large, spacious two story wood building, in the style of an Academy, with belfry and bell, and with rooms large and convenient. In this school most of the higher branches are taught; and, at the close of the winter term, they had an examination and exhibition which reflected honor both upon teacher and scholars. This school is destined to rise, and the time is not far distant, when it will rank with some of our second rate academies. In the village of Gaines, where one year ago they had no school-house, consequently no dis. trict school worthy of the name, there has since been erected a large cobble-stone building, with necessary appendages, and with seats and desks convenient for scholars. At my last visit a few days since, I found one hundred and ten names enrolled on the teacher's list-the scholars all seemed interested in their studies-teacher well qualified-the school well governed-all of which convinced me that the inhabitants of Gaines are reaping a rich reward for erecting their new school-house. ence." A teacher thus qualified, deserves the respect and sympathy of every well wisher. of his country! Some of our teachers are well qualified; while others have a good knowledge of the text-books, but are deficient in the science of teaching and the best method of discipline. Teachers are fast improving, and I trust the time is not far distant, when teaching will be made a profession; when a sufficient incentive will be offered to call forth the best talents to engage in this great work. MORALS. Moral culture in some of our schools receives some attention; it being the practice of some teachers at the close of the exercises in reading (when the subject contains moral truth) to catechise their pupils upon the subject matter contained in the reading lesson; and, at the same time urge the importance of a strict observance of all the duties they owe to themselves, to each other, to their parents, to their country and to their God. In most schools, however, morals At Shelby Centre, they have recently comple- receive little or no attention. In this respect, ted a new house 30 by 50. This building is many of our teachers are deficient. They do not erected in modern style, and is one of the eviden-exert that healthful influence over the minds of ces of the increased interest manifested on the those committed to their care, that they otherpart of the people of this county, in the cause of wise would, had they the desire and ability to impart sound, moral instruction. Teachers ocCommon School Education. On them, in a good It will also appear by examining the above cupy responsible stations. table, that the majority of the houses are not fur-degree, rests the success, happiness and virtue nished with the necessary appendages conveni- of the rising generation. Hence, the importance ent for school purposes. There is no good of teachers being well qualified to meet the intelreason why every district school-house should lectual, physical and moral wants of those under not be furnished, at least, with one privy. their supervision. It is not because the people are vinced of the necessity of these appendages, but because they neglect to do what their better judgment dictates they ought to do. The expo. sure of the sexes, the indecency, thus engendered is so manifest, and may be so easily prevented, that no district is excusable for the neglect of so plain a duty. NUMBER OF SCHOOLS VISITED. not con J. O. WILLSEA, County Superintendent. OTSEGO. JOINT MEETING OF TOWNS. Pursuant to previous notice given by the Town Superintendents of the contiguous towns of Unadilla and Sidney, a meeting of the friends of education was held at Unadilla village on 23d of November last, to consider measures for the im Soon after my appointment, I commenced visiting schools, and have continued so to do, du-provement of the Common Schools of the two ring their session ever since. The number visited once,. 131 twice, 85 QUALIFICATIONS OF TEACHERS. 66 12 towns. The Hon. Sherman Page was called to the Chair, and Caleb Palmer was appointed Secretary. After the object of the meeting had been stated, the committee that had been appointed for the purpose, consisting of William B. Hawes, John S. Palmer and Sluman L. Wattles, made the following report: That the subject of common school education is at the present day claiming a large share of pub. If it be true, that as is the teacher so is the school," (and I suppose no one will doubt it) great efforts should be made to elevate the stan dard for teachers. The State Normal School That this subject has a demand on doubtless will aid much in the accomplishment lie attention of this great and important work. I deem the the consideration of reflecting minds, and we establishing of that institution, as the beginning trust will not be made a matter of controversy. of a new era in the qualification of teachers in In the success of our common schools all good the Empire State. An influence will be sent men