THE NEW VOLUME-THE 14th. We had designed to lay before the reader, an extended account of some changes to be made in this Journal during the coming year, as well as to take a review of the past, out of which the propriety of these changes naturally grow. But, as usual, want of space, when we come to make up the matter of the number, leaves little room for this purpose. And perhaps it is as well. Promises are not always fulfilled, and fine plans are often defeated. We will, therefore, try to say, in a couple of paragraphs, what is proposed and why. From No. 1 of Volume 1, practical and other communications from Teachers formed a prominent feature of the Journal. These will always be continued and welcome. Educational proceedings were very fully given in the earlier volumes, in order to put our teachers into the way of conducting meetings. These have long been dispensed with, except in regard to State meetings, or in the form of brief notices. The latter practice will be continued. Selections from Educational departments in our own State papers have, of late years, been freely given; these will be continued, but with greater care in the choice. Selections from the journals of other States have been latterly largely inserted; for want of space these will now be discontinued, except in favor of a few brief articles of prime merit and interest. Long Addresses, Lectures and Reports have formed a standing portion of the Journal's contents, since the beginning; these will be, hereafter omitted, with the exception of official documents and productions of remarkable ability or appropriateness. Of course, the Official transactions of the School Department and those relating to Soldiers Orphans, will be kept up as usual; as will the Educational Events at home and abroad, and the Book Notices. It seems, and has for some time seemed to us, that, in the slow but sure progress of Educational improvement amongst us, the season has arrived for the incorporation of all our educational institutions and efforts into one whole,-at least, so far as effort is concerned; and that the time for the co-operation of them all in that effort, has arrived. The friends of education had been laboring for many years, separately-each in his own sphere-for that degree of perfection in manner and result, of which many dream and a degree of which even the coldest feels to be as possible as it is necessary. At this era in their scattered efforts, the war disturbed and for a time partially paralyzed the whole; and now that it is over, there is presented just such a starting-point for general co-operation as the great case and the great cause demand. Shall we jointly and earnestly improve it? That is the question. All the Colleges, Normal Schools and Academies have been, or will be asked that very question. Most of those thus asked, have willingly assented, and all shall, ere long, have the opportunity of assenting or refusing. The chief new feature of Volume 14, then, will be a standing Calendar of the Colleges, Normal Schools and Academies, in which their names, locations, terms, commencements, &c., &c., will appear; and the insertion, amongst the original communications and selections, of articles relating to those institutions and to their departments of instruction. A small beginning will be found in this number, and we are promised much more hereafter, both for the Calendar and the department of Original Communications. It will thus be seen, that, without at all abandoning the Common School ground of our enterprize, we hope to unite on that common ground of all right educational beginnings, the efforts and assistance of the other institutions, as well for their as our benefit. In this attempt we ask for aid; and, if thirty years of close observance of this cause enables us to form a correct judgement, we shall obtain it;-for the project is not only right in itself but is a want of the time, and as such must be met. It is to be understood that the Calendar of Professional and Literary Institutions is to be kept standing from month to month, with such alterations as their authorities shall, from time to time, desire, with out materially increasing the space now assigned to each. And it is desired to make this department of the Journal's contents as full and instructive as possible, so that it may become a reliable index to these institutions,-a railway guide up the hill of knowledge. EDUCATIONAL EVENTS IN PENNSYLVANIA. ADAMS: The public schools of Gettysburg closed May 31st, with a three days examination. These examinations were very interesting, and reflected credit on all concerned. They were well attended by parents and citizens. The schools are open ten months in the year. The directors are intelligent, liberal-minded men, and deserve much credit for the manner in which they discharge the onerous duties of a thankless office. The public examination of present appearances, there will be a scarcity of teachers; teachers in the county will commence August 19th. directors must look abroad