the annual election in November last.

To fulfill the requirements of the act, funds must be necessarily provided. The second section makes it the duty of the several Boards of Supervisors, at their annual meeting, to cause to be levied and collected in the several counties, a sum equal to the State moneys appropriated to such counties, and to apportion the same among the towus, &c. And it is also made their duty to cause to be levied and collected from each town, a sum equal to the amount of the State school moneys appropriated to said towns respectively.

opinion upon the second and succeeding sections of cal change in previously existing systems-embarrassthe act entitled "An act establishing Free Schools ments growing out of the necessary imperfection of throughout the State" (chap. 140, Laws of 1849). The seventh section of the act peremptorily directs that human legislation, and that inability to foresee those free and gratuitous education be given to each pupil numerous contingencies which experience only can in the common public schools of the State. The act bring to light. Thus far, however, we see no cause took effect immediately after the electors so decided at for discouragement or alarm. In all those counties— some twenty-five or thirty-where the additional amount of public money required by the new law has been raised by the Board of Supervisors, the system is already in full and beneficial operation. In the remaining counties, where the annual sessions of the board were concluded before the act took effect as a law, considerable opposition has been manifested, owing to the necessity of imposing a heavy additional It is impossible to comply with these provisions, in those counties where the supervisors held their annual amount of taxation on the districts to meet the defimeetings before the annual election in November, in ciency of funds arising from the inability of the Board time to meet the present exigencies. The third sec-of Supervisors to act. tion provides that the Trustees of each district shall, ding for the expenses of the terms commencing preThe necessity, also, of proviprior to the annual district meeting, prepare an esti mate of the amount necessary to be raised for the enviously to the time when the new law took effect, in suing year, exclusive of the public school moneys, and addition to those hereafter to be contracted for, adds exclusive of the moneys required by law to be raised in many instances, to the pecuniary difficulties to be by the counties and towns, and the income of local funds; which estimated sum, or so much thereof as surmounted. The powers, duties and liabilities of shall be approved of by the voters of the district at trustees under the various provisions of the new lawsuch annual meeting, shall be levied and raised by a the qualifications of voters at district meetings-the tax on the district. And by the sixth section, if the voters, at their annual meeting, shall neglect or refuse effect of the new provisions upon former enactments to raise by tax a sum requisite to support their district still remaining on the statute book-and the extent to school for at least four months in the year, it is ren- which the latter are virtually repealed by the former dered the duty of the Trustees to provide the school and employ a teacher four months, the expense of as inconsistent and incompatible-these and numerous which shall be levied and collected as provided in the other important and difficult questions are daily subthird section. It appears to me to have been the evi-mitted to the Department for its solution and advicedent intention of the Legislature that funds should be provided in any event. der the tntra section, being to raise the necessary prahatory legislative action is in many quarters insisted amount exclusive of the public moneys, and the mo- upon, to enable the inhabitants and officers of the neys to be raised by law upon the counties and towns, several districts to carry out the system in accordance it seems to follow, as a necessary consequence, that in such contingencies as the one under consideration with the views of its framers, and of the people by when no moneys are to be (cannot be) raised on the whom it has been sanctioned. towns and counties, there are none such to be excluded We have given in another column, such of the decifrom the estimate, and that the estimate must be increased accordingly, and made broad enough to cover sions and expositions of the Department under the the required amount. I am accordingly of opinion new law, as may serve to remove some of the difficul that the omission of the Board of Supervisors of of the counties of this State to raise the amount addi- ties and embarrassments to which we have adverted— tional to the public school moneys, as required by the decisions and expositions made with great deliberation second section of the act, by reason of their annual-upon a careful examination of the various provisions meeting having passed by at the time when the act went into effect, does not preclude the Trustees and inhabitants from proceeding to raise snch sum as may be required (in addition to the public school moneys) to fulfil the objects contemplated by the statute.

Very respectfully,

any

Your obedient serv't,
AMBROSE L. JORDAN.

District School Journal.

ALBANY, FEBRUARY, 1850.

The Free School Law.

of both the new act and the former law-and generally after full and free consultation with both the late and present Attorney-General, and in accordance with their views. It may reasonably, therefore, be presumed that school district officers will be safe in acting under these opinions, and that, in case of necessity, they will be sustained by the legal tribunals.