feel that their expectations and hopes of the forth, available in every county, and from county future are centred. It is believed that no indito town, until every school district will partake vidual who candidly considers this subject, will more or less of its benefits. The well qualified fail to acknowledge that the motive power of the teacher will command the respect of scholars-moral, civil and political world, is lodged within beget a lively interest in school-make the pur-the walls of the common school rooms. suit of knowledge a pleasure rather than a task- And whereas this great object can be better ac. convey instruction in the most simple and complished by the united exertions of its friends pleasing manner-make himself easily un-than by individual effort, therefore Resolved, That we do form an association to derstood by the youngest of his pupils, and thus lead them on, step by step, up the "hill of sci- be called the Unadilla and Sidney Common School Association, the object of which shall be to advance the interests of common education in the various ways which the association shall deem proper. The association was then organized by choosing the Town Superintendents of the two towns to serve asPresidents and a Vice-President in each school district. William B. Hawes and Robert S. Hugston, were appointed Secretaries. It is the intention of the association to hold meetings, and to have lectures and addresses de livered in every district within its bounds, in order to call the attention of the whole people to the subject, believing that when they shall see that their truest and best interests are centred in the common schools, they will rise in their strength and place them in that condition in which they should be. Education hitherto has not here received the attention its importance demands, but our best and ablest men are engaging in the cause, present indications are favorable, and we hope the time is not distant when the common schools of Unadilla and Sidney will be able to compare with those of any other two towns. SLUMAN L. WATTLES, Sidney, Dec. 11, 1844. TEACHERS' DEPARTMENT. WRITING. [For the Journal.] "Well, I don't know how a body can help it. I have so much to do, that it is impossible to give a strict attention to every thing. I am so burried that I am obliged to hear some classes read while others are writing; and then I have their copies to set, and their pens to mend, and it is impossible among such a round of duties to do justice to them all." I presume that a superintendent cannot be found in the state, who has not repeatedly been obliged to listen to this plea, and often so pitifully told as to almost "melt a stone to tears." It has always been my habit to respond to the truth of the latter part of the plea, and generally add, "that amidst such a jumble, I do not see how they can do justice to any part of it." In order to remedy this fault, where it happens to exist, I have usually found it necessary to overhaul, re-model and reorganize the whole school; for where we find this exercise so carelessly conducted, (especially at the present day,) ten chances to one, if the rest is not all of the same piece. The plan which I have generally recommended, is as follows, viz: In the first place, let the teacher be content with attempting to do but one thing at a time; and let him endeavor to do that well. In the next place, let it be an established rule of the school and thoroughly understood by every pupil, that while the teacher is engaged in overseeing any exercise or class, no scholar, unless he be a member of that class, shall interrupt him with any question. (Extraordina ries excepted.) Let the short space of time intervening between the exercises be devoted to answering questions, and rendering such assistHow should it be taught in our schools? ance as is absolutely necessary. If the school I have heretofore found one very erroneous is large, monitors may be appointed to assist practice prevailing in our schools, in relation to the different classes in committing their lessons the method pursued in giving instruction in this in order that the attention of the teacher may important branch, which I have ever taken upon not be diverted from the task in which he is enme to endeavor to correct, and which, I am gaged. The teacher, by pursuing this course, happy to be able to say, is fast going out of will be able to give clear and definite instruction date. I allude to the custom of allowing the in every branch, and we shall seldom hear him pupils to select such a time for the exercise as apologise for the neglect of an important branch, best suits their convenience and to write as long because he "cannot find time? Where this cr as they please, with scarce any supervision der is instituted in school and all matters conducton the part of the teacher. As a natural conseed methodically, we may then flatter ourselves quence of such a procedure, we find the teacher constantly vexed