in traps constructed of large stones and timber, but upon the same principle as a common mousetrap. When thus caught, he is usually baited with dogs, in order to train them to contend with him, and seldom dies without killing one or two of his canine antagonists. When hunted in the fields he instinctively betakes himself to a tree, if one should be within reach. In this situation it is exceedingly perilous to approach within reach of his spring; but at the same time, from his exposed position, he becomes an easy prey to the shot of the huntsman. AFFECTION OF INSECTS FOR THEIR The dragon-fly is an inhabitant of the air, and could not exist in water; yet in this last element, which is alone adapted for her young, she ever carefully drops her egg. The larvæ of the gadfly are destined to live in the stomach of the horse. How shall the parent, a two winged fly, convey them thither? By a mode truly extraordinary. Flying round the animal, she commonly poises her body for an instant, while she glues a single egg to one of the hairs of his skin, and The South African leopard, though far infe- repeats this process until she has fixed in a simirior to the lion or Bengal tiger in strength and lar way many hundred eggs. These, after a few intrepidity, and though he usually shuns a con- days, on the application of the slightest moisture flict with man, is nevertheless an exceedingly attended by warmth, hatch into little grubs. active and furious animal, and when driven to Whenever, therefore, the horse chances to lick desperation becomes a truly formidable antago-any part of his body to which they are attached, nist. The Cape colonists relate many instances of frightful and sometimes fatal encounters between the hunted leopard and his pursuers. The following is a specimen of these adventures. It occurred in 1822, when the present writer was in the interior of the colony, and is here given as it was related to him by an individual who knew the parties engaged in it. What could the most refined reason, the most precise adaptation of means to an end, do more?-Kirby and Spence's Entomology. EXCESS IN THE PURSUIT OF KNOW. LEDGE. the moisture of the tongue dislodges one or more grubs, which, adhering to it by means of the saliva, are conveyed into the mouth, and thence find their way into the stomach. But here a question occurs to you. It is but a small portion of a horse's body that he can reach with his tongue-what, you ask, becomes of the eggs deposited on other parts? I will tell you how Two African farmers, returning from hunting the gad-fly avoids this dilemma; and I will then the hartebeet (antelope bubalis) roused a leopard ask you if she does not discover a provident in a mountain ravine,and immediately gave chase forethought, a depth of instinct, which almost, to him. The leopard at first endeavored to es- casts into the shade the boasted reason of man? cape by clambering up a precipice; but being She places her eggs only on those parts of the hotly pressed, and wounded by a musket-ball, skin which the horse is able to reach with his he turned upon his pursuers with that frantic tongue; nay, she confines them almost exclusiveferocity peculiar to this animal on such emergenly to the knee or shonlder, which he is sure to lick. cies, and springing on the man who had fired at him, tore him from his horse to the ground, biting him at the same time on the shoulder, and tearing one of his cheeks severely with his claws. The other hunter seeing the danger of his comrade, sprang from his horse and attempted to shoot the leopard through the head; but, whether owing to trepidation, or the fear of wounding his friend, or the quick motions of the animal, he unfortunately missed. The leopard, abandoning his prostrate enemy, darted with redoub led fury upon his second antagonist, and so fierce and sudden was his onset, that before the boor could stab him with his hunting-knife the savage beast struck him on the head with his claws, and actually tore the scalp over his eyes. In this frightful condition the hunter grappled with the leopard; and, struggling for life, they rolled together down a steep declivity. All this passed far more rapidly than it can be described in words. Before the man who had been first attacked could start to his feet and seize his gun, they were rolling one over the other down the bank. In a minute or two he had reloaded his gun, and rushed forward to save the life of his friend. But it was too late. The leopard had seized the unfortunate man by the throat, and mangled him so dreadfully, that death was inevi INFLUENCE OF DOMESTIC HABITS. table; and his comrade (himself severely wound. The man who lives in the midst of domestic ed) had only the melencholy satisfaction of com- relations will have many opportunities of con pleting the distruction of the savage beast, al-ferring pleasure, minute in detail, yet no trivial ready exhausted with the loss of blood from several deep wounds by the desperate knife of the expiring huntsman. When you have spoken the word, it reigns over you but while it is not yet spoken, you reign over it. The principal end why we are to get know ledge here is to make use of it for the