With reference to the necessity, probability, or expediency of further legislative enactments, declaratory or otherwise, at the present session, we concur generally in the views set forth in the annual report of the Still Superintendent, in another portion of our paper. The practical organization of the new system, we conceive that too much stress ought not to be laid throughout the several counties, towns and school dis-upon the recent heavy vote of the people, adopting the tricts of the state, is, at this time, the subject of very general interest. There are numerous and formidable embarrassments to contend with, in every directionembarrassments unavoidably incidental to every radi

new law. The primary object and intention of the voters was, unquestionably, to establish, beyond the reach of all future doubt and question, the great and fundamental principle of FREE SCHOOLS. On this

most aceptable to the wishes and views of our fellow citizens generally: and we confidently count upon the co-operation of the enlightened friends of education throughout the State, in securing this desirable result.

Agents and Pedlers Wanted.

SCHOOL LIBRARY BOOKS. The subscribers have now on hand the largest and most desirable District Library books to be found in the United States. We having given that particular attention to that branch of the book trade, and are now ready to supply, on the most liberal terms, Agents, Pedlars, Colporteurs, and Booksellers, one hundred different kinds of Library Books, Many new works, and mostly bound in leather. The following are some of the new works just ready.

The Life of John Quincy Adams, sixth President of the Uniled States, by Hon. Wm. H. Seward, U. S. S., with a portrait on steel, 12mo.

18,000 copies of this popular work have been sold by agents, in the short space of six months.

The Life of John Adams, Second President of the United States, by John Mather Austin, uniform with J. Q. Adams, (in preparation).

1 25

point there can be no controversy. The people either greatest good to the greatest number," and shall be meant this, or they meant nothing. But the details necessary to carry out this principle, were not, we apprehend, generally intended to be definitively passed upon. These were regarded as of inferior importance -subject to such modifications, alterations and additions as the legislature might from time to time, deem it expedient, in conformity with the general wishes and views of their constituents, to adopt. Doubtless a much wiser and more judicious mode of carrying into practical operation the prominent principle sanctioned by the voters at the polls, than that which is provided by the existing law, might easily be devised: and we trust the legislature will not consider its powers in this respect, materially restricted by the popular vote adopting the act as submitted. They may, we think, safely rely upon the intelligence and practical good sense of their constituents to sustain them in the adopThe American Fruit Culturist, containing directions for tion of such alterations and improvements as experi- the propogation and culture of Fruit Trees, in the nursery, orchard and garden, with deseriptions of the principal Ameence may suggest, and sound wisdom and policy dic-rican and foreign varieties, cultivated in the United States, with 300 engravings; by John J. Thomas, tate: always taking care to keep in view the imporHeadley's Women of the Bible, being historical and detant principle clearly and definitively decreed by the scriptive sketches of the Women of the Bible, as Maidens, people, that the schools shall be free to every child of the State. To contravene this principle in any mode, would be, in our judgment, little short of moral treason; it would be to stultify the great majority of our intelligent and respectable citizens: it would render us justly obnoxious to the sneers and reproaches of our fellow countrymen throughout the union; and put us back in the career of enlightened civilization, so far as to be beyond hope of recovery.

Lives of James Madison and James Monroe, by J. Q, Adams, with a History of their administrations, 12mo.,

Wives and Mothers; from Eve of the Old, to the Marys of
the New Testament; by the Rev. P. C. Headley, illustrated,
1 vol., uniform with" Headley's Sacred Mountains."
The Young Men of the Bible, by the same author, same
style, nearly ready.