and harassed, by the frequent importunities of his pupils, to mend their pens, set them copies, &c. &c., while superintending, or rather pretending to superintend, the other exercises of his school, and in such schools, we almost invariably find the writing books, as well as other books, mutilated, badly scribbled and blotted, and far from evincing any proficiency on the part of the students. In addition to this, we will find by investigating, that they have contracted more bad habits during one term, under the instruction (?) of such a teacher, than can be corrected in six months, under the supervision of a faithful one; to say nothing of the habit of slovenliness thus imbibed, which, if not broken up, will result in a more serious detriment to the pupil than a total ignorance of this branch of education. I have often taken teachers to task for this shiftless way of doing business, and, whether their schools consisted of twenty, thirty, fifty, or eighty scholars, have almost universally received one uniform apology, somewhat after the following manner that some correct instruction will be given in penmanship. Let a particular part of the day be set apart for this exercise, the writers resolved into a class, and if convenient let them be seated near together during the lesson. The writing books and inkstands should now be distributed to the pupils and all should be required to go through the exercise at the same time. The copies should be given and the pens repaired previously, that the teacher may be able to devote his whole attention to the class during the lesson. and give them the necessary instruc. tion in the manner of holding their quills and of sitting at the desk, and occasionally to take a pen and show them how to form letters, &e. As young learners require the most vigilant and castant watching during the whole time they are engaged in writing, in order to prevent their contracting bad habits, the teacher should fre quently cast his eyes around the class to satisfy himself that all observe the proper position and hold their pens in a correct manner, and as soon as one is discovered to be out of order in these respects, his attention should at once be called the mental and bodily prosperity of the individual. For this obvious reason, the games which require muscular exertion are not only conducive to health, but, also, improve the senses and unfold the understanding. To put things together and separate them, to erect and destroy houses built of blocks and other similar materials, to trundle a hoop, fly a kite, or arrange and construct little vehicles in their own way, all these are diversions which ought to be seduloussite for such pursuits. These, however, should be simple, and of little intrinsic value, as that is soon enhanced in the possession of the young. On this account also, a ball, a top, a hobby horse, a little chaise, a wheelbarrow which they can manage without extraneous assistance, are preferable to a wooden doll or the figures representing horses and carriages, which afford them amusement merely by their appearance. to it, and he required to resume the proper position. After the expiration of the time allotted to the exercise, notice should be given by the teacher; the pupils all finishing the lines which they may have commenced, cleaning their pens and wiping them dry, allowing their books to remain open a sufficient length of time for the ink to become dry, the pens deposited in their proper places, the books closed and the teacher passing around, collects them together and deposits them in a safe place. One of the scholarsly encouraged, by procuring the articles requimay now assist by passing around the class and collecting the inkstands and depositing them in their appropriate place. The exercise being now ended, the pupils resume their other studies and that task may be considered as finished for the day. There is no more teasing or vexing the teacher with pens to mend or copies to set: but he can now proceed to another exercise in the same systematic style, and in this way he will always find time to devote to every branch of study; i. e., provided he has a time for every thing and is careful to have every thing attended to in its proper time. The books being in his custody during the interim, and his eyes upon the scholars while they have them in their possession, he can hardly render a reasonable exense, if they are torn, scribbled or blotted. Much injury to other books is also prevented by having the pens and inkstands deposited out of reach of the scholars, except at such times as they are required to use them. Where there are large scholars in the school, they may be much benefited by taking turns and repairing the pens. The art of making a pen is as necessary for them to understand, as that of using one; and they should receive instruction in this branch also by the teacher. This method is now pur sued by a majority of our teachers, and their writing books present