habits, strengthen the vocal organs and awaken an interest in communicating the sentiments of the author and imbibing his feelings, and an improvement was made in this branch rarely equalled in the same length of time.

Lectures were delivered by the Board of Instructors at different times during the session, on reading, general government of schools, physiology, &c.

head of "general exercises" familiar illustra- mands. Every effort was made to correct bad tions of various subjects may be given-composition by the help of the black-board, or some principle of philosophy, chemistry or physiology explained. The time of recess may be spent by the teacher in explaining to each division any difficulty, or in hearing some small class or classes as the case may be. Perhaps Natural Philosophy or Algebra may be attended to at this time. It is also recommended that at 3-40m. P. M. all that wish, except the grammar classes, be dismissed. The teacher will thus be enabled to give his undivided attention to this sub. ject. It is likewise recommended that a portion of Wednesday P. M. of each week be spent by the several schools in exercises in composition, and that daily the "framing of sentences," as it is called, be practised.

RESOLUTIONS.

Resolved, That we as teachers, feeling the importance of our vocation, will use our best endeavors to elevate the character of the common schools of Franklin county.

The following gentlemen also addressed the members of the Institute and the public: Hon. A. W. Young of Warsaw, on Elocution and Civil Government; Prof. Mather of Conn., on Ge. ography and History; Rev. J. S. Brown of Perry, on the necessity of Moral Education being combined with Intellectual; J. L. Brown, Esq. of Batavia, on Equality of Native Talent; Rev, Mr. Locke of Alexander, on The Present.

Our limits will not permit a synopsis of the able addresses given by these gentlemen; all were valuable, interesting and highly satisfactory to those that heard them, and long will they be remembered with gratitude for their services by the members of the Institute.

The committee on resolutions for discussion,

Resolved, That the thanks of the Institute are hereby tendered to Dr. Stevens, Hon. K. Bates and Mr. Wood for their able and instructive lectures, and to our officers for the efficient dis-reported at different times resolutions, which charge of the various duties which devolved up on them.

Resolved, That the proceedings of the Institute be published in both the county papers and in the District School Journal.

Adjourned to meet in the fall of '45 at the call of the County Superintendent.

CHAS. J. RIDER, Chairman. REUBEN K. STETSON, Secretary.

GENESEE.

TEACHERS' INSTITUTE, BETHANY.

In accordance with notices previously issued, a Teachers' Institute was organized at Bethany Academy, on the 7th of October, with a view to advance the interests of common schools by a thorough and uniform discipline of common school teachers, under the supervision of David Nay, County Superintendent of Common Schools, and Josiah Hurty, Principal of the Bethany Academy, assisted by the Rev. Eber Child, Professor of Elocution.

The exercises of each day were commenced and closed by reading Scripture, singing and

prayer.

At the close of each recitation, a general conference was held upon the subjects illustrated, and such improvements and variations in illus. trating suggested by the class as were deemed useful. These exercises awakened a deep in terest, and often elicited animated discussions, and resulted in great benefit to the members of the Institute.

were discussed with a view to ascertain the truth in the case, and the discussion elicited an interest rarely felt upon other occasions. It was indeed an intellectual investigation and a practical rehearsal of experience, developing some amusing traits of human character, and convincing all of the utility of Teachers' Conferences.

The evening preceding the closing of the Institute, was set apart for public reading and declamation by the class and teachers. At the time appointed, the chapel of the Academy was filled, although the travelling was very bad.

Most of the students either read or declaimed, and the attention of the hearers and the satisfaction frequently manifested during the evening, evinced an interest in the exercises that was highly gratifying to those who engaged in them.

The committee on general resolutions reported the following which were unanimously adopted:

Resolved, That for the benefit of our common schools, and for the advancement of Education, upon which depends the prosperity of this republic, a co-operation of teachers for their moral and intellectual improvement, in associations in each town, is of great utility.

Resolved, That we consider the Teachers' Institute, which has been held in this place during the last four weeks, eminently calculated to ele¦vate the standard of common schools, by creating a uniformity of views and harmonious action, and to introduce the best method of teaching and governing schools through the country.

promoting the interests of common schools in this county. and especially for the part he has taken in this Institute.

Resolved. That we tender our grateful ac At stated periods Teachers' conferences were knowledgments to Mr. David Nay. County Suheld, at which a general investigation and dis-perintendent, for his able and efficient efforts in cussion was had, and many of the various difficulties that beset the teacher's path, and the best method of teaching and governing common schools, were considered. Here the experience of older teachers was related and the views of younger ones expressed, and all were deeply interested in devising the best method of instruction and general government.

