THE INSTITUTE. A monthly publication devoted to the interests of our Public Schools, and embracing the Essays, Poems, Addresses, etc., read before the Teachers' Institute of San Francisco. September, 1866. San Francisco: Towne & Bacon. pp. 66.

We welcome this beautifully printed work to our table. The teachers of San Francisco therein demonstrate their literary ability, and manifest an energy which must win them laurels everywhere. The opening Poem, by Miss Satterlee, entitled "Our Work," is worthy of the leading place in any periodical. Mrs. Griffith's paper on " Common Sense and Common Schools," is a well written article that deserves a wide circulation. Miss Fowler's description of "The Teacher's Excursion" awakens regret that we were unable to join in the trip, while, at the same time giving us much of the pleasure and instruction that would have been received, had the Fates permitted us to go. The closing Address, by M. H. Myrick, Esq., on the Natural Scenery of the State, is an eloquent and suggestive statement of what may be seen by intelligent travelers in California, and closes with specially appropriate remarks on the educational facilities that are, and are to be afforded for our future citizens. On the whole, we think it will be difficult for any other meeting of the Institute to afford a richer repast for the people who are accustomed to frequent Lincoln Hall on the last Thursday of each month, to see what new thing the teachers of San Francisco are thinking of.

AN INTRODUCTORY LATIN BOOK, intended as an Elementary Drill Book, on the inflections and principles of the language, and as an Introduction to the author's Grammar, Reader, and Latin Composition. By Albert Harkness, Professor in Brown University. New York: D. Appleton & Co. San Francisco: H. H. Bancroft & Co.; A. Roman & Co. pp. 162.

Harkness' First Latin Book, published ten or more years since, was welcomed with great unanimity by teachers, on account of its natural method and the consequent interest in the language awakened among learners. More recently, Prof. Harkness has published several advanced works for the student, and now returns to the elements, producing the present volume as a substitute for the First Book. We welcome the result, convinced, from such examination as we have had time to give, that it is really a change for the better; and if we were in a position to use any introductory Latin work with our classes, this is the one we should select as best adapted to the purpose in view.

SPARE HOURS. By John Brown, M.D. Second Series. Boston: Ticknor & Fields. San Francisco: H. H. Bancroft & Co. pp. 426.

The readers of the first series, will need no indorsement of this volume; they will take to it naturally, and as a matter of course. Like that favorite work, this is a collection of papers contributed for the periodical press, touching upon many themes, and with varied success. We do not altogether see the propriety of introducing papers, however excellent, written by Dr. Brown's relatives or friends, as the result of his " spare hours;" still the publishers should know best how large the book must necessarily be. This American edition is dedicated to Abraham Lincoln; but that is the only thing in all the pages which has special reference to American readers.

ROYAL TRUTHS. By Henry Ward Beecher. Boston, Ticknor & Fields. San Francisco, H. H. Bancroft & Co. pp. 324.

This book, first published in England without the knowledge of Mr. Beecher, is made up from striking passages in his reported sermons, and is now offered, with his consent, by the well known Boston publishers. It contains many fine illustrations of truth, together with many characteristic utterances, which being wholly unlike those of other men, have to be judged by no standard laid down in the ordinary works on criticism. Concerning their probable usefulness, the verdict will vary according to the habits of thought in the reader. We imagine that many persons will find in this volume helpful things in true living, and we do not imagine that any one will be injured by its perusal. Being made up of detached thoughts, it is one of those convenient works which may be taken for a leisure five minutes as well as for a leisure hour.

RECENT BRITISH PHILOSOPHY. A review with criticisms; including some comment on Mr. Mills' Answer to Sir William Hamilton. By David Masson. New York: D. Appleton & Co. San Francisco: A. Roman & Co. pp. 335. We had this book for "summer reading," on a recent trip to Sacramento. Sundry memories of busy student hours over Sir William Hamilton induced the selection from Roman's new books of this most recent summing up of British Philosophy; and the weary hours of a river steamboat were partly forgotten as we worked upon huge words, plain to metaphysicians, but little better than Sanscrit to the dulled mind of business men. We can commend the book to such of our readers (and among teachers there should be many such), as have given attention to the laws of mind as science has arranged them. School Trustees had better let the book alone, if they desire to keep fairly awake.

HANS BRINKER; or The Silver Skates. A Story of Life in Holland. By M. E. Dodge. New York: James O'Kane. San Francisco: H. H. Bancroft & Co. pp. 347. We have submitted this book to a lady whose literary abilities are unquestionable, and her report is entirely favorable. She pronounces it an interesting story, conveying a knowledge of many important incidents of Holland's history, and much information of Holland's customs.

INSIDE: a Chronicle of Secession. By George F. Harrington. With illustrations by Thomas Nash. New York, Harper & Brothers. San Francisco, A Roman & Co. pp. 223.