a striking contrast when compared with those of other schools, when the exercise is botched off in a careless, haphazard manner. As a general rule, in ordinary schools, I think one exercise in the course of the day sufficient. I would say once a day if it be properly conducted; but if it cannot be properly and carefully conducted, then omit it entirely. O. W. RANDALL, County Supt. Oswego Co. Phoenix, Dec. 8, 1844. AMUSEMENTS AND TOYS OF CHILDREN. THE following excellent remarks upon the proper amusements and toys of children, we have translated from the German of Struve. They occur in his work on Physical Education, and are recommended to the attentive perusal of every parent. Nor should girls be excluded from active exercise. It is a material error in physical education, to make that ill founded distinction between the sexes, which condemns female children, from their cradle, to a sedentary life, by permitting them scarcely any other play things than dolls and tinsel work or trinkets, while their sprightly brothers amuse themselves with their hoop and other active diversions. Such premature refinement is dearly purchased at the expense of health and of a cheerful mind. All amusements are most beneficial to health in the open air; and, were it possible to keep a child continually in the fields and gardens, there would be no occasion to supply them with playthings. Benign nature would present them with a sufficient variety of objects for their amusement-they would find an inexhaustible source of materials for constructing toys, which, being works of their own creation, could not fail to be more useful than the most expensive artificial contrivances. Society increases the charms of juvenile amusements. It is indeed very desirable and rational to allow a number of children to assemble; but it would be prudent to watch their conduct, though without rigor or unnecessary interfe rence on the part of the tutor, as they are then in their most happy state. It has been proposed to establish in every large city, public pleasure grounds appropriated to the use of young people, and likewise to appoint proper inspectors to keep them under certain restrictions. Such regula. tions would, in various instances, be productive of good effectr; they would prevent many illbred boys from running about the streets, where from each other most improper practices. It is they are under no control, and where they learn doubtful whether this suggestion will ever be realized-though a public pleasure ground exclu. sively appropriated for the use of children, would certainly be of infinitely more importance to the health and morals of youth, than theatres, ball-rooms, or places of public parade. Sedentary games may be well adapted to the amusement of day-laborers and rustics who fatigue themselves by hard work during the day; but for children, whose principal employment On the whole, it is equally important for chilshould be play, they are improper. In our opin-dren to be allowed their regular play-hours, as ion, therefore, inactive amusements should be to be compelled to attend school: indeed the resorted to only in certain cases as an occasional former would be productive of greater advanta substitute for others, and continued but for ages for the improvement of their physical and short time. Exercise is the very soul of all intellectual faculties, than the latter mechanical play; because the activity of the different pow. habit, at an age when they are not yet suscepti ers is attended with immediate consequences to ble of scholastic instruction. PUNCTUATION. WE make the following brief extract from Boyd's Rhetoric, a work recently published by the Harpers, and worthy of the careful examination of all interested in teaching the English language. To show the necessity of not merely using points, but of punctuating properly, examine the following passage: The persons inside the coach were Mr. Miller a clergyman his son a lawyer Mr Angelo a foreigner his lady and a little child. : This passage, thus written without points, is unintelligible by different modes of punctuating it, several alterations may be made in its sense not only as to the number of persons in the coach, but, also, as to their country, professions, and relationship to each other. By a change of points, the lady may be described as the wife of either one of two persons: Mr. Miller's son may be made a clergyman, or a lawyer, at will; or his son may be taken from him and given to a clergyman, whose name is not men tioned. The following variations, by use of points, will equally amuse and instruct: (1.)" The persons inside the coach were Mr. Miller, a clergyman, his son, a lawyer, Mr. Angelo, a foretgner, his lady, and a little child." By this mode of pointing it would appear that there were eight individuals in the coach, name. ly, a clergyman, a lawyer, a foreigner and his lady, a little child, Mr. Miller, Mr. Angelo, and the clergyman's son. (2.) The persons inside