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er contended that if no religious or even moral wise attained. Besides, our state is admirably instruction were given at all, but merely the in-situated for such district associations.

tellect were properly trained, the heart would be benefited, and the moral character elevated. His arguments were clear, logical, and convincing, and presented as none but a thorough scholar and strong thinker could present them. We hope in our next to give an abstract of the lecture, and at some subsequent time to furnish extracts of this and perhaps other lectures.

The institute was one of the most successful ever held in the state, and will prove of great advantage to the teachers present and to the people of Newport.

Teachers' Meetings.

THE recent institute at Newport must have suggested to many teachers present the importance of frequent meetings for mutual improvement.

"Teachers' Institutes" are now an established part of our plan of public instruction. But they cannot do all that is to be done for the profession. They can be held at best but a few times a year, and the instructors who conduct the exercises must necessarily be very general in the topics brought before the institute. Many matters pertaining to school government, to methods of teaching, to individual cases of difficulty, cannot be brought before such a meeting. Again; the time selected for such gatherings is generally that which will find the largest number of teachers enjoying the vacation, at which time the mind is not prepared to investigate principles which shall effectually regulate their course of action, as it is when the cases of difficulty are fresh and perhaps yet unsettled.

The teachers of Providence, who now meet regularly on the second Saturday of each term, could well meet on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month for purposes of improvement. The teachers of Burrillville could meet at Pascoag; of Glouscester at Chepatchet; of the upper part of Smithfield and Cumberland at Woonsocket; of the lower part at Pawtucket or Valley Falls, or at Lonsdale, perhaps alternating; the teachers of the extreme south-west of the state at Westerly; while meetings of the respective localities could be held at Newport; Warren or Bristol; South Kingston; East Greenwich; North Kingston; Washington; and, in fact, in nearly or quite every town in the state. Now is

the time to agitate the subject. We trust these

associations will be formed and vigorously maintained throughout the winter. Lecturers can readily be obtained by application to the Commissioner, or to this office, to attend such meetings as may need or desire the assistance of persons outside of the district, but the best plan is to develop the talent existing among the teach

ers themselves.

Providence Evening Schools.

No movement, connected with popular education, has been made during the last few years which promises more beneficial results than the general establishment of evening schools in our cities and towns.

There are multitudes, who, either from the poverty of their parents, their own indifference, or their foreign birth, have grown up ignorant of the general principles of a common school education. Many others there are whose early ad

But, let the teachers at the present season of the year form District Associations, which shall meet as often as once a fortnight, to discuss top-vantages were limited, who would gladly avail ics of interest connected with their schools, or themselves of the privilege, were it offered them, the best plan of teaching, and mnch can be done, of pursuing their studies further. not only by way of gaining instruction pertaining to general principles, and of deciding intricate or difficult cases, but also in inspiring an enthusiasm in their profession, a devotion to the work, nings to study and mental improvement, if it an earnestness in labor, which may not be other-were possible.

There are also many young men and women, lads and misses, who are obliged to work for a livelihood, who would gladly devote their eve

To all these classes the evening school, -or, as it is frequently called, the "Night School," offers great advantages.

We are happy to state that Providence is not negligent in providing the means of instruction for these classes. For several winters past, evening schools have been sustained at the expense of the city, which have been open to all classes, numerously attended, and remarkably successful.

Six such schools were opened for the coming winter, Oct. 18th, in different parts of the city, which were immediately well filled. One numbered one hundred and seventy-six scholars the second evening.

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Lectures are held at the rooms of the association during the lecture season.

All the benefits of the Association can be secured by the payment of one dollar per year. The reading-room is open to all, and young men, teachers, and others, from the country, are cordially invited to avail themselves while in the city, of its advantages. We can assure the teachers and friends of education from all parts of the state that they will meet with a cordial reception and be heartily welcomed by Wm. C. Mills, Esq., the gentlemanly librarian, and they can scarcely spend an hour to better advantage than in examining the files of papers, or the periodicals upon the tables of the Young Men's Christian Association.

Potter & Hammond's Commercial Academy.

THE proprietors of this excellent educational establishment are too well known to the com

We earnestly hope such schools will be estab-munity to need a word of commendation from lished in the various manufacturing villages of Rhode Island the coming winter. There can be no better investment of funds either by the towns or by manufacturing firms and corpora

tions.

Providence Young Men's Christian Association.