Elocution; taught by the Rev. Eber Childs, received the attention that its importance de.

Resolved, That we recommend to every teacher to furnish himself with the District School Journal, and that we will use our efforts to extend its circulation.

The utility of Teachers' Institutes does not yet remain to be tested, alththough this is the first held in Genesee county. Other portions of the

State have for several years reaped the benefit accruing from similar institutions, and it is even now to be regretted that so little interest is felt by the people, and especially by those to whom the care of common schools is particularly entrusted.

A general co-operation on their part with the County Superintendent and others, would have disseminated the benefit still further, and awakened an interest throughout the county that would have exerted a salutary influence on the character of all our schools.

But as it is, we believe a watch-fire has been lighted that will hereafter disseminate its beams of light far, and will cause its genial influence to be felt upon the schools of the county

of Genesee.

W. C. SLAYTON, Chairman.

C. W. RUMSEY, Secretary.

Pursuant to a call of the County Superinten dent, for a meeting of the Superintendents of the several towns in the county of Lewis, for the purpose of recommending suitable text books for common schools, and of effecting uniformity of the same throughout the county; they convened at the house of Enoch Thompson, in Martinsburgh, on Saturday the 21st Sept.

On motion, the chair appointed a committee of three, consisting of Messrs Ragan, Van Olinda and Northrup, to examine the different geographies in use and report at the next meet. ing.

On motion, the chair, appointed S. Sylvester, the county superintendent to examine works on mathematics and report at next meeting.

The following preamble and resolutions were then read, and unanimously adopted.

Whereas, the universally conceded object of the common school is, to prepare children and youth for future usefulness and happiness; and whereas that course of instruction which aims to improve the intellect alone, neglecting the moral sentiments, the habits and manners of the pupils, has signally failed in many instances to secure these great ends; and whereas a knowledge of the human constitution, man's internal structure and the physical laws of his nature, are essential to the preservation of health, which to a great extent, measures his usefulness and enjoyment; and whereas every male citizen of the age of twenty-one, is, by the laws of our state virtually invested with legislative powers, which cannot be intelligently exercised without a knowledge of the fundamental principles of our government; and believing, as we firmly do, that these subjects, if introduced into our common schools, will interfere but slightly with the instructions at present given, yet will prove of great and mutual benefit to both teacher and pupil; therefore, in addition to branches usually taught.

Resolved, That the good teacher, anxious to discharge his whole duty, will not fail to employ every suitable means for the cultivation and refinement of the moral sentiment-the improve. ment of the manners and the formation of virtuous habits, in his pupils; and conscious of

the efficacy of theory and practice combined, will furnish in his own deportment an example worthy of imitation.

Resolved, That teachers would much increase their usefulness and lend fresh interest to the common school, by devoting 15 or 20 minutes each day, to a familiar conversation, with their scholars, on either Moral Science, or Human Physiology; and to assist them in so doing, we recommend to their perusal, on the former subject, Combe's Moral Philosophy and Wayland's Moral Science; on the latter Combe's and Comstock's Physiology.

Resolved, That the District School Journal, under its present able conduction, is one of the most efficient means in operation for the improvement of our common schools; and that we earnestly recommend it, as worthy of the attentive perusal of school officers and parents, and cheerfully lend our aid to extend its circulation.

Resolved, That it should be the constant companion of all teachers, as its perusal will acquaint them with the opinions and suggestions of the most experienced teachers and talented men of the country-will enable them to keep pace with the spirit of improvement, and discharge the duties of their avocation with honor to themselves and justice to their employers and pupils; and that we particularly recommend the careful examination of the book entitled "The Z. KNOX, Chairman.

School and Schoolmaster."

L. CLARK, Secretary.

ONONDAGA.

WE took up our scissors to cut out a large part of these proceedings, to save space for other counties, but on examination, we find every resolution pertinent and valuable, and commend them all to the careful attention of Educators.

ONONDAGA TEACHERS' INSTITUTE.

October Term, 1644.

The Institute convened on the first of October, pursuant to public notice, and continued in session three weeks. Orson Barnes was chosen Chairman, and William R. Strong, appointed Secretary. The school was attended by about one hundred Teachers-all of the towns of the county except Elbridge and Spafford being represented. Some came in from other counties.