the coach were Mr. Miller, a clergyman; his son, a lawyer; Mr. Angelo, a foreigner; his lady; and a little child." This change in the punctuation would reduce the parties in the coach, exclusive of the lady and child. to three persons; and make Mr. Miller himself a clergyman, Mr. Miller's son, a lawyer, and Mr. Angelo a foreigner. (3.) The persons inside the coach were Mr. Miller; a clergyman, his son; a lawyer, Mr. Angelo; a foreigner, his lady, and a little child." Here Mr. Miller's son becomes a clergyman, Mr. Angelo a lawyer. and the lady and child nose of Mr. Mr. oreigner who is nameless. (4.) The persons inside the coach were Miller; a clergyman, his son; a lawyer; Angelo; a foreigner, his lady; and a little child." Mr. Angelo here ceases to be a lawyer; there is no longer a foreigner who is the husband of the lady and the father of the child; but the lady as described as being a foreigner, and Mr. Angelo's wife; and the child is not understood as being akin to any person in the coach. Other alterations might be made in the sense of this passage by altering the punctuation; but sufficient has been done to show the necessity of pointing a passage so as to accord with the fact it is intended to relate. MR. DWIGHT-I am greatly obliged to you for a number of the Journal lately received. It is a gratification to know that the superintendents and inspectors of towns, as well as the teachers, are awake to the improvableness-the perpetual advancement of the schools. I send you a series INVENTION OF LETTERS. THERE is nothing that young persons enjoy more than books, and old people also, when they The child that can read can entertain himself; have learned to use and appreciate them in youth. and the man or woman who can neither read nor write, is very much to be pitied. Such ignorance exposes a person to great inconveniences, and body about him. Formerly this was not the moreover, makes him inferior to almost every the fifth to the fifteenth century, reading and fact. In what are called the middle ages, from writing were uncommon accomplishments in Europe. The monks, priests who lived in convents, only could read and write. The laymen (all persons who were not of the clergy,) had no learning. The monasteries, or habitations of the monks, contained all the books then in existence, and these books were all written. They ment. Kings and nobles rarely could read. The were chiefly manuscripts, in rolls made of parch great Charlemagne could not write. Grants of property, and other transactions of business, were recorded by professed writers, and the persons concerned affixed the mark of a cross to their own names written in another hand. The invention of printing occurred A. D. 1444, All this is entirely altered at the present time. in Germany, and immediately after books began could acquire the art of reading, which in a cento be written and printed, and read by all who tury became greatly extended. It must not, however, be supposed that the knowledge of books is even now universal. In all civilized society, in Europe and America, there are still many per. sons unable to read and write. vented the alphabet and its combinations in writIt is curious to enquire what people first inten words and sentences. Savages never have letters or written characters. When the Spa. niards first discovered Mexico, the natives of that country used hieroglyphics, or rudely drawn pictures upon cloth or tablets of wood, to express any intelligence they would convey. This picorigin of written or visible language is lost in a ture-writing was used in ancient Egypt. The remote antiquity, nor can it now be ascertained what nation is entitled to the honor of the discovery." Some writers, however, have contended that the Phoenicians, and others the Egyptians, were the inventors of letters. Perhaps different characters or letters were invented by each. Moses, the legislator of the Jews, was bred up" in all the learning of Egypt," and to him were committed the "oracles of God,"-that is, the will and purposes of God-in writing, which he was to read to the Hebrew people. This was before Christ 1490, or fifteen centuries almost. This event is related in the book of Exodus, chapter 31, as follows: When the Hebrew people had come out of Egypt, and were sojourning in the Arabian wilderness, Moses, their leader cated. Mr. PAGE comes among us so strongly recommended, that the Executive Committee have reposed this important trust in his hands, with entire confidence that he will make this school a blessing and an honor to the state. We take the following brief notice of Mr. PAGE, from the "Salem Observer:" was called up into Mount Sinai to receive the laws which God was pleased to bestow upon the descendants of Abraham, in preparation for their establishment in Palestine. "And the Lord said unto Moses, come up to me into the mount, and I there will give thee tables of stone, and a law, and commandments which I have written, that thou mayest teach them." By this account it appears that the commandments, &c., were written by the Deity himself. Moses, to whom they were DESERVED COMPLIMENT.