DISTRICT SCHOOL JOURNAL. created, which will secure a high degree of intelli

SYRACUSE, DECEMBER 1, 1848.

WINTER SCHOOLS.

It is impossible to estimate the importance of winter schools. The few months of winter, with perhaps one in the fall and another in the spring, constitute the whole scholastic year for thousands of youth. The industrial pursuits of life, in a country so new and so filled with competition as this, occupy the time of children at an early age. In agricultural districts, the main reliance for educational privileges is upon the winter schools. How important, then, that the best instruction and most ample appliances be provided for the improvement of those golden hours!

gence.

But how general the indifference of families in re ! gard to the improvement of these fleeting moments How many there are, after the cares of the evening have been met, who make no effort to have their children study their lesson or read a library book! The wasted hours, more valuable than India's riches, treasures, are lost because parents neglect their duty • With proper attention to the intellectual and moral culture of children and youth at home, the short winter sessions may be made doubly valuable to the thousands who have no other school privileges. How delightful for the family circle to engage in systematic efforts for the education of their children during the long evenings of winter! Let the table be spread The winter session of nearly ten thousand Common with books, slates and other means of culture and Schools in this State has been commenced, and the surrounded by the happy group, and we have no fears large army of teachers, in whose charge they have of finding a dull and disinterested member of that been placed, are now exerting an influence to be family in the school room. Give the teacher a faithmeasured only by generations. There is a fearful re-ful co-operation at home, and encourage him by fresponsibility connected with a winter school-aresponsibility that must be shared by school officers, parents, teachers and pupils, in order to be fully met. Apathy has too long been the great impediment to an efficient management of our schools, and therefore we improve this opportunity of urging all to discharge their whole duty at the commencement of the winter session. If school officers have been faithful, none but competent teachers are employed, and the schoolhouse, furniture and educational appliances, have been placed in as good condition as the finances of the district will admit. These are but the preparatory measures for a good school, and will be of little avail, unless other duties be promptly and faithfully discharg

ed. In view of these considerations we appeal

TO PARENTS.

quent visits to his school, and you will have accom plished more for your children, in the short winter school, than they would have acquired in a whole year, when neglected at home and disinterested in their studies, as they must necessarily be when parents manifest no anxiety for their improvement. Such a course would be a sure preventive of these idle habits, that neglect of the mind and heart which de

stroys self-respect and gives a cypher or something worse to society in the person of a child when grown to manhood. There is a moral force in the co-operation of parents with the teachers of their school, as powerful in elevating the character of children as it

is important. With it the progress of children will be much more rapid and thorough, and the school will be pleasant to both teacher and pupils.

TEACHERS.

It is not enough that you attend the school meeting The great importance of rightly employing the time and select agents to transact the business of the Dis- of those depending mainly upon the winter schools trict, that you meet your share of the expenses of the for their educational privileges, imposes great res school, and send your children to it. You are the re-ponsibility upon sponsible educators, and are under the most imperious obligations to society, to your children and your To guide the mind in the pursuit of knowledge God, to give your faithful attention to this subject under the most favorable circumstances, is truly a You should know that your teacher possesses the requi-high trust. You are made co-workers in the business site qualifications to guide the unfolding intellect, and of education with parents, and participate with them mould the character of your children. These quali- in the trials and the joys of moulding the intellect, giv fications cannot be obtained without compensation, ing character to the temper, and forming the habits of and therefore you should not be parsimonious in managing the business of the district.

One of your first Cuties, after furnishing the text books and other aids to knowledge, is to visit the School. You can feel but little interest in the school, and know but little about the progress your child. ren are making, without frequent visits to the -school room. You can also do much at home by your counsel. The leisure moments should be improved, and the social circle made a counter-part to the school. In this manner a taste for reading and study will be

those who are to represent your work in the pursuits of life. Every effort in your profession is to be re viewed by your pupils when they arrive at maturity, and you are to be judged by those who watch every influence with the most exact fidelity. Who of us can look back upon the days of youth, without feelings of respect and gratitude for the faithful and devoted teacher, or sorrow for the hours wasted in a badly managed school?