benefit of ourselves and others in this world; but if by gaining it we destroy our health, we labour for a thing that will be useless in our hands, and if by harassing our bodies (though with a design to render ourselves more useful), we deprive our selves of the abilities and opportunities of doing that good we might have done with a meaner talent, which God thought sufficient for us, by having denied us the strength to improve it to that pitch, which men of stronger constitutions can attain to, we rob God of so much service, and our neighbour of all that help, which, in a state of health, with moderate knowledge, we might have been able to perform. He that sinks his vessel by overloading it, though it be with gold and silver and precious stones, will but give his owner but an ill account of his voyage.-Locke. in the amount, without interfering with the purposes of general benevolence. Nay, by kindling his sensibility, and harmonising his soul, they may be expected, if he is endowed with a liberal and manly spirit, to render him more prompt in the service of strangers and the public.-Godwin's Preface to St. Leon. VALUABLE SCHOOL BOOKS, PUBLISHED BY BELKNAP & HAMERSLEY, HARTFORD, CONN. FOR SALE BY ERASTUS H PEASE, No. 82 STATE-STREET, ALBANY, And by Booksellers generally throughout the United States. WOODBRIDGE & WILLARD'S UNIVERSAL GEO. GRAPHY AND ATLAS, new edition, revised and enlarged. The universal favor which this work has received, and the high estimation in which it has always been held by intelligent Teachers, renders it unnecessary for the publishers to do more than call the attention of the friends of education to the new edition which they have recently issued; the Geography contains 100 ad ditional pages, and the Atlas is much enlarged, and from an entire new set of steel plates. MODERN SCHOOL GEOGRAPHY AND ATLAS, on the plan of comparison and classification, with an Atlas, exhibiting on a new plan the Physical and Political eharacteristics of countries, and.the comparative size of countries, towns, rivers and mountains, by Wm. C. Woodbridge, member of the Geograpical Societies of Paris, Frankfort and Berlin. THE CLASS BOOK OF NATURE-Comprising Lessons on the Universe, the three Kingdoms of Nature, and the Form and Structure of the Human Body: with Questions and Numerous Engravings Edited by J. FROST. Stereotype edition. An excellent little work in many respects, and wor thy of public notice and regard. We cannot help admiring in particular, the simplicity, and yet manliness of the style. We are tired of the very Irequent substitution of childishness for simplicity in our books for the young-Annals of Education. FLINT'S SURVEYING-Revised edition-Enlarged with additional tables. FLINT'S SURVEYING has now been before the public upwards of 30 years. During this period it has passed through numerous editions, and been enriched from time to time, by important contributions from the present Surveyor General, Geo. Gillett, Esq. The distincellent adaptation to the every day wants of the practical surveyor, while it supplies to Academies and private students, an eminently useful, clear, and well digested system of Elementary Instruction, both in the theory and practice of surveying. I know of no work in this respect which equals it.-E. H. Burritt, Esq., Civil Engineer. School Committees, Teachers, and all others interested in the cause of Education, are respectfully re-guishing feature of the work, as now published, is its exquested to examine this new Geography and Atlas for Schools; it is confidently believed that its merits are of no ordinary character. Its clearness of arrangement: its accuracy, its useful illustrations, and its concise and lucid exposition of Geographical truth, together with the new feature of the Atlas, presenting both Physical and Political Maps of countries, give it strong claims to favor and support. ROBBINS' OUTLINES OF HISTORY-Outlines of ROYAL ROBBINS. This work, although but recently published, has already been introduced into a number of schools, and Ancient and Modern History, on a new plan. By Rev. received the warm approbation of Teachers and others. Among other testimonials in their possession, the publishers have strong recommendations from Rev. Thos. H. Gallaudet, Rt. Rev. T. C. Brownell, Prof. Good. rich of Yale College, Rev. Horace Bushnell, Rev. Lewis Weld and from a number of Practical Teachers. A communication recently received from Professor Potter of Union College, says, "A slight examination or Woodbridge's Modern School Geography and Atlas has satisfied me of their great merit. With such aids, and with proper exercises on the black-board, a good Teach er can hardly fail of communicating this importan: branch of knowledge with pleasure to himself and with striking advantage to his pupils." ANCIENT GEOGRAPHY, as connected with Chronology, and preparatory to the study of Ancient History, accompanied with an Atlas, by EMMA WILLARD, late Principal of the Troy Female Seminary; new edition. · THE BOOK OF NATURE, BY JOHN MASON GOODThis work is so universally known that any remarks upon its merits would be superfluous. It is used as a Reading Book in High Schools. THE