This story purports to have been written at the South during the progress of the late civil war, by a loyalist. It is one of the most interesting, and, apparently, truthful representations of society there that has yet been written. Persons familiar with Southern society for years before the rebellion will recognize in this "Chronicle of Secession" just what was to be expected as a development of the state then existing. We have seen the counterpart of "Brother Barker" in the Southern pulpit, and for that matter, in the Northern pulpit, too, on the other side of the question: the same departure from Pauline principles, the same absolute certainty respecting political propositions. We are glad this

book has been written.

1

THE ARGOSY. A magazine of Tales, Travels, Essays, and Poems. Midsummer volume, 1866. London and New York. Strahan & Co. San Francisco, H. H. Bancroft & Co. pp. 530.

We acknowledge the receipt of a beautifully bound volume bearing the above title from Messrs. Bancroft & Co., and have devoted some hours to turning the daintily printed pages, covered as they are with the best thoughts of the best writers of England. Charles Read's "Griffith Gaunt," was originally published in this serial, and this volume contains the first half thereof. Alexander Smith has essays; Isa Craig and Christina G. Rosetti have poems; Robert Buchanan has his word, and many other names worthy of England are found attached to the articles in the Argosy. We are quite ready to congratulate such of our readers as may have the privilege of enjoying the pages of this fair volume. It is not an expensive book, either, we imagine-not beyond the means of a Clerk, or a Trustee, or even a teacher. To the teacher, the fresh notes of travel are especially valuable, and the poems and stories might serve a good purpose in resting the mind from its anxieties over the little school difficulties whose aggregate is so great.

THE DAILY PUBLIC SCHOOL IN THE UNITED STATES. Philadelphia, J. B. Lippincott & Co. San Francisco, H. H. Bancroft & Co. pp. 158.

An argument is to be judged by its intrinsic merit, rather than by the character of him who makes it; still, we should have been glad to know who wrote this book, and why he wrote it. "In no carping or hypercritical spirit,” he says, it is written, and we think he is honest in his statement. While setting forth, with prominence, the defects of our public school systems, we do not see that he proposes the details of a better one. When that is done, we shall be as glad to accept it as our author himself.

THE MAY FLOWER, AND MISCELLANEOUS WRITINGS. By Harriet Beecher Stowe. Fifteenth Edition. Boston: Ticknor & Fields. San Francisco: H. H. Bancroft & Co. pp. 471.

This book was immensely popular among the district library selections in our boyhood days. We have read it again with its additions, and pronounce it still a very readable volume. New England country life is pleasantly portrayed; and while some of the sketches have a theological bearing, we think that no person can object to the genial spirit which is found on every page. That first edition was long before "Uncle Tom's Cabin" was built, and gave little warning of what was in store for the world from the same prolific brain. We hope the May Flower may have a profitable voyage for its publishers, and we are sure that those who engage a passage therein will have a pleasant journey.

LESSONS IN ELOCUTION. By Allen A. Griffith. Chicago: Adams, Blacker & Lyon, 1865. pp. 240.

The selections in this new work are generally good, and many of the pieces are new. The instructions in elocution are condensed. We recommend the book to teachers who desire something new.

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In this market, embracing all the Text Books adopted by the State Board of Education, likewise all those in use in Colleges and Private Schools. Maps, Charts, Globes, Atlases, etc., etc.

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Send for our Catalogues, which will be found to contain every valuable work · extant on these subjects.

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Embracing all the most important works, for which we want Agents in every county on this coast. Liberal terms offered; for full particulars, address our "Subscription Department.".

Field Croquet.

We are the Agents for this new and delightful game; a splendid School amusement, and should be introduced into every play ground in the State. Complete sets, neatly put up in boxes; price per set, plain, $14.00; extra finish, $15.00.

Parlor Games,

Instructive and amusing for young folks; thirty different varieties, including "The Game of Authors;" "Noted People and Places;" "The Tipsy Philosopher;" "The Commanders of our Forces;" "The Garrison Game," etc., etc.

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Sept.

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The Eighth Term of the State Normal School commenced on Thursday, July 5th, 1866, and will close in December next.

EXTRACT FROM THE REGULATIONS.

All pupils, on entering the School, shall be required to sign the following declaration of intention:

"We, the subscribers, hereby declare that our purpose in entering the State Normal School is to fit ourselves for the profession of Teaching, and that it is our intention to engage in teaching in the Public Schools of this State."

Male candidates for admission must be at least eighteen years of age; and female applicants at least fifteen years of age; and all must possess a good degree of physical health and vigor.

The Principal of the School shall be authorized, under the direction of the Executive Committee, to examine and admit applicants at any time during the term, when it shall appear that such candidates could not present themselves at the opening of the term.

No pupil shall be entitled to a Diploma who has not been a member of the School at least one term of five months; but certificates of attendance, showing character and standing, shall be given to all who pursue an undergraduate or temporary course of study.

OFFICE No. 302, North-east corner of Montgomery and Pine streets, Rooms 5 and 6.