The office of the Teacher is always a responsible one. He owes much to the parent who commits his

child to his care, to the country for which he is edu- employ the best measures. He must, to some extent, cating a citizen, and to the child whose character and be original in his system of governing and teaching; sources of happiness are in his hand. The more yet careful to adhere to sound educational principles. limited his means for giving the pupil the power to That which would be successful in the hands of one acquire the elements of success in life and the ability may prove the cause of another's failure. This is a for self culture, the greater are his obligations to em- peculiarity of mind acting upon mind, which makes ploy them to the best advantage. In view of such the teacher's duty both arduous and difficult. Could responsibility, with care should he enter upon the a school be taught as a factory is run, and every induties of a winter school. Many of his pupils have fluence in the work of education be guided by laws been so much occupied with physical labor and have as fixed and invariable as those of motion, there would so long neglected to employ their mental powers, as be no necessity for urging teachers to form elevated to make it extremely difficult to secure proper appli- views of their calling. cation in the school room, or awaken a taste for read- But we are admonished that we are trespassing too ing as opportunity shall present itself. This, however, far on the attention of our readers; and therefore we must be accomplished, or attainment in the usual again appeal to teachers tosee that not one moment branches of study will be worthless. The power of of the winter school be lost in useless toil or idleness concentrating the faculties of the mind, and the habit either on your part or that of your pupils. An hour of investigation, patient, are the first requisites in lost can never be recalled. When it passes, it goes the acquisition of knowledge. The boy who can and forever, and its privileges are beyond our reach.— will apply himself for the purpose of gaining knowl-Then be true to yourselves and your pupils, and you edge, has nearly overcome his difficulties. As he will be free from regrets in afterlife. progresses, that which was laborious and wearisome at the commencement, becomes pleasant and agreeable. He then has the key with which he will unlock the vast treasures of knowledge. Give him this while teaching him the various branches of study and you will have an earnest of his future career in the improvements of each succeeding day. Wake up the powers of his mind, and let not one slumber ing energy dampen the ardor or check the rising in terest of your pupils, and each successive lesson is but the indication of that progress which surmounts every obstacle but death. All this can be done in the winter school.

How many of those under your care are now enjoying their last school privileges? How much is to be done for them before they are able to direct their own mental action? With what studied care should the Teacher watch for every opportunity to strengthen this self-discipline in his pupils! The winter school indeed a place for labor, and the teacher who dis charges his whole duty, who creates a fondness for study while imparting instruction, will find his reward in the rich gratitude of his pupils.

EDUCATION OF IDIOTS.

"Now, thanks to the progress of science, idiot children receive a kind of education which develops, at least the atom of imperfect intelligence with which they are sometimes endowed. We have a school here, directed with as much perseverance as enlightened patience, which already offers the most sat isfactory results; by a very ingenious method, the mental and physical faculties are exercised, at the same time, and many have been taught the alphabet, ceeded in teaching them to sing in chorus; and I asfigures, and to distinguish colors; they have also sucsure you, that there is a kind of strange charm at once sad and touching, in hearing their plaintive wandering voices raised towards Heaven in a chant, of which almost all the words, although in French, are to them unknown."-Mysteries of Paris, p. 8, ch 28.

This subject should awaken the most intense interest among our statesmen and friends of education. The least spark of intelligence ought not to be extin guished for want of nutriment. It should be the aim of government to provide liberally for this unfortunate class, and give them all the education of which they are susceptible.

We hope the attention of the legislature of this state *Our winter schools should be wisely managed. will be directed to this subject, and that measures The arrangements should be made with reference to will be adopted at the approaching session for such economizing time, and employing labor to the great-investigation and experiments as shall clearly demonest advantage. The teacher should aim to do all hestrate what provisions should be made for this long can for his pupils, to do it well, and above all to make neglected and miserable class of citizens. No one can them accomplish the utmost of their ability. Not a doubt that government should aim to elevate all classes moment should be lost for want of care in securing of its subjects, and decrease the amount of human sufthe proper temperature, necessary ventilation, and fering. This principle is recognized in the Eleemosy good order in the school room. All the small matters nary Institutions which have already been established should be in the most ample order, so that each mo- and are supported by the state; and as there is neither ment of both teacher and pupil may be turned to the justice nor wisdom in making beneficiaries class of the unfortunate to the exclusion of another, we see no reason why idiot children should be ne

best account.