PRACTICAL SPELLING BOOK, WITH READ. ING LESSONS, by T. H. GALLAUDET and HORACE HOOKThis work is considered decided improvement in the department of elementary instruction to which it belongs. The publishers are furnished with the most satisfactory evidence of the favorable opinion entertained of it. Wherever it has been introduced, it has fully satisfied the expectations of reachers. The attention of the friends of Common Schools is earnestly invited to the work: and its new plan of classification. and its other prominent features, are cheerfully submitted to their candid examination. THE MOTHER'S PRIMER-To teach her child its letters, and how to read; designed also for the lowest class in Primary Schools. On a new plan. The arrangement of this little book has been found to aid greatly in the instruction of little children, I have reviewed "Outlines of Ancient and Modern History," by the Rev. Royal Robbins, and am very much pleased both with the plan and the execution. The method appears to me to be excellent; the incidents are well selected, and the biographical sketches connected with the political history, add much to the utility and the interest of the work. No compend which I have examined equals it. Rev. Wilber Fisk, D. President of the Wesleyan University, Middletow Ct. GOODRICH'S GREEK GRAMMAR--Elements of Candidates for admission into this College are examined in Goodrich's Greek Grammar; and it is used as a text-book for the instruction of the class.-Pres. Day of Yale College. FIRST LESSONS ABOUT NATURAL PHILOSOPHY FOR CHIDDREN-Part first. By Miss MARY A. SWIFT, well calculated to interest the minds of youth. It FIRST LESSONS ABOUT NATURAL PHILOSOPHY -Part Second. By Miss MARY A. SWIFT, l'rincipal of the Litchfield Female Seminary. The Lessons are admirably adapted to the capacities of children, Part First is now used in the schools in this town, and we hope Part Second may be introduced without delay.-Fall River Monitor. PERKINS' MATHEMATICAL SERIES. AN ELEMENTARY ARITHMETIC, Designed for Academies and Schools; also serving as an Introduction to the Higher Arithmetic. BY GEORGE R. PERKINS, A. M. From the numerous commendations which this book The work bears the indubitable mark of having been has received, we select the following extract: scientifically arranged by a practical and yet deeply "Numerous as are the School Arithmetics of the day, mathematical mind. From his familiarity with the and simple as the branch is, this work nevertheless abstruse branches of the science of quantity, and from possesses merits which are peculiarly its own. Among his adeptness in the art of instruction, Mr. Perkins was these merits we would enumerate his logical method of admirably fitted for the present task. He has silently treating Decimal Fractions, before introducing the sub- lopped off extraneous and useless matter, corrected ject of Federal Money; and also, the adoption of Mr. the expression of rules, and adapted his examples to Horner's excellent rule for the extraction of the Cube the rule in such a form, that the pupil comprehends Root. In addition, however, to these obvious improve- with clearness, and retains with great facility all the ments, there is another excellence which is unique.-mysteries of this complicated science." HIGHER ARITHMETIC, Designed for Common and High Schools, Academies and Colleges, in which some entirely new principles are developed, and many concise and easy rules given which have never before appeared in any arithmetic. By GEORGE R. PERKINS, A. M. This work has been before the public for three years, and received the unqualified approbation of nearly every mathematical teacher or professor, editor or superintendent, in whose hands it has been placed. A new and improved edition will be issued adout the 1st of October, which will be especially adapted to the wants of the higher classes in common schools, and in style of execution second to no school-book ever pub. lished. COMMON SCHOOL ALGEBRA. We have in course of preparation, and shall publish | the same author. designed expressly for the use of com early next spring, an elementary work on Algebra, by mon schools, or for beginners. A TREATISE ON ALGEBRA.. Embracing besides the elementary principles, all the higher parts usually taught in Colleges; containing, moreover, the new method of Cubic and Higher Equations, as well as the development and application of the more recently discovered Theorem of Sturm. By GEO. R. PERKINS, A. M. This book is well known and highly approved, being to have an opportunity of presenting copies of the above used in Union and Geneva Colleges, as well as in most to teachers or superintendents who may wish to exam. other leading schools. The Publishers are always happyine them with reference to their introduction. Utica, August, 1844. BENNET, BACKUS & HAWLEY, Publishers. MC. Rook's PHILOSOPHICAL THEORY AND PRACTICE OF PENMANSHIP. A System of Twelve Books, in Three Parts. PUBLISHED BY APOLLOS W. HARRISON, 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 cach letter in the pupil's mind. Each lesson is alternated with exercises, to give facility of action to the muscles, and establish the correct man. ner 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 advanc ed, or for self-instruction. It will produce a practical business style. It comprises as exercises, single small letters, entire words, capital letters, alphabetical sen tences, 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 progress. ive, and designed to be used in regular succession, 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. PIERPONT'S SERIES OF READING BOOKS, PUBLISHED BY GEO. F. COOLEDGE & BROTER, 323 PEARL STREET, NEW-YORK 3. INTRODUCTION TO THE NATIONAL READER, a Selection of Easy Reading Lessons. 