-D. P. PAGE, Esq., entrusted, already knew how to read this sacred for many years at the head of the High School writing-he had learned reading and writing from in Newburyport, has recently been appointed the Egyptians, among whom he had been edu- Principal of the Normal School, which is about state of New-York has made very liberal approThe countrymen of Moses had priests who going into operation in the city of Albany. The were to read the Law to the people, and the priations for the establishment and support of whole tribe of Levi were a class of learned men. this institution, and we think the Board of Trus By means of the writers among the Hebrews, tees have been exceedingly fortunate in securing all the sacred Books of the Old Testament were the services of Mr. Page. We know of no man preserved for future generations of men. so well fitted for the situation, and though his the Phoenicians, a people of western Asia, in-removal from our county must be a source of deep habitants of the territory adjacent to that of the regret to his numerous friends, they must feel Hebrew nation, are described by Lucan, a latin gratified to know that he has been invited to ocpoet, who wrote about seventy years after Christ, cupy a position so honorable and important. He has, for many years, been an active and use ful member of our County Teachers' Associa. tion, and has won the respect and esteem of all who have met with him. as the inventors of letters. Phoenicians first, if ancient fame be true, But [Rowe's Translation of Lucan. These verses affirm that after the Phoenicians had practised the art of writing, in Memphis, a city of ancient Egypt, useful truths were engraved upon stone, as were the laws of the Hebrews on Mount Siani; and that in the same country, hieroglyphics of different animals were cut in obelisks, or tall taper columns of stone, some of which yet remain in Egypt. And this was before the leafy reed was known," before the reed papyrus was made into the substance called paper, which the Egyptians afterwards employed to write upon. The art of writing seems long to have been confined to Egypt, Phoenicia and the country of the Hebrews, for the Greek poet, Homer, who lived six centuries after Moses, sang or recited his own verses, which were afterwards written by command of Pisistratus, the Athenian, four centuries after the death of Homer. It was, however, in the course of time introduced into Europe, probably by those Egyptian and Greek colonists who migrated to Greece, and civilizing its natives, in the descendants of both, formed the most enlightened and creative people in art and science of all antiquity. NORMAL SCHOOL. DAVID P. PAGE, of Newburyport, Mass., has been appointed Principal of the State Normal School. GEORGE R. PERKINS, of Utica, has charge of the Mathematical Department. Mr. PERKINS is widely and favorably known as the author of several Mathematical works, and has gained an enviable distinction for his eminent success in teaching. Mr. P. has labored in Newburyport about 16 years with eminent success and favor, and his loss to that community must be severe indeed. His recent and former pupils have expressed their gratitude for his services and sense of his worth in a most substantial and flattering manner. On the evening of the 10th inst. (the day before his departure,) a large number of his young friends visited him at his residence and presented him with an elegant and costly SILVER PITCHER,-a beautiful gold pencil and some valuable books,-the value of all exceeding $100. The presentation and acceptance of the articles were accompanied with very appropriate and interesting remarks, and the counterances and moistened eyes of many indicated that the occasion was not one of mere ceremony. An ob server could not fail to see that many a young heart was deeply pained at the thought of parting with him, who, for so long a period had been their teacher and friend. Mr. Page leaves our county with the best wishes of all who knew him, and with proper encouragement and facilities he will meet every reasonable expectation of the friends of education within the sphere of his future influence. PHYSICAL EDUCATION, BY 8. S. RANDALL, MAN has a three-fold nature-physical, intellectual and moral and it is the due development, proper cultivation and judicious direction of his whole nature, which constitutes education. The connection between the mind and body is, in this life, indissoluble-the former cannot manifest itself independently of the lat. ter-and all its energies are dependent for their healthy and vigorous action, upon the healthy performance of those organic functions, which are necessary to physical well-being. If the body is diseased from whatever cause-the mind is weakened and rendered in a greater or less degree incapable of efficient and vigorous |