No one can give specific rules for the regulation of school duties. Any person qualified to be entrusted

of one

with a school, will be quick to discern and glected if they are susceptible of educational improve

to ment.

EDITOR'S TABLE.

of fourteen are mastering simple sentences without much trouble.

There is more difficulty in teaching the elements of arith

Wanted three complete sets of the volumes of the District School Journal from its commencement. And person hav-metic than any other brance of study. Their limited acquainting them, bound or in numbers, and wishing to dispose of them, will cenfer a favor by communicating the fact to the editor.

ONONDAGA INDAN SCHOOL.

In the winter of 1846 a few individuals called a public meeting in Syracuse to adopt measures for establishing a school among the Onondaga Indians. The subject was referred to the Legislature, in the form of a petition asking for a small appropriation to erect a school house, and for the support of a teacher. The Legislature not only granted the prayer of the petitioners, but extended the grant to the other Indian settlements in the state.

ance with the English language, want of application and a taste for reconing is uniform and greatly impedes their progress. There is a class, however, of seven or eight engaged upon this study, yet without evincing much capacity for mathematics. Our observation has led us to the belief that as they become acquainted with the English language, they will evince more aptness for arithmetic. 4

Geography was introduced last June, and with marked success. The children, as well as those parents who occa sionally visit the school, manifest great interest in this study. They seem to comprehend the design of maps with great facility, and are much pleased in acquiring knowledge of our own country..

any c other animal.

A school house was erected the following summer on the In penmanship and drawing they manifest a peculiar aptOnondaga, Cattaraugus and St. Regis Reservations, and ness, as well as great originality. In drawing they are not schools commenced in them for the instruction of Indian mere copyists, but invariably characterize every thing with children. At Onondaga the school has been continued withan Indian's idea of what it should be. For instance, in drawout interuption, and with the most gratifying results. Ating a horse, they give him the indicia of fleetness, and so of first the enterprize was regarded with suspicion and distrust by a large portion of the Indians, especially those denominated the Pagan party. Having long experienced all the vices with but few, if any, of the blessings of civilization they feared there was evil in this "new move" of the 'white man." They had been taught by the policy of the past, that government preferred their banishment to the rocky moun tains to their improvement, and hence they were slow to accept the only boon the white man can offer for past injuries; but the decendants of the Iroquois have experienced great social as well as political changes, by which they evince ample capacity for education.

We have been much pleased with Mr. Ingall's method of teaching vocal music, and were much surprised to find somuch aptitude among his pupils. They excel in this delightful branch of education, and many of them have remarkably sweet voices. The influence of music cannot fail of being powerful in arousing their dormant energies, and creating a desire for improvement that must secure the highest success to the school.

Mr. and Mrs. Ingalls have given considerable attention to the industrial wants of the Onondagas. The Indians are naturally indolent, and therefore need to acquire habits of industry. As these are formed, with proper instruction in regard to the arts of civilized life, they will improve their social condition, and with the blessings of education, they will become a prosperous and happy people.

The summer term of the school, which commenced in May, has abundantly proven the wisdom of the policy that seeks their improvement in knowledge and their elevation to the true dignity of citizens. The services of Rev. ROSMAN INGALLS, for several years a devoted and faithful missionary During the past summer an elegant church has been erect at Onondaga and Oneida, were secured. His knowledge ed near the school house. It is neatly painted, and of amof Indian character gave him advantages in the manage- ple dimensions to accommodate 300 individuals. With the ment of the school which were of the utmost importance.-means of education and the influence of religion already The great impediment has been irregularity in attendance secured to them, may we not hope that the once proud and and want of application-two evils that must be overcome, and only by the greatest perseverance and prudence on the part of the teacher. He has, however, so far succeeded as to secure the regular daily attendance of about twenty-five. The record shows that an average of sixty-one have attend

ed 108 days during the term, and that the average monthly attendance is forty. If all upon the roll could be induced to attend the school regularly, the main difficulty would soon be overcome; yet the improvement in this respect is so evident that we may reasonably hope for a model school in regard to attendance.

The want of clothing is the cause of this irregularity. If the teacher were in possession of means to supply their wants, in part, as to clothing and food, this cause of complaint would be removed.