12mo. 4. THE NATIONAL READER; being a Selection of Exercises in Reading and Speaking. 12mo. 12mo. 5. THE AMERICAN FIRST CLASS BOOK. These five works compiled by the Rev. John Pierpont, compose a series which is undoubtedly more suitable for the purposes for which they were designed, than any previous publications. The last three of these books are used exclusively in the Boston Public Schools, and have been republished in England, in which country, the American First Class Book is considered superior to their own classical reading books, and has, therefore, been extensively adopted in their Schools and Academies. From the Missouri Register, Boonville, Mo. PIERPONT'S READING BOOKS FOR SCHOOLS. There is so great a variety of books in our schools, that it is difficult for a teacher to form a class in any one: and it is highly worthy the public consideration whether some improvement cannot and ought not to be immediately made therein. Reading books are first put into children's hands and of course among the most important, because from them the infantile mind may contract habits, imbibe prejudices and receive impressions, which after years cannot eradicate. These should excite the curiosity, cultivate a taste for reading, excite and strengthen the best feelings of the juvenile heart, in favor of our civil, social and religious institutions: In fine, they should be American in matter and spirit. They should be uniform in character, and this desideratum cannot be expected from works used promiscuously from different authors. There has been a series of books, five in number, prepared by Pierpont, which are admirably American First Class Books. These books were compiled exclusively for the public schools of Boston, (decidedly superior to any similar schools in the United States,) and have been increasing in popularity ever since, till about thirty editions of the older numbers of the series have been sold in this country, and they have secured equal popularity and circulation in England. The high literary character of their author, is a sufficient guarantee that neither thought nor word calculated to offend, or vitiate taste, will be found in any of his pages-but on the contrary much, very much that is calculated to at, tract observation and engage the thoughts of children, as descriptions of animals, scenes of external nature. &c., out of school as well as in school. Children furnished with these books will eagerly anticipate the reading exercise and often request the privilege of reading a second, after having finished their accustomed lesson. I really hope these books will be introduced among us, that they may exert the same happy influ ence in the West as they have in the East, to improve the taste, cultivate the affections, strengthen the understanding, inform the mind and better prepare our youth for the duties of mankind. N. B. If any Teacher or School Committee wishing a set of these Readers for the purpose of examining them, will send word to the Publishers by letter, the books will be promptly forwarded to the address designated, gratis. The cheapest Spelling Book published in the United States. COOLEDGE'S EDITION OF WEESTER'S ELEMENTARY SPELLING BOOK. This Spelling Book is almost universally used throughout the United States, the sale of it being about ONE MILLION COPIES PER ANNUM. NEW AND CHEAP SCHOOL DICTIONARY, A SEQUEL TO THE ELEMENTARY SPELLING BOOK, OR AN ELEMENTARY DICTIONARY, CONTAINING A SELECTION OF ABOUT 12,000 OF THE MOST USEFUL WORDS IN THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE. for there are more than thirty-six thousand words in a dictionary, and if a scholar fearn by rote thirty words in a day, and take a task of definitions every other day, it will require more than eight years to go once through a dictionary. COMPILED BY WM. G. WEBSTER, SON OF THE LATE NOAH WEESTER, L. L. D." This book is intended to follow Webster's Elementa-betically arranged, is a tedious misapplication of time, ry Spelling Book. To those who might suppose that it is only an abridgement to be used preparatory to a large School Dictionary-we would say that it is a complete School Dictionary, and that no other is necessary to follow it-for it comprises as many words and their definitions as it is necessary for a scholar to commit to memory in order to obtain a correct knowledge of the most useful words in the English Language. More than three fourths of the words in our Diction. aries ought to be omitted in a vocabulary of definitions for Schools. The common method of requiring scholars to commit to memory all the words