EDITORIAL MISCELLANY. TEACHERS' INSTITUTES.-We offer no apology for the amount of space given in this number to the November institutes. On the contrary, we congratulate our readers on the evidence spread before them that the good work is making such encouraging progress. We have never before visited institutes so largely attended and successfully managed as those held the present year. We have been specially pleased with the improved character of the instruction given. Less time has been wasted in attempts to impart scientific, instead of professional, knowledge. To these county institutes should now be added judicial-district normal institutes, and the whole crowned with a good normal school. Now is the time to agitate this subject, and we are glad that so many of the institutes have moved in the matter. Get the petitions ready; the General Assembly will soon be in session. Institutes are to be held at Cambridge and New Philadelphia during "Holiday week." FULTON COUNTY INSTITUTE.-We are indebted to M. D. L. Buell, of Wauseon, for a full report of this institute, which was held during the five days commencing Oct. 15, 1866. One hundred and twenty earnest teachers were instructed by Col. D. F. De Wolf, of Toledo, who was assisted by Mr. Buell, Rev. G. E. Leonard and Rev. G. W. Walker. Evening lectures were delivered by Col. De Wolf, Rev. S. H. Camp and Mr. Brown, all of Toledo. Resolutions were passed strongly commending institutes as a means of professional improvement, and urging the establishment of normal schools and the creation of the office of county superintendent. The instructors and the MONTHLY each received flattering testimonials of appreciation. A fine list of subscribers gave meaning to the last resolution. Mr. Buell asks: "What county of our age can beat us?" We pause for a reply. WAYNE COUNTY (Ind.) InstitUTE.-The annual session of this institute was held at Richmond, Ind., during the five days commencing, Oct. 29. It was a decided success. The attendance was large, and the professional spirit capital. We heard the statement made that it was the largest county institute ever held in Indiana. We certainly have never instructed a body of teachers more thoroughly out of the ruts, or who evinced a more earnest inquiry for truer methods and higher professional attainments. Old-fogyism, both in politics and education, is decidedly below par in this corner of the celebrated "Burnt District." "Progress" is the watchword, and the columns are moving steadily onward and upward. The institute was under the supervision of Jesse H. Brown, the efficient school examiner of the county, who, in getting up the institute, was obliged to rely mainly on the receipts to meet expenses. The tuition receipts were increased somewhat by the proceeds of two evening lectures which were delivered in one of the public halls of the city. These lectures were free to the members of the institute; but other persons attending were charged an admission fee of twenty-five cents. Mr. Brown was not disappointed in the result. He has the satisfaction of having conducted one of the finest institutes ever held in the country, and of meeting the expenses of the same almost entirely from the receipts—a result largely due to his zealous, skillful management. George P. Brown, John Cooper, and Miss Brown, assisted in the work of instruction. We trust we may be pardoned if we add that "everything was done up brown." CUYAHOGA CO. INSTITUTE.-Mr. Editor: For the information of your readers, I make a minute of the late session of the Cuyahoga County Teachers' Institute. The session was held at Berea, commencing the 4th and losing the 9th of the present month. The number of teachers in attendance was large. A considerable number were students of Baldwin University, the faculty of which institution gave efficient co-operation throughout. The laboring oars were in hands well able to handle them. Prof. A. Schuyler, J. H. Rhodes, and T. W. Harvey, were the principal instructors. The following was the programme of general lectures: Mathematical Geography-A. Schuyler; The Duties, Qualifications and Responsibilities of the Teacher-Wm. S. Wood; School Penalties-B. A. Hinsdale; The Ideal Teacher-J. H. Rhodes; Storms-T. W. Harvey. The following resolution was adopted: Resolved, That we heartily approve the action of the Ohio State Teachers' Association in reference to petitioning the State Legislature for an appropriation for the establishment of a State normal school, and the organization and support of district and county institutes. It is due to Prof. R. W. Seager to say, that his instruction in music added much to the interest and profit of the institute. B. A. HINSDALE, Sec'y. CLEVELAND, Nov. 20, 1866. SUMMIT COUNty Institute.