Notwithstanding the irregularity to which we have alluded, a large proportion of the children are making excellent proficiency in reading and spelling; and several have made quite respectable attainments in arithmetic, geography, pen manship, drawing and vocal music. One class of twelve have passed through two, and are now in the third of a se "ries of reading books, and are able to read with facility.Another class of sizare upon the second reader, and another

powerful Onondagas, the first nation among the Iroquois, will attain great excellence in their social condition.

›FINE ARTS IN AMERICA.

The progress of the fine arts in this country is a question of universal interest, and affects alike the character of our nation and the social improvement of its citizens. Every thing that contributes to the growth and perfection of art should be encouraged as among the most efficient means of elevating the public taste. In old and wealthy countries, ar. tists find encouragement either from the opulent in society or by appropriations from the government. While such support encourages art, it circumscribes its mfluence so as to benefit the wealthy alone; but in this country, we have no princely fortnnes nor aristocratic legislative influences to promote, and at the same time to appropriate the advantages of science and art. Here they are dependant upon the masses for support, and among them they disseminate their advantages.

To meet this exigency the American Art Union was formed. Its principles of organization accord with the spirit of our institutions, and give a powerful stimulus to art. It is incorporated, and managed by gentlemen who are chosen

annually by the members, and who receive no compensation for their services. The object is truly a national one, and unites the public good with private gratification at but small individual expense. The plan of organization makes every subscriber of five dollars a member for one year, and entitles him to all the privileges of the society.

Another Painting of great merit is entitled "Washington in the Indian Council," by J. B. Stearns, an artist of fine ge. nius. The Indian figures are portraits from the Ononda gas, among whom may be recognized several of their most prominent Chiefs, and those of lower rank, bearing the pe culiar names of John Smoke, Tonedoga, Jodocksate &c.

The money thus obtained, (after paying necessary expen- The indian character is most admirably represented by the ses,) is applied,

artist, while the subject of the painting is easily distinguish

FIRST.-To the production of a large and costly Originaled by the most casual observer. Engraving from an American painting, of which the plate and copyright belonging to the Institution and are used solely for its benefit.

We might detain the reader with several pages in briefly describing the fine galaxy of paintings which adorn the galle. ry of the Art Union; but we hasten on to the most interest Of this Engraving every member receives a copy for eve- ing part of the rich catalogue, which comprizes the celebra ry five dollars paid by him. ted series of imaginative landscapes called the "Voyage Members entitled to duplicates are at liberty to select from of Life," and universally admired as among the master the engravings of previous years. works of the lamented author. These four grand pictures, Whenever the funds justify it, an extra engraving or Work it is well known, are to be distributed this year as ONE PRIZE of Art is also furnished to every member. ONLY. No Art-Union in the world has ever so tempted its

Every member also receives a full Annual Report of the subscribers, and it will be long before an equal attraction proceedings, &c., of the Institution.

will be again found here. The artist received, we believe

SECOND.-To the purchase of Paintings and Sculpture by six thousand dollars for this series, from the original purchas native or resident artists.

These paintings and sculptures are publicly exhibited at the Gallery of the Art-Union till the annual meeting in December, when they are publicly distributed by lot among the members, each member having one share for every five dollars paid by him.

Each member is thus certain of receiving in return the value of five dollars paid, and may also receive a painting or other Work of Art of great value.

THIRD-The Institution keeps an office and free Picture Gallery, always open, well attended, and hung with fine paintings, at 497 Broadway. where the members in New York receive their engravings, paintings, &c., and where the business of the Institution is transacted.

The business of the Institution out of the city of New York is transacted by HONORARY SECRETARIES, who receive and remit subscriptions, and deliver to the members in their vicinity, the Reports, Engravings and Works of Art, after exhibiting them a few days-subject to which right they will be distributed.

This year, each member will be entitled to a copy of a large engraving, QUEEN MARY SIGNING THE DEATH WARRANT OF LADY JANE GREY, now being engraved in line by Burt, after Huntington; and, also, RIP VAN WINKLE, the celebra ted tale of Washington Irving.

er, the late samuel Ward. The pictures are on canvas of seventy eight by fifty-two inches, and, like all the Art-Union pictures, are richly framed. To say anything here of their merit. would be quite irrelevant. It is everywhere confess ed. The initial picture begins the "Voyage of Life," with the introduction of the traveler as a babe laughing on a bed of flowers in a golden boat, formed of figures emblematic of the Hours, and guided by an angel as it issues from the mouth of a dark cave and floats onward towards the banks of the stream, clothed in all the luxuriance and verdure of which joy and hope can dream.

