlas, containing 19 Maps, expressly designed for this work, and illustrated by 25 Engravings, representing some of the most interesting events of Scriptural and Ancient History. MITCHELL'S ATLAS OF OUTLINE MAPS, (An Accompaniment to the School Atlas,) Possessing all the advantages to be derived from map drawing, with a great saving of time. contain not less than thirty Maps, constructed particu The Atlas to accompany the above will larly for the work, and designed to correspond with, and illustrate it, in the most precise manner. This work is progressing, and will be issued at the earliest day consistent with the importance of the undertaking. Numerous recommendations from the highest autho rity, in favor of the above series, are in the possession of the publishers; but as they prefer that any works published by them should stand upon their merits alone, they deem it unnecessary to insert them here, . VALUABLE AND APPROVED SCHOOL BOOKS. PUBLISHED BY PRATT, WOODFORD, & CO., OLNEY'S PRACTICAL SYSTEM OF MODERN GEOGRAPHY, or a View of the Present State of the World, simplified and adapted to the capacity of youth. Embellished with numerous engravings of manners, customs, &c. Revised edition, accompanied by an entirely new and elegant Atlas. Although averse to the practice of altering school books, and thereby creating confusion in classes, the author of this work has been induced by the possession of recent, full and authentic materials, containing more definite and correct information than could before be obtained, to revise the Geography according to the present state of the science. The plan of the book has not been changed, the author never having had any intimation that change was desirable. Teachers therefore who have been in the habit of using it, will still find it familiar. It is believed that the Atlas will be found superior to any other. It is engraved in the best style, and all the endeavors which experience and care could exert, have been used to make it accurate and clear. The object being to teach geography to young persons, care has been used to exhibit the various portions of the world in the plainest manner, and so as to lead the pupil on with as few obstructions as possible. The Atlas contains some new features, among which are a more convenient arrangement of the United States, and a set of characters indicating Government, Religion, State of Society, &c., differing somewhat from the charts heretofore used. It is impossible to devise any emblems absolutely significant which can be used on so small a scale; but those employed will be easily remembered, and will fix the idea intended to be conveyed. The sale of nearly a million copies of Olney's Geography and Atlas, in the face of the most strenuous competition, may be said to have established its reputation as a work of real merit. If the publishers can rely upon the perfectly credible testimony which they receive, it has no equal in the school-room, and the practice of exchanging new copies of other works for old copies of this, has enabled many teachers to establish the fact. It now comes before the public with new claims upon its favor, and all persons interested in education are invited to examine it. OLNEY'S INTRODUCTION TO GEOGRAPHY is a Beat, cheap and perspicuous work, for those who wish a smaller book on the subject. OLNEY'S NATIONAL PRECEPTOR, a popular reading book for the middle classes in schools. COMSTOCK'S NATURAL PHILOSOPHY for schools and academies. In addition to the general testimony in favor of this work, the publishers can state that the plan and style are so highly approved in foreign countries, that it has been republished in Edinburgh, and translated for the use of the schools in Prussia. Higher proof of its merits could not well be given. New discoveries are occasionally added to it, without disturbing the body of the work. The other books of Dr. COMSTOCK'S SERIES are probably well known to teachers, viz: ELEMENTS OF CHEMISTRY, including recent discoveries. OUTLINES OF PHYSIOLOGY, both Comparative and Human, a work of immense importance to the young THE YOUNG BOTANIST, being a treatise on the science, prepared for the use of persons just commencing the study of plants. INTRODUCTION TO THE STUDY OF BOTANY, including a Treatise on Vegetable Physiology. OUTLINES OF GEOLOGY, intended as a popular treatise on the most interesting parts of the science. AN INTRODUCTION TO MINERALOGY, illustra ted by nearly two hundred wood cuts. BULLIONS' SERIES OF GRAMMARS-ENGLISH, LATIN AND GREEK. These books have met with a degree of favor truly remarkable; spontaneous recommendations have been received from a large number of the best scholars and most celebrated teachers in the country. A small volume of Practical Lessons in English Grammar and Composition has been added to the series, which is admirably adapted to its purposes. The same author is preparing a LATIN READER. COOPER'S VIRGIL, with English Notes. In very general use. THE PICTORIAL SPELLING-BOOK. By R. Bentley. Containing more than 160 beautiful cuts, well printed on fine paper. Those who regard it important that the first book should be pleasing to children, will find this suited to their purpose; and it is not only attractive but excellent for teaching. In proportion to its cost, it is one of the cheapest school books published By THE FAMILY AND SCHOOL DICTIONARY. Rev. T. H. Gallaudet and Rev. H. Hooker. This book does ot contain the names of common objects, as chair or book, neither does it contain words which young persons have no occasion to use, but its object is to train pupils to the habit of giving a definite meaning to every word. It fully sustains the reputation of Rev. Mr. Gallaudet, as all will find who test its merits. ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF ENGLAND, used in the Rutgers' Female Institute and many other seminaries. It is the intention of the publishers, that in point of execution, durability and price, the above books shall compare favorably with any others. THE SCHOOL DISTRICT LIBRARY. PUBLISHED BY HARPER & BROTHERS, 82 CLIFF-STREET, NEW-YORK. Embracing Voyages, and Travels, Biography, Natural History, the Physical Sciences, Agriculture, Manufactures, Arts, Commerce, Belles Lettres, the History and Philosophy of Education, &c. FIRST SERIES-Price twenty dollars, including a FIFTH SERIES-In preparation. neat case, or nineteen dollars without the case-fifty volumes. SECOND SERIES-Price twenty dollars, including a neat case, or nineteen dollars without a case-forty. five vols. THIRD SERIES-Price twenty dollers, including a neat case, or nineteen dollars without a case-fifty volumee. FOURTH SERIES-Price twenty dollars, including a Beat case, or nineteen dollars without a case forty Volumes. .The publishers give notice, that any of the one hundred and ninety-five volumes now published of the District School Library may be purchased separately, at thirty-eight cents per volume, with the exception of Nos. 91, 92, 93, 94, 96, which volumes, being of double the size of the others, may be had at seven y-six cents each. Every volume is substantially and neatly bound with a leather back, the whole forming the richest and cheapest collection of choice popular works ever offered to the public. |