as they are alpha The Elementary Dictionary is printed on good paper, in large type, and well bound. The price is but a trifle higher than the Spelling Book. N. B. Any Teacher or School Committee who wishes to examine this Dictionary will please send word to the publishers by letter, and copies will be forwarded to the address designated, gratis. There will be published on the first of January, 1845, A PICTORIAL EDITION OF THE ELEMENTARY SPELLING BOOK, BY NOAH WEBSTER, L. L. D.,1 CONTAINING ABOUT ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTY BEAUTIFUL ENGRAVINGS, This Edition will be printed on good paper, and well bound. The Price will be but a trifle higher than the THE SPRINGFIELD SERIES OF READING BOOKS. THE VILLAGE READER, INTELLIGENT READER, CHILD'S GUIDE, AND EASY PRIMER. PUBLISHED AND SOLD WHOLESALE & RETAIL, BY GEORGE AND CHARLES MERRIAM, SPRINGFIELD, MASS., AND MAY BE HAD OF W. & II. MERRIAM, CANNON-PLACE, TROY, N. Y. The Booksellers in New-York city, E. H. Pease, Albany; Phinney, Cooperstown; Tiffany, Utica; Ivison, Auourn; Aling, Hoyt, Sage. and Morse, Rochester; Seaver, Batavia; Botler & Peck, Baldwin and Lindsley, Buffa lo; Knowlton & Rice, and Miles, Watertown, N. Y.;-Whiting and Derby, Columbus; B. Little, Ravenna; R. Reddington, Elyria: Younglove. Cleve and D. Wadsworth, Toledo; and in Cincinnati, Ohio;-C. Morse and Herrick, Detroit, Mich, in Chicago, Ill.-D. Keith, St. Louis, Mo.-in Louisville, Ky.;- Philadelphia and Harrisburg, PA.-by J. Randall, Mobile, Alab. ;-M'Carter and Allen, Charleston, S. C., and booksellers generally Copies furnished gratuitously for the examination of superintendents and teachers. RECOMMENDATIONS, In my opinion they are decidedly the best series with which I am acquainted.-Supt. of Common Schools for Dutchess county, N. Y. Merit and cheapness have been seaght for, and I have the gratification of stating that the following books, (Child's Guide,) Merriams publishers, (Village Reader, with others,) are not only among the best in use, but generally cheaper than any books of equal contents, I have been able to obtain.-Francis Dwight, esq., the able editor of the Dist. School Jour, of the state of New-York. THE VILLAGE READER.-One of the few compilations that pleases all the way, and that like silver, grows brighter by use. I have recently introduced the Child's Guide, which just fits my youngest class.-Xenophon Haywood, esq., Principal Seminary, Troy, N. Y. Rev. J. R. Boyd, before the Black River Literary and Religious Institute, Watertown N. Y., after remarking upon the various reading books in use, says-" Or as a substitute for all these, in the last place, may be safely recommended the Springfield Series, published by G. & C. Merriam, and which, all things considered, is, in my judgment, the best series that can be found, either for Common Schools or Academies." of schools, with considerable care, I am happy to ex press my belief that it is one of the best compilations which has lately been offered to the guardians of popu lar education. Dr. Humphrey, Pres of Amherst Col. The best reading book I have ever seen-A. Save, Prin cipal High School, Middletown, Ct. On motion of Mr. Williams, unanimously Resolved, That the Vi lage Reader be added to the list of school books heretofore adopted by the beard.-City of Roches ter Board of Education, special meeting, Oct. 7, '41. Our Teachers' Association were unanimous in awarding the Child's Guide the preference over any single reading book in use for children. I ave seen none that I think is equally valuable. My opinion of its value has increased with its use.-S. R. Hal author of Lectures on School-keeping,' 'Lectures for Female Teachers,' and Prine, of the Sem. Teachers, Andover. This is one of those little works (Child's Guide) of which we might speak highly with a clear conscience. U. S. Lit. Adv. The title of this work points out the object which we think should be kept in view in forming books for child. Having looked through the Village Reader, for the useren, and we have seldom seen a book so well adapted to them.-Annals of Education. [The above are a few only of many in possession of the publishers, from similar sources.] Springfield, Mass, 1844. VALUABLE WORKS ON HISTORY AND MATHEMATICS PUBLISHED BY A. S. BARNES & CO., PHILADELPHIA. text books for classes, in the various institutions of ELEMENTARY COURSE.-FOR SCHOOLS. DAVIES' FIRST LESSONS IN ARITHMETIC-De Harrison-Illustrated by a Chronographic Chart, a signed for Beginners, or the first steps of a course of Chronological Table, and a Series of Maps. WILLARD'S HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES, OR REPUBLIC OF AMERICA-ABRIDGED-Illustrated with Maps and Engravings-Designed for Schools. In Press. WILLARD'S UNIVERSAL HISTORY-Illustrated by a Chronological Picture of Nations-A Perspective Sketch of the Course of Empire, and a Series of Maps, giving the Progressi re Geography of the World. New and much improved edition. Davies' System of Mathematics. Arithmetical instruction. KEY TO DAVIES' ALGEBRA. DAVIES' ELEMENTARY GEOMETRY-This work Mathematics, by CHARLES DAVIES-they are designed as embraces the elementary principles of Geometry. The |