The Lives of Mary and Martha, Mother and Wife of Washington, by Margaret C. Conkling, with a steel portrait, 18mo., scarlet cloth,

The Life of the Empress Josephine, first wife of Napolean, by the same author, nearly ready,

Indian Captives, or Life in the Wigwam, being true nardians from the frontier settlements of the U. S., from the ratives of Captives who have been carried away by the Inearliest period to the present time; by Samuel G. Drake, 12mo,,

Alcott's Familiar Letters to Young Men, on various subjects, 12mo., • were remulates on Women's Mission, uniform The Life of Gen. Zachary Taylor, twelfth President of the United States; brought down to his inauguration. Steel

portrait, emo.,

18.000 of the above have been sold by us.

from George Clinton to Hamilton Fish, with a history of their
The Lives of the Governors of the State of New York,
kins, nearly ready,
administrations, illustrated with portraits; by John S. Jen-

The Generals of the Last War with Great Britain, with portraits of Generals Brown, Macomb, Scott, Jackson, Har

gers in Heathen Lands, dedicated to Dr. Judson, 8 engravThe Missionary Offering, a Memorial of Christ's Messen

ings, 12mo

tion of the FREE SCHOOL PRINCIPLE in all its
fulness and integrity, but at the same time in favor of
such modifications of the existing system, as shall di-
vest it of all its obnoxious or impracticable features.
Hasty and inconsiderate legislation, in this important
department, is, of course, to be deprecated, and if
possible, avoided. Ample time should be given forrison, and Gaines, 12mo, by John S. Jenkins,
the development of existing defects: different views.
and suggestions for improvement should be carefully
collected and compared; neither the legislature nor
the people should impatiently or unreflectingly rush
forward in the work of reform: and whatever is done
in this direction, should be carefully and deliberately
matured, systematized and simplified, in order, if pos-paid.
sible, to avoid the necessity of future action, and to
place our entire system of public instruction upon a
permanent and satisfactory basis.

We shall take an opportunity again to recur to this subject in our next number; and to present such views for the consideration of the legislature and the people, as a somewhat extended survey of our educational interests, and of the practical working of the existing system, may dictate. Meantime it may be well to add that, aside from the recognition of the fundamental principle of the universal and Free Education of the youth of the State, we are committed to no theory, and wedded to no peculiar views. We desire only that such provision shall be made, as shall secure "the

The New Clerk's Assistant, or Every Man his own Lawyer; a book of Practical Forms, containing numerous precedents und forms for ordinary business transactions, with

New Constitution; by J. S. Jenkins, 3d edition, revised,
large octavo, law sheep.

125

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and surest law guide for every man.
Nearly 12,000 copies of the above work has been sold-it is highly
recommended by our Appeal and Supreme Judges, as the safest

For terms and further particulars. address the subscribers, post
DERBY, MILLER & CO.,
Publishers and Wholesale Booksellers, Auburn, N. Y.

THE NORMAL SERIES. By John Russell Webb.

T

Webb's Primary Lessons.
Webb's Reader, No. 1.
Webb's Reader, No. 2.

Webb's Reader, No 3 (in press).
Webb's Reader. No. 4 in preparation).

The author of this series is a practical teacher, and has prepared these works with special reference to practical utility..

is the great object of education), requires discipline of mind, and
Believing that to become a close and systematic thinker (which
[struction, which, from the first, gradually calls into exercise its
that this disciple can be most readily obtained by a system of in-
reference to the accomplishment of this object.
various powers. The Lessons have been prepared with special

There is nothing introduced from first to last, which the child
amuses and instructs the child, and is one which he can talk and
cannot fully and readily comprehend. The very first lesson
tional ideas.
think about, and from which he obtains simple, distinct, and ra-

practical (and in this its novelty consists), and has already become The system developed in this series is novel, but pre-eminently

teaching children the elements of reading, than any other reading VA

Smith's Geography and Atlas.

Smith's Abridged Astronomy, with plates.

Tower's First Reader, (or Gradual Primer.) half bound.

Tower's Second Reader, (or Introduction to Gradual Reader.)
Tower's Intermediate Reader.

Tower's Third Reader, (or Graduate Reader.)

Tower's Fourth, (or North American Second Class Book.)
Tower's Fifth, (or North American First Class Book.)
Tower's Gradual Speller.

Tower's Gradual Lessons in English Grammar.
Tower's Intellectual Algebra and Key, Ismo.