for a supply. From It BLAIR: Prof. 8. B. Taylor has organized a Normal Class is to be hoped that the teachers of Blair county will attend at Martinsburg, which promises to be quite a success. and profit by this school, and that directors will encourage noble and worthy purpose as making special preparation such teachers as spend their time and money for such a for the school room. CENTRE: A few districts have commenced the summer term of the public schools, and subscription schools are numerous and well sustained. The restoration of peace has already caused the return from war of many of our affairs is gloriously ushering in. veteran teachers, and the dawn of good times in all our Education, which is mightier than the sword, will henceforth engross the atten tion of the masses, and enlightened public opinion will ever prevent, among us, a recurrence of such another ordeal as that through which we have just passed. The for orphan children. Its site is in a ravine in the Nittany Rev. Mr. Kline is assidiously engaged in building a school Mountain, a mountain which separates the fertile valleys of Nittany and Penn;-it is a beautiful and romantic situation, and well suited for the purpose. how soon operations will commence. We have not learnt Rush will build two new houses this summer; Ferguson, 1; and Snow, probably, 1. The County Institute will be held in the borough of Unionville the last week in September, and will continue five days. NORTHAMPTON: Now that the war is over, and the future no longer veiled in uncertainty, a school of instruction will be opened at once in Bethlehem, for the benefit of such as wish to prepare themselves for future usefulness in the school room. The County Superintendent being unable, for want of time, to give the school all the personal attention that would be desirable, a teacher of experience and ability has been secured, who will spare no pains to make the school a centre of attraction to all who may wish to attend it. Information as to particulars can be obtained by applying to the County Superintendent, who will give it all the attention and assistance he can spare from his official duties, gratuitously. SCHUYLKILL: The County Educational Association met in Pottsville, Saturday May 27. Mr. A. N. Raub of Ashland, delivered an interesting and instructive inaugural address upon taking the chair, as President for a second term. Essays and reports were read on various educational subjects. The attendance was good and the exercises highly interesting to teachers, and all concerned in the cause of education. Mr. Newlin, the indefatigable County Superintendent was present, and did much to render the meeting profitable to all present. The schools of the county have nearly all closed, and the Superintendent is busily engaged in examining teachers for next year. There seems to be an inclination on the part of Directors to lengthen the terms. Most of the boroughs will have their schools open nine or ten months next year. At the request of a number of teachers, J. A. M. Passmore, M. S., has consented to open a Normal School at his school room in this borough (Pottsville) on Monday, July 3d, 1865, if sufficient en couragement be given. All persons desirous of becoming pupils, will make application at once. EDUCATIONAL MATTERS IN OTHER STATES. CALIFORNIA: The whole number of Common Schools in the State is 832, of which 5 are High Schools, 44 Grammar, 420 Ungraded, 39 Intermediate and 321 Primary;-which is an increase of 78 over last year. Twenty-four per cent. of the children of the State, between four and eighteen years of age, are not attending school. The average monthly wages of male teachers is $73.88, and of females $64. In the State Normal School the whole attendance during the month of March was 80,-of whom 17 were males and 63 females. Three left and three were admitted. There are three classes in the school;-the Senior, with 23 students; the Junior, with 29; and the Sub-Junior, with 28. The subscription price of the Teacher' has been raised to $2 a year in legal tender notes, or $1.50 in gold." The June number is given up to the subject of school house architecture, and fine wood-cuts of several of the noble school edifices of San Francisco are presented, with full ground plans, and descriptions of the buildings, furniture, apparatus, &c. GEORGIA: Free schools for all classes are being opened in Georgia, all the teachers of which are required to take the oath of allegiance. They meet with the greatest favor. ILLINOIS The Spring Term of the Normal University commenced April 3. The number in the Normal department was 170, and in the Model School 210. There were 25 new members in the Normal department. The minimum age at which pupils may be admitted into the common schools has been fixed at six years. INDIANA: Measures are in progress for a great State Normal Institute, to be held at Knightstown and to continue in session four weeks, beginning July 11. KANZAS: The university of Kanzas has adopted, under authority of the