The session has been one of great interest. The different modes of teaching the various branches tanght in common schools, were practically demonstrated, and the peculiar merits of each fully discussed.

During the session, the following Lectures were given: On Moral Education, by Rev. T. Castleton, of Syracuse,-on Grammar, by J. L. Hendrick, of Onondaga Academy; also, by Mr. Hazen, author of a Grammar, Panorama, Technology, &c.; by O. B. Pierce, author of Pierce's Grammar, and by David Parsons, of Syracuse,on the Principles of Arithmetic, by Prof. Davies, of West Point-on Vocal Music, by J. Allen, of Syracuse Academy-on Orthography, by Albert D. Wright, author of Wright's Orthography-on Physiology, by Miss Bradbury, of Syracuse.

Prof. Davies also gave an address to teachers, in which he exhibited the importance of educa tion-the duties, influence and responsibility of

Resolved, That in the employment of teachers, those have the preference, (other things being equal) who design making teaching a pro-hundreds and thousands of innocent and helpless fession.

lightened age and to erect in their stead, temples of Education worthy of the name-at a distance from every source of contagion and disease surrounded by the beauties of nature and of art-adapted to the intellectual and moral pro

associations, habits, and attainments are to be formed within their consecrated walls—furnished with all those comforts, conveniences, elegancies and even luxuries which will endear them to the affections and the heart, and render the pursuit of knowledge captivating and delightful,—and adorned with every attribute which will serve to impress upon the expanding mind of the young, the conviction that from the cradle to the grave, the attainment of knowledge and the cultivation of virtue, are the paramount interests of humanity.

·would systematically and deliberately expose his child to a temperature, in which life itself could be sustained for a limited time only-would release him from this form of suffering, only to plunge him into its antipodes, and to subject him to a series of exposures fatal to the most vigor-gress of those whose earliest and most enduring ous and mature constitution—and would contin. ue, and if possible perpetuate a state of things under the influence of which, if his child attained to the age of maturity, it would be well nigh miraculous? Let us not be accused of exaggeration. In every one of the nine hundred towns which make up the Empire State, the originals of this picture abound. We know this fact is concealed from the ordinary observation of parents. Were it not so, it would long, long since have ceased to exist. We speak not now of the high moral influences which a due regard to the comfort and convenience of the pupils in our com. mon schools, could not fail to diffuse-of the buoyant happiness, the vivid enjoyment of existence, the elastic energies, the bright and beaming eye which, under a different order of things, would characterize the daily life of the young innocents who are congregated in these institutions of the habits of neatness, and system, and order which might be engrafted on their expand-ing, to hear the opening address of Col. YOUNG, ing characters-cr of the refined and elevated perceptions of the beautiful, the harmonious, and the excellent, which would be insensibly commu. nicated and permanently identified with the in

[From the Albany Argus.]

OPENING OF THE NORMAL SCHOOL.

A large number of citizens and others, including the Mayor and Common Council, the county Board of Supervisors, and distinguished friends of the Cause of popular education, assembled at the Rooms set apart for the accommodation of the Normal School, yesterday morn

of the State Executive Committee, to whom the supervision of the School, and the direction of its entire arrangements and economy, are entrusted by the law authorizing its establishment.

To those other than citizens, it may not be tellectual and moral constitution of the future man or woman. Laying all these aside, for the known, that this Experimental Institution has present, we appeal to the sensibilities, the affec-been placed under the liberal appropriations of tions; the humanity of Christian parents, in be. half of the physical health and well-being of their children. We ask them, not that they will take these representations of ours on trust, but that they will will examine for themselves; that they will consult the dictates of enlightened science

and familiarize their minds with the inviolable laws of the human constitution, and then inves. tigate the necessary, the inevitable, the certain

the legislature, and the no less liberal aid and co-operation of our city authorities, upon a footing which ensures to it a fair trial. The rooms appropriated to the purposes of the school, have been fitted up with a view to neatness and utili ty rather than to display and discomfort, and with express reference to the wants of the establishment. The apartments are extensive, and so arranged as to admit of extension to any deand the fearful consequences of the system which gree that may be required-even though it may demand the appropriation of the entire upper prevails and has so long prevailed in so many stories of the large building in which it is locathousands of our school districts, in this respect. ted. Already there are six spacious apartments And as they regard the happiness, the health and on the two upper floors, newly fitted up with the lives of their children, let them address seats, black boards, and every fixture required themselves to the extirpation of this great evil. for institutions of this kind, well warmed, ventiLet them no longer send their children to pass solated and lighted—and requiring only the philomany hours of their beautiful spring-time of ex-sophical and other apparatus which belong to it istence, in tenements which are a disgrace to civilization, and which teem with the malaria and the noxious influences of the grave. We ask them, whatever may be the expense, at once to demolish and abandon these relics of a less en