Gurnsey's History of the United States of America.-Designed for schools: extending from the discovery of America by Columbus to the present time; with numerous Maps and Engravings, together with a notice of American Antiquities and the Indian tribes. By Egbert Guernsey, A M. In preparing this work no expense or pains have been spared to make it worthy the patronage of all.-Colored Maps of the French, English, Dutch, Swedish and Spanish possessions or claims in the United States, in 1665; of Aboriginal America, and of Mexico; with plans of Battles, Maps of Cities, &c, &c., are interspersed throughout the work. Appropriate questions and notes on the margin, with an historical chart, arranged on the best chronology. Two introductory chapters are introduced, containing an account of American antiquities and a History of the Indian tribes. In colonial history no impor

cannot fail to contribute greatly to their improvement in a branch THE SUBSCRIBERS would call the attention of School Teachof education which has been too much neglected.

From Rev. Dr. Tappan, Augusta, Me.-The design of this book is one of high importance. So far as I can judge of its merits from that portion of it which I have had the opportunity of examining, I am prepared to recommend it as a valuable addition to American School Books From Rev. Emerson Davis, D D., Member of the Mass Board of Education. I have read with no small degree of interest the sheets of the Manual of Morals, and cheerfully recommend it to School Committees and Teachers It inculcates a system of sound morality, based on the Bible, and contains nothing sectarian. Such a book is great desideratum, and I hope it may be introduced into all From Rev. Sylvester Judd.-I cordially recommend this Manual to the attention of the public. The want of such a text book is seriously felt, and the work before us seems admirably adapted to meet that want. From Rev. Jonas Burnham, Principal of the Female Academy, Augusta, Me.-This is an excellent work, and it appeared at the right time. We have good books on most subjects essential to education, but have felt great inconvenience from want of one on morals, well adapted to interest and instruct the majority of the This work is prepar pupils in our academies and public schools.

our schools.

ed with that design, and is admirably fitted to its object. I shall
immediately adopt it. Just published by
July 16

VALUABLE SCHOOL BOOKS.

THOMPSON, Philadelphia, and for sale by the Booksellers of the City and State of New-York:

For Young
The North American Arithmetic.-Part First.
Learners. By Frederick Emerson, late Principal in the Depart
ment of Arithmetic, Boylston School, Boston.

The North American Arithmetic. Part Second. Uniting Oral and Written exercises in corresponding chapters. By Frederick Emerson. The Key to the North American Arithmetics, by Fre

derick Emerson.

By
The Fourth Class Reader, or Lessons for Little Readers
B. D. Emerson, late Principal of the Adams Grammar School,

Boston.

ers to the following publications: GUMMERE'S SURVEYING.-A Treatise on Surveying, containing the Theory and Practise; to which is prefixed a perspicuous system of Plane Trigonometry. The whole clearly demonstrated and illustrated by a large number of appropriate examples, particularly adapted to the use of schools. By John Gummere. A. M. This is the Standard Treatise on this science now in use in this country; and as a clear, practical exposition, is unequalled by any other work on the subject

GRAECA MAJORA.-2 vols., 8 vo. This work is particularly recommended to the higher Greek classes, as it is the only medium through which extracts from the principal Greek authors can be obtained. The first volume is devoted to Prose, the second to Verse. The following is a list of some of the authors. from whose works copious extracts are given:-Herodotus, Thucydides, Xenophon, Lysias, Isocrates, Demosthenes, Plato, Aristotle. Dionysius, Halicarnassus, Longinus, Theophrastus, Polyænus, Elianus, Polybio, Homer, Hesiod, Appollonius of Rhodes, Sophocles. Euripides, Theocritus, Bion, Moschus, &c., &c. Also a míscellaneous collection of Hymns, Odes, Pæans, &c. This work thus contains within itself a library of Greek Literature, furnished at a small cost, which otherwise can hardly be obtained at all. URIAH HUNT & SON, Philadelphia.