-The annual session of this institute was held at Akron during the five days commencing Oct. 29th. The exercises were under the direction of I. P. Hole, Sup't of the Akron Schools, and were eminently professional and practical in their character. Mr. Hole was ably assisted by T. W. Harvey, of Painesville, who gave instruction in arithmetic, geography, and the theory and practice of teaching. Evening lectures were given by Pres. H. L. Hitchcock, of Western Reserve College, Hon. Anson Smyth, of Cleveland, Rev. Carlos Smith, of Akron, and Messrs. Hole and Harvey. About one hundred teachers were present. Thirty-three names were added to the MONTHLY's subscription list. PORTAGE COUNty Institute.—The annual session of this institute was held at Ravenna the first week in September. When we state that the county examiners were the committee of arrangements, we need not add that the institute was a success. The exercises were under the supervision of the writer, who was efficiently assisted in the work of instruction by Prof. T. E. Suliot, of Kent, I. P. Hole, of Akron, H. D. Smalley, of Randolph, and D. D. Pickett, of Ravenna, Pres. Hitchcock, Rev. E. E. Lamb, and Messrs. Hole and White gave evening lectures. The MONTHLY'S readers received re-inforcements, and excellent resolutions favoring, among other things, county supervision and agencies for professional improvement, were passed. We met here several early companions and friends, and revived goodly memories of our boyhood days. TRUMBULL COUNTY INSTITUTE.-This institute which was held during the five days commencing Nov. 12th, was a decided success. One hundred and thirty teachers were in attendance. Instruction was given by Prof. Schuyler, of Berea, J. H. Rhodes, of Cleveland, W. D. Henkle, of Salem, H. U. Johnson, of Orwell, and the writer. The evening lectures were well attended. Gen. Garfield addressed the institute on Thursday afternoon in a very happy manner. He made one of the finest off-hand efforts we have ever listened to. Among the resolutions adopted were those in favor of a national bureau of education, a system of county supervision, and district normal institutes and a State normal school. The institute was the first held in the county for several years. It is proposed to hold another in the spring. WOOD COUNTY INSTITUTE.-This institute continued in session two weeks closing Nov. 23. The first week's instruction was given by the county examiners-D. A. Avery, J. W. Ewing, and Capt. Canfield-and Wm. Callihan, of Bowling Green. The writer assisted the second week. About one hundred teachers were present, and manifested a deep interest in the exercises. Note-books were faithfully used, all seeming anxious to treasure up every practical hint and direction. The success of this institute is largely due to the earnest, practical teachers that compose the county board of examiners. The MONTHLY received over thirty subscribers, and the proposed normal school and county supervision earnest indorsement. The educational fires are burning brightly in the north-west. COLUMBIANA COUNTY INSTITUTE.-We have received no official report from this institute, but learn that it was successfully conducted. Capt. W. Mitchell, Sup't of the schools of Columbus, was the principal instructor. As long as Father Anderson lives we shall have annually an institute item for our pages. WASHINGTON COUNTY INSTITUTE.-We learn from The News and Educator that this institute, held at Marietta, Nov. 12-16, was one of best ever held in the State. It was conducted by President Andrews, of Marietta College, assisted by Prof. Tappan, of Ohio University, John Hancock, of Cincinnati, and Prof. Kidd. One hundred and fifty-six teachers were present. OUR CIRCULATION IN GRADED SCHOOLS.