Legislature, the novel feature of a female department in the institution, with the use, for the lady students, of the library and access to the lectures, &c. The Normal School at Emporia has commenced its career under very favorable auspices. It has already 40 students. The State Teachers' Association will meet at Atchinson on the 26th of July, for three days. Several large and efficient County Institutes were held in May. That of Lyon county at Emporia seems to have been especially interesting. LOUISIANA: We have received several numbers of the "Black Republican," a weekly newspaper for the colored race, and published at New Orleans by persons of that race. We willingly place it on our exchange list, not only because it is well conducted and labors in a promising field, but because there is a manliness in its tone and purpose which we like. It says: "We think that Black Republican is a proper name for the newspaper organ of the American colored man. We mean to maintain our race-not deny it. The name of our paper asserts our race and our principles." MASSACHUSETTS: The annual report of the Board of Education shows, that last year there were 4,675 schools in the State, and 241,644 youth between 5 and 15 years of age, of whom 74 per cent. attended school. The schools were open 7 months and 19 days. The average wages of male teachers were $46.73 per month, and of females $19.37. The whole cost of the system was $1,679,700.There were 561 students in the normal schools, of whom 155 graduated. sion. At a late meeting of teachers at the Educational Room in Boston. Mr. Sawyer of Bedford, well remarked, on the subject of Reading :- Reading ought to be taught in connection with every recitation, by requiring the scholars to speak at all times with full articulation and proper expresHe would not only take care to have every word distinctly uttered, but he would see that the meaning of every word and sentence was clearly understood ought to be taken every day for drill in elementary exercises. He objected to teaching scholars to read solely by imitation." A few minutes MARYLAND: The June number of the Maryland School Journal concludes the first volume and year of the eventful existence of that periodical; and, as a fit end to the labors of the friends of education in the State, it is mainly occupied by the text and remarks on the new school law. A different form and other improvements, will be given to the second volume of the Journal, which promise and we hope will make it "second to none in the country." Hereafter the subscription price will be $1.50 a year. Address J. P. Harman, Hagerstown. MICHIGAN The State Association, by the agency of a committee, are making strenuous efforts to commence the publication of a State Journal of Education, on the 1st of October. Success to the effort. Michigan has seemed to be out of the United States since the suspension of her School Journal. MAINE The first of the two State Normal Schools, some time since authorized by the Legislature, has been in operation, at Farmington, since August, 1864. It has had 75 students. Candidates are to be 16 years of age, if females, and 17 if males. No charge for instruction is made and the use of text-books is given gratis. No model school has yet been established. A new building for the institution is in progress,-60 feet by 50, two-stories high, with a room below large enough for 200 pupils, and a hall above. NEW JERSEY: The report of the Superintendent of public schools sets forth the defects of the present system, and urges improvement. There are 198,707 youth in the State between the ages of 5 and 18, of whom 52,087 were in average daily attendance in the school, with 2,012 teachers, and at a cost of $621,429. In the Normal School, of which Prof Hart, formerly of the Philadelphia High School, is Principal, there were 122 students,--of whom 19 were males and 103 females. The expense of the school for the year was $13,500. NEW YORK: Victor M. Rice was re-elected Superintendent of Public Instruction in April by the Legislature, after The Teacher having held the office during two full terms. says, this is" an honor fairly won by earnest, intelligent, faithful service, and by an ardent sympathy in the noble cause of public education." The State Teachers' Association will, this year, meet at Elmira and be in session three days, commencing Tuesday, July 25th. Elmira is just over the Pennsylvania line and is the northern terminus of the road leading from Williamsport. A cordial welcome has been offered to the association by the citizens of the place, and a good time is expected. Pennsylvania teachers should attend; we are informed they will be made welcome and no doubt acquire many useful ideas by friendly contact with their neighbors. NEW HAMPSHIRE: The State Board of Education, in its last annual report, recommends the appointment of a State Superintendent of schools, and the establishment of Norma Schools and of Teachers' Institutes. OпIо The 17th annual meeting of the State Teachers' Association