JOHN P. JEWETT.LESICAL GEOGRAPHY, by MARY SOMERVILLE, Author of & BLANCHARD, Philadelphia, publish this day, PHYSecond The connection of the Physical Sciences," &c.. &c. Published by HOGAN & American Edition. From the Second and Revised London Edition. With American Notes, Glossary. & c. In one neat royal 12mo. Volume, extra cloth, of over 500 pages. The great success of this work, and its introduction into many of the higher Schools and Academies, have induced the Publishers to prepare a new and much improved edition. In addition to the corrections and improvements of the author, bestowed on the work in its passage through the press, a second time in London, notes have been introduced to adapt it more fully to the Physical Geography of this country; and a comprehensive glossary has been added, rendering The the volume more particularly suited to educational purposes amount of these additions may be underatood from the fact, that not only has the size of the page been increased, but the volume At the same itself enlarged by over one hundred and fifty pages. time, we are anxious to recommend to our youth the enlarged method of studying geography, which her present work demonstrates to be as captivating as it is instructive. Nowhere, except in her owo previous work, The Connexion of the Physical Sciences, is store of well selected information, so there to be found so large lucidly set forth. In surveying and grouping together whatever has been seen by the eyes of others, or detected by their laborious. We have no obinvestigations, she is not surpassed by any one. scurities other than what the imperfect state of science itself involves her in: no dissertations which are felt to interrupt or delay. She strings her beads distinct and close together. With quiet percaptivating in her subject. Therefore it is we are for the book; and we hold such presents as Mrs. Somerville has bestowed upon the public, to be of incalculable value, disseminating more sound information than all the literary and scientific institutions will accomplish in a whole cycle of their existence.-Blackwood's Ma gazine.

The Third Class Reader, for the Younger Classes in Schools.
By B. D. Emerson.
The Second Class Reader, for the Middle Classes in Schools.
By B. D. Emerson.

The First Class Reader. For the use of the Advanced Classes in Schools. By B. D. Emerson.

Russell's History of Greece and Rome.-The publishers beg leave to call the attention of Teachers and School Committees to the above series of School Books. Emerson's Arithmetics are now used and highly approved of by a large number of the public and private schools of the country. Emerson's Class Readers are widely known for the chasteness and appropriateness of the

But the nean and neart of the learner.

BROWN'S GRAMMAR. THE FIRST SERIES and the Insti tutes of English Grammar, by GOOLD BROWN, have been seve ral years before the public, and have been adopted as the Text Books in this department of learning, in many of the Academies, District and Normal Schools, throughout the country.

Although several new Grammars have been published within a few years, and much effort made to introduce them to public favor, yet. from the increased demand for Brown's works, the publishers confidently believe, that practical Teachers still regard them as the best yet published.

Teachers and literary gentlemen in various parts of the Union, have given strong recommendations in favor of these Grammars, among which are the following:

Goold Brown's Grammar is the most scientific and decidedly popular Grammar of the English Language now extant. It has been recommended by several County Superintendents, and adopted by a majority of the Common Schools."-Rochester Evg Post.

"This is a work which has stood the test of many years' expe rience in some of the best institutions in the country."-Albany Evening Journal.

"A work that is so highly recommended by Emerson, Griscom, Col. Stone, and such an array of Deputy Superintendents, must possess superior merit. Having examined the work ourselves, we are satisfied of its superiority, and 'give our voice for its introduction into our schools."- Oswego Palledium.

"A work perhaps the very best of its kind. and of which the accuracy is far more than usual."-Edgar A. Poe.

"I do not hesitate to pronounce them the very best treatises that
have fallen under my observation, in simplicity and perspicuity of
style, systematic and philosophical arrangement, I think Mr.
Brown admirably excels."
CHARLES EDWARDS.
Instructor of North School for Boys, Marblehead, Ms.
These books are published by

SAMUEL S. & WILLIAM WOOD,
261 Pearl-street, New-York.
And for sale by the Booksellers generally throughout the United
States.

BURNHAM, BE and Count, an
URNHAM BROTHERS, Antique, Modern, and Foreigh Cheap

ing an immense collection of nearly Two Hundred Thousand
Volumes of rare, scarce, and valuable Books, in all the various
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While reading this work we could not help thinking how interesting, as well as useful, geography as a branch of education might be made in our Schools. In many of them, however, this is not accomplished. It is to be hoped that this defect will be remedied and that in all our educational institutions geography will soon be taught in the proper way. Mrs. Somerville's work may, in this respect, be pointed to as a model.-Tait's Edinburgh Magazine.