-We have been looking through our subscription book to ascertain how many subscribers we have among the teachers of our graded schools. Here is the result, omitting all districts that do not give us more than three subscribers: Ashland, 5; Akron, 7; Athens, 11; Brownsville, 7; Bartlett, 6; Bush Hill, 5; Chillicothe, 4; Cincinnati, 60 (1st Dis. 9, 2d Dis. 9, 9th Dis. 15, 13th Dis. 8, East Colored 9); Cleveland, 90; Columbus, 21 (8tate Street 10, Middle Building 5); Cambridge, 6; Columbiana, 4; Celina, 5; Canton, 19; Carrollton, 5; Coshocton, 5; Coolville, 5; Castalia, 9; Cumberland, 5; Delta, 9; Dayton, 6; Dublin (Ind.), 6; Elyria, 4; Findlay, 15; Fostoria, 5; Franklin, 9; Fairview, 6; Freemont, 18; Goshen, 9; Greenfield, 7; Gustavus, 5; Gallipolis, 7; Hillsboro, 11; Hayesville, 5; Iron Furnace, 7; Ironton, 20; Jackson C. H., 5; Kenton, 16; Kingstown, 5; Lancaster, 9; Lebanon, 9; Lima, 5; Lucasville, 5; McConnelsville, 4; Marietta, 8; Martinsville, 4; Massillon, 7; Mansfield, 17; Milan, 4; Marion, 5; Mt. Union (College), 18; Medina, 6; Middlebury, 4; Marysville, 6; Norwalk, 9; New Philadelphia, 6; Newark, 8; New Lisbon, 7; Nashville (Tenn.), 11; New Dover 4; Portsmouth, 20; Plymonth, 5; Piketon, 4; Piqua, 7; Ravenna, 8; Richmond (Ind.), 8; Rarden, 4; Racine, 6; Roscoe, 4; Rollersville, 6; Salem, 11; Sandusky, 7; Smithville, 6; Shelby, 6; San Francisco [Cal.), 5; St. Clairsville, 7; Toledo, 13; Tiffin, 29; Waynesville, 8; Wheeling (W. Va.), 11; Warren, 12; Wauseon, 5; Wooster, 12; West Union, 4; West Unity, 5; Washington, 7; Woodville, 4; Xenia, 11; Yellow Springs, 4; Youngstown, 10. In some cases we may have counted subscribers who do not belong to the graded schools. Had we included schools in which we have two or three subscribers, the list would be much larger. HADLEY'S ACADEMY.-While one of our co-laborers was occupying the attention of the Richmond institute, we paid a brief visit to Mr. Hadley's school. We found it thoroughly graded and classified, and a most excellent corps of teachers in charge of the several departments. In the primary room we listened to the recitation of a class using Guyot's Primary Geography. The exercise afforded a pleasing and marked contrast to the usual performances of classes beginning the study of this subject. The teachers were enthusiastic in their praise of the new books; and we left quite as enthusiastic In praise of the skillful teaching we had witnessed. Mr. Hadley is one of the most efficient and progressive teachers in the West, and we wish him continued success in his efforts to build up a model school. Among his teachers we were pleased to meet Miss Nellie Sharp, for several years a successful teacher in the public schools of Columbus, O.—a fact bearing witness to Mr. H.'s skill in selecting good teachers. A HINDOO QUESTION IN ARITHMETIC.-The following arithmetical question was put to Rev. W. B. Capron, an American missionary in Southern India, by one of his native pupils: A shepherd brought 24 measures of milk to the palace, and asked to be led into the presence of the king, but the first door-keeper took out one measure of milk and substituted a measure of water. The second door-keeper did the same, and so on through the 24 door-keepers, till the shepherd came to the department of the king. The king was very angry to find his milk so much watered, and on hearing the explanation from the shepherd, he fined the door-keepers 24 pieces of gold, or one piece of gold each. But the twenty-fourth door-keeper exclaimed against the injustice of fining him as much for taking one measure of milk and water as the first door-keeper for taking a measure of pure milk. If, therefore, the fine were fairly divided, how much would each of the 24 door-keepers have to pay ?