when in full operation. Every thing indeed necessary to make a beginning, and a successful beginning, in one of the noblest of the educational enterprises of the day, is ready. Towards these arrangements-particularly the fitting up

of the rooms-it is proper to say that the Common Council have contributed liberally from the city funds—and have also secured the gratuitous use of the apartments, for the purposes of the school, for the term of five years—which is the limit of the legislative appropriation.

tendence of the Executive Committee, Principal and Teachers, to whom its destinies have been confided, upheld and encouraged by the good wishes and coöperation of a discerning public, there is good ground to believe.

The Address of Col. YOUNG (which we unThere were about thirty pupils present yes- derstand will be published in the District School terday, at the opening of the school--and from Journal,) it is unnecessary to say, was approthe Address, we learn that the Executive Com-priate, and marked with the ability which chamittee have selected as Principal of the Institu- racterizes his efforts-particularly in the contion, DAVID P. PAGE of Massachusetts, and as genial field which the occasion opened to him. Mathematical teacher, GEORGE R. PERKINS of New-York-both of whom were present and ready to enter upon the discharge of their duties. These gentlemen come fully within the qualifications required by the Executive Committee --a high moral character, great scientific attainments, and experience and aptness in communicating knowledge.

At the close of the Address, which was listened to with profound attention, on motion of BRADFORD R. WOOD, esq., seconded by the Rev. Dr. WYCKOFF, the audience united in requesting a copy for publication in pamphlet— the question being put by Professor POTTER of Union College, who with GIDEON HAWLEY and Mayor HUMPHREY, occupied seats on the platform.

The organization of the school will o' course occupy some little time-when othe Prof. POTTER then announced that the exeraids will be required, and will be provided cises had closed, at the same time thanking the as the exigencies may demand. Citizens and audience, on behalf of the State Executive Comothers who may feel an interest in seeing the Art mittee, for their attendance, and extending to of Teaching taught, in the mode which experi- the friends of education and the public generalence has shown to be the best mode of impart-ly, an invitation to visit the school at any time ing knowledge-will no doubt avail themselves during school hours.

of the opportunity which is freely presented here, to visit the school, at any time during the hours devoted to teaching-from nine in the morning until two in the afternoon.

ORLEANS.

[Extracts from Aunual Report, Dec. 1844.] THERE are in Orleans county, nine towns. These visi- The annual reports have been received from the tations at any and all times, the Executive com- several Town Superintendents. There are one mittee invite, as a salutary and necessary super-hundred and thirty-two districts, the school. houses of which are in said county.

vision on the part of the public, in a matter
which especially concerns them, and in the suc-
cess of which all have a common and deep in-
It is an Institution whose influence in
terest.
elevating the standard of elementary education
and the qualifications of teachers, is to be felt
in the eleven thousand school districts of the
state, and among the entire mass of the rising
generation in this state, numbering some 700,-
000 between the ages usually embraced in our
common schools. It is an Institution founded, as
was remarked in the Address, upon the assump-
tion, which would seem to be a self-evident truth,
that the art and science of teaching, like every
other art or science, is neither inherited, nor in-
nate, nor instinctive-but like all human attain-
ments, must be acquired by careful study and
observation, great diligence, and a thorough
training in the practical business of imparting
knowledge. It is an experiment, however, only
in this state. It has been tried in other s'ates,
and has been found to result in obvious
benefit to the cause of popular education. That
such will be the result here, under the fostering
patronage of the state, and under the superin-

.95

.10

.24

.38

.38

..55

127

4

.95

..32

.20

.79

"convenient seats and desks,....36

"with single privies,.

66

"double privies,.

"entirely destitute of privies,.

It appears from the above table, that many of the school houses are not in a good condition. However, there is no particular apathy on the part of the people; many of the districts are small and not able to build such houses as are their houses in good repair-a few hours work, desirable. Much depends upon trustees in keeping or a few dollars expended, prior to the commencement of the winter term, may serve to render the school-room comfortable.

Some new school-houses have been built during the present year.

In the village of Lindon, they have erected a