Stationers. No. 216 Pearl street. [New-York, solicit the atten UNTINGTON & SAVAGE, Publishers, Booksellers, and tion of Sohool Committees. Superintendents, Principals of Academies, High Schools, and teachers generally, to the following TEXT BOOKS, embracing some of the best and most reliable in the United States

and corrections as new discoveries in science and the improved Several of them have been recently revised, with such additions standard of instruction demands.

Mattison's Astronomical Maps. 16 in number, each 3 by 3 feet, put up on rollers, and in a neat case. These Maps illustrate the mechanism and phenomena of the Heavens, as clearly as the Geographical Map does the surface and condition of the Earth. Mattison's Elementary Astronomy, illustrated, by the above sixteen maps transferred to its pages in minature form, in the finest wood engravings. The text is a simple, clear, and full description of the maps, adapting the science to the comprehension of the child twelve years of age, and yet containing enough of mathematical elements to be fitted for Collegiate classes to precede the study of higher works.

Burritt's Geography of the Heavens.-A revised edition, nearly ready, in which, while the work remains substantially as it was left by the author, both book and atlas have been thoroughly revised, and all errors corrected, which were chiefly those arising from new discoveries, and new classifications in the science. All new facts and discoveries have been added.

Mitchel's Burritt's Geography of the Heavens, with a new starchart. Prof. O M. MITCHEL, the Director of the Cincinatti Observatory, has for several years past been co-operating with the leading Astronomers and Observatories of Europe, in exploring and classifying the objects of the Stellar Heavens. This edition contains all these results. He has added notes throughout, giving directions for the use of the telescope, the locality and time

Rev. HUBBARD WINSLOW, of Boston, Principal of the Young La-
dies' Select School, Bowdoin Place, says, he gives it the decided
preference over any other he has used; he says further, that no
teacher will use it without feeling grateful to its author for doing
se valuable a service for all who desire kundedigendi o
school.
Professor DE LAPLACE, says he has introduced it with great suc
cess, and that it combines many advantages over MANESCA and
others; and he heartily recommends it to teachers of French
throughout the United States.

It is also strongly recommended by the Principals of a large num-
ber of the first Academies in the United States.

Just Published-Pinney's Progressive French Reader, suited to the gradual advancement of learners generally, with Notes and Lexicon, especially adapted to the Practical French Teacher, and forming in all, the most valuable series to be found in this branch.

Professor PINNEY is a very thorough English scholar, and had
tested the plan, and most of these lessons, for several years be-
fore it was published, in his own classes.

Also Just Published-The Normal Readers, in Four Parts: Nos
1 and 2 are now ready-3 and 4 in progress. By J Russell Webb
These Readers are upon the principle so much advocated by the
Hon. Horace Mann, fate the distinguished Secretary of the Board
of Education for Massachusetts. They are adapted to both
schools and families. Already, in several instances, in their use
in private instruction, the interest felt on the part of the child,
and its progress, have been unprecedented.

Jones' System of Penmanship, in 8 Nos -an admirable series for
teaching.

Youth Song Book, by I B WOODBURY; containing 100 most sterling melodies, for schools or families, arranged for one, two,

The American Musical Review, by I. B. WOODBURY. and issued quarterly, from Jan. 1. 1850: a quarto work, of 16 pages, and each number to contain 8 pages of new sterling sacred and ballad music. The reading matter to be devoted to the elevation of church music, and to musical news, American and Foreigntwo pages of literary news. Terms-50 cents per annum, in POLAR SCHOOL BOOKS. - NEW ELOCUTIONARY

[EW SACRED MUSIC BOOK, entitled THE BAY STATE

NE COLLECTION, with special exercises and adaptations to clear explanation of principles, with rules for each element of oral

By A N JOHNSON, Organist singing schools and choir practice. at Park street church. Boston; JOSIAH OSGOOD, Organist at Winnissimet church, Chelsea; and SUMNER HIL, Organist at Old South Church, Boston One of the most complete collections of Sacred Music ever published, suited to the wants of all christian denominations, and to the various occasions of public, congregational and social worship. Published by WILKINS, CARTER & Co, The work contains a Boston; and for sale by all Booksellers large amount of music, embracing a great variety of Psalm and