—A piece of gold equals ten fanams, and a fanam equals ten cents. The question is copied from an interesting letter written by Mr. Capron to the Second Presbyterian Sabbath-school of this city, and handed to us by the superintendent. We submit it to the young arithmeticians in the common schools of the State. Who ill send us a solution? MR. THOMAS HUGHES, author of Tom Brown at Rugby and Tom Brown at Oxford, and member of Parliament, thus comments in the New York Tribune on the Social Congress held in England in October: "On the whole, I think the chief results of this year have been, to strengthen very much the hands of those who advocate compulsory State education, and to convince many doubters of the unspeakable importance of the co-operation movement. On both subjects I can speak from personal experience. I was much struck by the number of strenuous supporters in old days of the voluntary system, who told me they had changed their minds, and were prepared to support a general education rate to be administered by the municipal authorities, and an extension of the factory acts into all department of industrial life. So next session we shall probably get a bill going about half way, and in another ten years or so may hope to have nearly as good a free school system as you have." MINNESOTA. The corner-stone of the new edifice for the State Normal School, was laid October 19th, with interesting ceremonies. The building, when completed, will be one of the best in the country. The school is located at Winona, and is under the direction of Professor William F. Phelps, late of New Jersey, and widely known as a zealous advocate of normal training. The school is in a prosperous condition. At the late meeting of the State Teachers' Association, the nativity of the members present was found to be as follows: New England, 90; New York, 55; Pennsylvania, 5; Ohio, 14; all other States, 23-total number present, 195. Prof. Phelps is the president elect. ILLINOIS COLLEGES.-There was a conference in Chicago, Oct. 30, of the presidents of Illinois colleges, at which the principal collegiate institutions of the State were represented. A committee was appointed to inquire into the following subjects: "A union of all the colleges on a permanent organization; the propriety of asking aid of the Legislature to the several colleges to educate free of charge our returned soldiers; the expediency of short scientific courses of study, and the expediency of female education in our colleges." THE DROPPING OF GREEK FROM THE PREPARTORY COURSE.-Our January issue will contain an excellent article approving of our suggestion on this subject. The writer is a warm friend of the classics. We have also received a letter from President Merrick, of the Ohio Wesleyan University, heartily endorsing our late editorial. CORPORAL PUNISHMENT.-We learn that the board of education of Zanesville have forbidden corporal punishment in the schools under their control. We shall soon be able to record the result of this action. Meanwhile can we not have a discussion of the question suggested by "Yours Truly " in our November number, viz: "What forms of punishment are proper in the administration of school government?" BUSINESS SCHOOLS.-Nelson's Union Business College, Cincinnati, and the Capital City Business College, Columbus, each advertised in this number, give more attention to general education than most of the schools of their class. They are under the direction of experienced teachers. SOUTH WESTERN NORMAL SCHOOL.-This institution is in a very prosperous condition. By referring to the advertisement of the Principal, it will be seen that the number of students enrolled last year, was over 700. The new catalogue will be sent to any person who may request it. Address A. Holbrook, Lebanon, Warren Co., 0. SIX NUMBERS.-We have a few extra copies of the first six numbers of the current volume, bound together, which we will send to any address, prepaid, on receipt of fifty cents. BOARDS OF EDUCATION can secure the address of a lady competent to take charge of a high school, by applying to this office. BOOK NOTICES. Almost continuous institute labor for several weeks, has prevented an examination of the many new books which have been sent us for notice. We acknowledge their receipt, hoping soon to give them more worthy attention: A. S. BARNES & Co., New York.-Parker & Watson's National Fifth Reader; Fowle's Bible Reader; Fowle's Principles of Linear and Perspective Drawing; Nash and Bristow's Cantara or Teacher of Singing; and Maurice Poitevin's Grammaire Francaise. D. APPLETON & Co., New York.-Appleton's Practical Arithmetic; Appleton's Elementary Arithmetic; and Appleton's Primary Arithmetic. SHELDON & Co., New York.-Stoddard's New Practical Arithmetic; Stoddard's COWPERTHWAIT & Co., Philadelphia.-Warren's Common School Geography; Berard's |