will take place in Cincinnati on the 5th, 6th and 7th of July. State Commissioner White, by order of the Legislature, has been visiting the Normal Schools of the other States, to enable him to report a plan, at the next session, for organizing one or more efficient Normal Schools in the State. In the course of his tour he has been examining the public schools of several of the large cities, and has published his remarks on those of Philadelphia, which we will lay before the readers of this Jounal on some future occasion. RHODE ISLAND: Two hundred dollars have been added to the salary of D. Leach, City Superintendent of Providence, making in all $2000. We are glad to hear it. VERMONT Though we no longer receive the Vermont School Journal, we are glad to hear through other channels of the success of school affairs there. The last State report is encouraging and speaks well for the efforts of the State system and its officers. Of the 85,795 children between 4 and 18 years of age in the State, 73,259 have actually attended the schools. Less than one-tenth of the pupils of the State have attended any other than the public schools. The number of teachers was 4,841; and the average wages of males was $20.48, and of females $8.16,-the teachers all "board round" we suppose. The report again advooates the consolidation of all the colleges of the State. VIRGINIA A movement is on foot to organize free schools for the poor white children of Richmond, under the Superintendence of C. Thurston Chase, Esq., General Agent of the Union Commission. This is the right way to preserve the Union and prevent rebellion; and, while all proper measures to educate the black man should be encouraged, we rejoice to hear of measures of this kind, which place the axe at the very root of the tree of evil. WESTERN VIRGINIA: A school law on a liberal basis is said to have been enacted for this State, at the recent session of the Legislature. It embraces the township system of government, with county supervision and State certificates. W. R. White, State Superintendent. WISCONSIN: There have been 140 students in the Normal Department of the University, during the past year.It is said that Prof. C. Allen, formerly of this State, is to resign his connection with the University, at the close of the next term. The friends of education are attempting to effect the establishment of an independent State Normal School. It does not work well to have it an appendage to any other institution. We hope they may succeed in this right and necessary measure. Book Notices. CHAMBERS ENCYCLOPEDIA: A Dictionary of Universal Knowledge for the people, illustrated. Vol. VII. large 8vo. 828 double column pages. Price per vol. Cloth, $4.50; sheep, 85.00; Half Turkey, $5.50. Published also in parts-two parts a month-at 25 cents each.The whole to be comprised in about 9 volumes. J. B. Lippincott, &c., Philadelphia. 1865. We have received all the volumes, including the 7th, just completed,-of this admirable work; and have not only carefully examined, but constantly used them, as a work of reference, since the beginning of the republication in this country. In scarcely a case have we failed of obtaining the desired information,-be it Historical, Biographical, Geographical, Literary, Scientific, Artistic, Mercantile or Mechanical. We can accordingly commend the work to teachers and families, and to committees purchasing school and district libraries, as one of reliable character as to contents and of remarkably large compass in variety of matter. The present volume carries on the alphabet of knowledge from N (numismatics,) to P (pudding),—these accidentally presented words indicating the scope of the matter, which is both scientific and practical, learned and domestic. The paper also is good, the type clear, and the whole getting up of the work tasteful and substantial. It is emphatically a book for the library shelf as well as for daily use. AFFIXES, in their origin and application, exhibiting the Etymological Structure of English Words. By S. S. Haldeman, A. M. 12mo. 271 pages. E. H. Butler & Co., Philadelphia. 1855. The first paragraph of this, able, learned and we had almost said exhaustive work, tells, in better phrase than we could select, its nature and necessity: "The number of English Monosyllables is about 3200, and as many of these evident that the affixes must be concerned in the formation are not primitives, but have a prefix, a sufix, or both, it is of the greatest part of the vast vocabulary of English words, and that an accurate knowledge of these is to be acquired through a distinct appreciation of the modes used to vary them in form and meaning, according to the exigencies of thought and speech." When to this is added the truth, enunciated by Marsh and quoted by the author, that "English is not a language which teaches itself by mere unreflecting usuage, but that it can only be mastered, in all its wealth, in all its power, by conscious, persistent labor," the value of this branch of lingual study