In the second picture, the most beautiful one of the series the child has become a youth, and has taken the helm confidently in his own hand. The guardian angel gazes upon him from the shore, as he urges his bark hopefully onward through fairy and gladsome scenes, toward the gorgeous Temple of Fame, seen dimly in the far off vault of heaven. In the third picture, (manhood) his frail skiff is approaching the brink of a fearful ravine; his helm is lost, the tempest is around him, the confidence and hope of his youth are gone, and he gazes imploringly toward heaven as his only hope of salvation from the terrors impending over him. The angel is seen amidst the clouds, as she still watches over her despairing charge. In the fourth and last picture, (old age) the child, now a gray headed and bearded man, sits helpless in his shattered vessel as it floats upon the great ocean in which the stream of life is swallowed up. The guardian angel hovers over him and directs him toward the path of glory and immortality opening in the skies, where angels are seen ascending and descending the cloudy steps in a blaze of heavenly light.

This landscape of life is executed in a style worthy the design, and as the production of an American Artist reflects the highest honor upen our country. The name of Thomas Cole, by whom these paintings were executed, will ever adorn his profession and his memory will stimulate others, encouraged by this admirable society, to aim at the highest degree of excellence in painting.

The amount expended for painting this year, greatly exceeds that of any preceding year, and has brought together the finest collection of paintings, all executed by American Artists, ever witnessed in this country. They are now on exhibition at the room of the Society, and the throng of citizens who daily meet to study and admire these productions, afford ample evidence that they are highly appreciated by the public. The paintings are all numbered in the order in which they were purchased, and the subjects given in catalogues. The first on the list is entitled "The Mission of the Jews to Ferdinand and Isabella," by E. Leutze. The scene is laid at the moment when the negociation was suddenly interrupted by the Inquisitor General, Torquemada, who burst into the audience chamber, and drawing forth a Those who rightly appreciate the value of the fine arts in crucifix, held it up, exclaiming "Judas Iscariot sold his mas-giving tone to public sentiment aud elevating public morals, ter for thirty pieces of silver. Your high masses would sell him anew for thirty thousand; here it is, take him, and bar er him away." So saying, the frantic priests threw the crucifix on the table and left the apartment. It is taken from Prescott's Ferdinand and Isabella, Vo 2, page 137.

need not be advised to cultivate a taste for them in their families and the schools where their children are educated As a source of pleasure merely, the fine arts present strong claims upon parents and teachers, who would unite the means of happiness with the ability to be useful in their

system of education. On this account, we wish that the Gallery of the Art-Union could be visited by every school in the country.

umn including capital and base, is fifty-five feet high and six in diameter, leaving a space of fifteen feet between the col umns and the body of the building. At each end is a doorway or entrance, thirty-two feet high and sixteen wide. Each of these doors open into a vestibule, twenty-six feet wide and forty-eight feet long, the ceiling of which is supported by eight marble columns.

The main edifice is two hundred and eighteen feet long from north to south. one hundred and sixty from east to west, and ninety seven feet in height. The entire structure with the exception of the doors, is of the finest white marble. It is AMERICAN ARCHIVES -We learn from the National Insurrounded by thirty-four columns of the Corinthian order, elligencer, that Peter Force, Esq., has recently completed with beautiful capitals supporting an entablature. Each col Che seventh volume (or first of the fifth series) of his great work on the documentary history of the origin and progress of the North American Colonies, and of the Revolution and Constitution of the United States. The period embraced by his series extends from the Declaration of Independence to he definitive treaty of peace with Great Britain in 1783Fome two hundred copies have already been delivered to he Secretary of State, and the entire complement, consisting of 1.500 volumes, will be ready in the course of the presented two on each side of the main building, are each fifty-two. month. Of this whole number between eleven and twelve feet by one hundred and twenty, and two stories high. The undred will be distributed to the Governors and Legisla- cost of the whole was nearly two millions of dollars. It was ures of all the States in the Union, and aslo to all the col-built according to the provisions of Stephen Girard, a very ⇒ges, athenæums, and other prominent institutions of the wealthy banker, formerly residing in Philadelph:a, and i; and. The present volume, like all its predecessors, is hand |¡ntended for orphan children. omely printed on the best of paper, and not only occupies

The other four buildings connected with the college, situa,

RHODE ISLAND.-Teachers' Institutes are being introduce.

