the citizens of New Bedford, for the use of the Town Hall. Also, To the proprietors of the North Congregational and First Baptist Churches, for similar courtesies in offering us the use of their respective places of worship for our lectures and discussions. Mr. Congdon, of New Bedford, made some remarks, expressing the gratitude of the inhabitants of New Bedford, for the visit of the Institute, which were responded to by the President; after which the Institute Adjourned sine die. T. CUSHING, JR., Rec. Sec'y. ANNUAL REPORT OF THE DIRECTORS. Agreeably to custom, the Board of Directors take this opportunity to present their Annual Report to the InstiThey are happy to be able to give a favorable ac tute. count of its condition and prospects. The treasurer's report shows an expenditure during the past year of $219,02, and a balance on hand of $502,62. This balance on hand is the largest that has ever been found in the treasury, and is quite worthy of record in the annals of literary societies. This handsome sum will enable the Institute, perhaps, to adopt some new modes of usefulness, such as the publication for gratuitous distribution, of some of the most useful lectures, or other matter connected with the subject of education. The report of the Curators informs us that they have hired a room for the Institute over the bookstore of Mr. William D. Ticknor, corner of School and Washington Streets, for holding the meetings, and for the use of the members of the Institute. The rent is at the rate of $50 per annum. They also report that they have prepared a catalogue of the Library, and that the whole number of books, including unbound pamphlets, &c., is 1235. The Censors report that they made an arrangement with Mr. Ticknor to publish the lectures delivered last B year in a duodecimo form, and at an expense to the Institute of ninety-nine dollars and thirty-eight cents. After due deliberation, it was decided to hold the Annual Session for the present year in the large and flourishing town of New Bedford. This section of the State was as yet unvisited, and the Directors felt encouraged by the accounts received of the good effects of the visits of the Institute to the other sections of the State, to try à new field of action. They had assurance that there was room for its efforts in Bristol county, and were promised a warm reception. They doubt not that their selection has met the approbation of the Institute, and will produce useful results. It seems unnecessary, at the present time, to recapitulate what has been accomplished by our Society. Our twelve volumes of Lectures, containing the results and suggestions of the most eminent teachers and literary men, already known and quoted with high respect in Europe, are a lasting monument to its efforts. In addition to these, we may congratulate ourselves upon having been instrumental in the establishment of the Board of Education, of Normal Schools, and many other means of improving and extending popular education. Remembering these things, let us not be discouraged, but seek out new modes of usefulness, and try to carry the standard of education to the highest possible point. Very respectfully, T. CUSHING, JR., For the Directors: LECTURE I. ON MORAL EDUCATION. BY GEORGE B. EMERSON, THE subject assigned to me by the Committee of Arrangements is Moral Education. It seems to be generally admitted, that no part of education is so important, and none so much neglected, as this. Such is the language of the school returns in this State; such is the testimony of those who have visited the Common Schools in the other States, and of all who are acquainted with the course and manner of instruction, wherever the English language is spoken. This is at once an encouraging and a terrible admission. It is encouraging, because the first step towards the correction of an evil, is to admit its existence and its enormity. But it is terrible to know that, with all our boasted advancement, we still fail of this great and all-important end. To neglect the moral ele |