assumes its true importance. After an instructive introduction and brief but able articles on the Latin and Greek alphabets, Grammar, and Affixes generally,-the body of the work consists, First. Of the Prefixes of the language in alphabetical order and of numerous words into the composition of which they enter, with varied observations and quotations; concluding with a list of the prefixes. Second. Of the Suffixes, treated of in the same manner. And here it may be remarked,-for it was new to us,-that while the affixes are disposed of in about sixty pages of the work, the Suffixes occupy one hundred and forty, or two and a half times as much space.This shows what labor has been bestowed upon those terminations of our words which are so generally deemed of little importance in the structure of the language. Then follows a brief " Analysis of words" as a model for the benefit of those who use the book; and the work closes with a vocabulary of Latin and Greek originals." We would like to present a fuller view of this valuable addition to the library of every teacher who is desirous fitly to prepare himself for his high profession, but want of space forbids. To all such we would, however, without hesitation say, buy, and study, and use this book. COMPANION PORMS FOR THE PEOPLE: 1. Household Poems by H. W. Longfellow. 2. Songs for all Seasons; by Alfred Tennyson. Ticknor & Fields, Boston. 1865. These are the first two of a series of illustrated volumes of poetry, commenced by the above named publishers, to contain popular selections from leading American and English poets; each volume to contain about one hundred pages, small square size, and from twelve to twenty illustrations, on wood, from drawings by well known English and American artists; and to be followed by similar selections from the works of Whittier, Browning, Holmes, Mrs. Stowe, &c. Price 50 cents a volume. We will only add that more sweetness and pleasure can hardly be purchased for the same amount. PRIMARY SPELLING BOOK of the English language, with illustrations, chiefly prepared by L. J. Campbell, A. M. 18mo. 96 pages. Brewer & Tileson, Boston. 1865. This handsome, well printed and beautifully illustrated little book deserves favor. Its orthography is according to Worcester. The plan will be found simple and progressive, but unpretending. It does not undertake to annihilate the labor of the rudiments, yet it will be found very considerably to lighten them, and to present a great deal in a small space. Counties. PEIRCE'S PATENT SLATE SURFACE: Since our late notice of this admirable composition, we have received a variety of specimens,-in the shape of single-leaf school slates, and double and quadruple leaf slates, or rather slate Berks, books, of various sizes; also note books or slated tablets, &c., &c.;-all, most suitable, and showing a coating, which, for smoothness yet grit, and for color and uniformity of surface we have never seen equalled except in the natural slate itself. The enterprising manufacturers seem determined to show to what a great variety of uses their material can be applied and how cheaply it can be afforded. St. Clair, Cumru, Daniel Mertz, 150 86 Jefferson, Maiden Creek, Maxatawney, Heidelberg North,J. M. Tengel, 66 Lower, Charles Spohn, Wm. Shugker, 106 78 Jacob Saul, Muhlenberg, Ontelaune, Pleasantville, Juniata, Logan, Taylor, Alba bor., Albany, Wm. M. Lloyd, J. Earlenbaugh, E. P. Rockwell, Amasa Heverly, Roswell Culver, 133 00 105 64 279 30 97 66 Bradford, 14 10 84 36 Asylum, 64 98 Burlington twp., Orwell Ind., South Creek, Standing Stone, Towanda twp., Jer. Travis jr., 76 38 Aarad Platt, 20 14 The salary of R. W. Smith of Armstrong, has been increased from $400 to $800. The salary of E. Elder, of Blair, has been increased from $600 to $1000. The salary of R. McDivitt, of Huntingdon, has been increased from $600 to $1000. Bristol boro., J. M. Fox, 45 22. Charles C. Paine, 60 80 Wm. H. Kelley, 156 56 92 74 SCHOOL WARRANTS ISSUED IN JUNE, 1865. 246 24 Samuel Park, $135 67 70 68 LA Bushman, 141 86 66 39 52 John Smith, 76 76 Hamilton, 81 70 Hamiltonban, Mercer, Blacklick, Wm. Johnson, James Campbell, John McKnight, 53 20 84 86 76 00 E. Caldwell, 323 38 Carrolton, H. H. Morgan, jr. 118 94 Joseph Rigby, 75 62 Carton, Harrison twp., John Harrison, 104 12 Penn Forest, James Neely, Rev. L.R.McAboy, 65 36 Centre, Archey Coon, 133 00 Reserve, George Kretz, 259 54 Chest, Franklin, Towamensing, Bellefonte, Benner twp., Farmers Mills, J. Hershbarger sr., 23 94 Unionville boro., Thomas Parsons, 30 02 John S. Swartz, 134 52 Nottingham East, C. K. McDonald, 117 80 Pikeland East, Thornbury, 57 76 25 56 58 52 147 82 41 82 69 54 121 98 Wm. H. Smith, 54 72 64 Economy, Danl. J. Campton,101 08 James W. Pander, 54 72 Clarion, Whiteland West, Clarion bor., Robt. F. Hoopes, 102 98 Daniel Delo, 64 60 Georgetown bor., S. T. Hamilton, 26 60 Wm. H. Laughlin, 87 68 Curllsville, Elk, Richard Knight, 67 84 Patterson, Sewickley North, Bedford bor., 22 04 J. C. Ritchie, 26 98 89 30 137 18 836 41 42 646 |