Another on the following Monday, the 29th, in Hopkinton and still another at Wonsocket, both to continue in session one week. The course of instruction, lectures. board and other expenses were free to all who propose to teach in the public schools of the state.

bout 900 folio pages, but is embellished with fac-similes of he Declaration of Independence, and other valuable docu-into Rhode Island. One was announced to commence or nents. Mr. Force, as many of our readers are aware, is the 20th ult,, and to continue in Session one week, at Wick ngaged upon this important national work by the author- ford. -y of Congress, and his labor has been limited to preparing wenty volumes. The materials for thirteen volumes remain o be collected and arranged; and it is the intention of the ditor to publish, if possible, one volume per annum unil is task shall have been accomplished. It may be, however, at he will complete the remaining volumes in ten years. Ir. Force has his antiquarian agents in all the older States the Union, and the amount of money he has to expend r copying the State records is very considerable. We have en, (says the National Intelligencer,) for example, one pile manuscripts (which was as much as a strong man could arry in his arms,) which cost the handsome little sum of ,000, and, in Mr. Force's antique library, we doubt not ere are manuscripts which would weigh one or two tons. he labor upon which Mr. Force is engaged, is very extenwe, and eminently valuable; and, when completed, will doubtedly stand unrivalled, in point of completeness, by y historical collection.

Should each State take the same course in regard to its cumentary History, our nation would present the most mplete record of Legislative events upon the globe.-ch works would assist the historian in snatching many Ceresting incidents from oblivion and greatly enrich that partment of American literature.

HISTORICAL SOCIETY.-The collection of books, pamphlets d newpapers which have been accumulated by this insti. ion, during forty years, are of immense value; and their ginal manuscripts number nearly 15,000, among which are = papers of Governors Golden, Jay and Clinton, Generals tes, Steuben, Stewart and Lord Stirling, the Records of Committee of Safety of New York during the Revolution, da vast number of others. The society is endeavoring procure means to build a fire-proof edifice in which to preve these valuable historical collections. They are truly inestimable value, and ought to be placed beyond the congeney of fire, for if they are lost the wealth of man conld replace them.

We hope the Association will be successful in their design Girard College, situated in the city of Philadelphia, is of the most splendid buildings of the kind in the world.

Institutes had been held at Newport and East Greenwich with the most enthusiastic approbation, as we would have inferred from such instructors as Mr. Russell in reading, Mr. Lowell Mason in vocal music, Professor Davies and Professor Thompson in arithmetic, Dr. Jarvis in physiology, Mr. S. S. Green in grammar and the analysis of language, Mr. Charles Anthon in composition, spelling and book-keeping, and Mr. S. Cornell in the use of globes. Lectures were given in the evening by these gentlemen, and by Mr. George B. Emerson and others. Upwards of 160 teachers attended the two in

stitutes.

BOOKS FOR CHILDREN.-A good book for a chi d is a rare thing. Children's books are at the present time sent out from a heedless and money-loving press in numbers, quantiies rather, (for no arithmetician possesses power to count them) that are appalling; and yet, out of this immense sup ply, how few are such books as we can conscientiously place in the hands of a child whom we love.

The season of interchanging presents has nearly arrived and hence the importance of bestowing some care upon the selection of gifts. An interesting and useful book is by far the best present for a child. It will prevent the loss of much time, and awaken a desire for knowledge. Were pa. rents to select good books, and such as are adapted to the capacity of their children, for holiday presents, much good would be accomplished.

The great passion for trinkets and useless play things of the present day, is certainly an evil of no small magnitude Many of them are very improper, and exert a most delete rious influence upon the taste. We assume that every thing educates, and that which does not awaken those emo tions which elevate the character, ought not to be presented to a child as a token of affection

Parents who would benefit their children, while gratifying them with holiday presents, should select appropriate books for them, instead of inviting them to idle habits by means of worthless "yankee notions"