THIS institution, whose rooms are at 56 Weybosset street, was organized five years ago, and has been in most successful operation since. It has one of the most pleasant and well appointed Reading Rooms to be found in the city. Several hundred daily and weekly papers are upon its files, and nearly all the leading pictorials, monthlies, and quarterlies upon its tables. It has also a well-assorted Library of the choicest selection, containing over two thousand volumes.

The Literary Circle connected with the Association hold meetings through the winter season once in two weeks, at which the discussions, and essays attract a large and respectable audience.

us. Their writing books are in general use throughout our city and state, and the hundreds of young men who have graduated at their Academy will bear full attestation to their ability and faithfulness in the special departments of instruction to which they devote themselves. Our object in alluding to this institution at the present time is to recommend to all young men of whatever class, and whatever aims in life, to acquire a thorough knowledge of book-keeping in all its

branches. This matter has been too much under-rated by educational men. Every teacher should thoroughly understand book-keeping as a necessary preliminary to the successful teaching of arithmetic.

R. I. STATE NORMAL SCHOOL.-The next term of this institution will commence on Nov. 30th. The school is now in successful operation at Bristol, and presents rare inducements to those who intend to teach. The location is pleasant, the tuition free, and instructors of the highest order.

Classical Study.

its reception. It is not too late for the next year; and it is hoped it will stimulate many THE leading article in this number, which will teachers and scholars to engage in the delight be recognized as from the pen of Rev. T. H. ful work of making the grounds around our VAIL, D. D., is worthy the careful reading of all. school houses attractive and beautiful. In some Only those who are familiar with the Latin and cases it will be necessary to begin so far back, as Greek languages can well understand their val- the attempt to obtain grounds, to erect fences ue. Nor is their importance confined to the top-around them, and plant shade trees. When this ics presnted in the article above-mentioned. is done, then may the refining process be made The teacher of English grammar is immensely to embrace "flowering plants and shrubs." benefited by a knowledge of these languages. It is impossible to understand fully the structure and power of our language without at least a knowledge of the structure of the Latin. It is a miserable theory that discards all study of the ancient classics because they are not practical.

OFFICIAL DEPARTMENT.

Lectures.

OFFICE OF THE COM. OF PUB. SCHOOLS.

October 14, 1858.

It

purpose,

PROVIDENCE, Jan. 5, 1858.

J. KINGSBURY, Supt. Public Schools:

Dear Sir,- Fearing that you have not received as many friendly suggestions in regard to your new office, and the mode of administering its duties as you most ardently desire, I beg to add one more, which, like all the rest, is of the greatest importance.

It is to interest the teachers and children throughout the state in the cultivation of flowering plants and shrubs, especially around their school houses. You would find little difficulty

the measure by procuring from the general assembly a law making it penal to pluck flowers from plants or to cut or destroy flowering plants growing around school houses, (churches, town houses, or in burial grounds.)

THE season most favorable for Lectures hav-in procuring seeds for distribution, (perhaps as ing arrived, school committees and other friends prizes or rewards) from the members of our conof education are hereby reminded that in accord-gressional delegation at Washington and from individuals here. Importance might be given to ance with legislative enactments, lecturers can be furnished for various places in the state. is expected that the most central and populous parts of towns will be selected for this and that all local expenses of hall and lighting, and entertainment of lecturer, whenever such shall be necessary, shall be defrayed by places where the lecture is given. The remuneration of the lecturer will be taken from the fund furnished by the state. The undersigned will be pleased to make arrangements for lecturers, at such places and at such times, as shall be most advantageous to the cause of our public schools, and at the same time, compatible with the circumstances of those who are to render this service.

JOHN KINGSBURY,
Com. of Pub Schools.

THE following letter, upon an important subject, ought to have been published at the time of'

The love of the beautiful in nature is a plant that grows readily in almost every soil and with little cultivation. The connection between that and the love of the true and the good, I believe to be more intimate than is generally supposed, and I have said and will repeat it here, as my belief, that when our private dwellings, our school houses and all our public buildings, and our cities of silence, shall be surrounded and filled with flowers, immorality of the grosser sort, will receive a great check. Excuse me for not troubling you at greater length, and believe me, Very respectfully,

Your servant,
W. R. STAPLES.

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ENTERING CLASS. SECTION 1.
English History.

1. What was the origin of the House of Lancaster?

2. Give some account of the translation of the Bible during the reign of Richard Second. 3. Who were the Lollards?

4. What was the origin of the War of the Roses? How long did it last, and what battles

4. Name the Plantagenet kings in order, and did it include? give their character.

5. Give some account of the Star Chamber, and the reign in which it was instituted.

6. What reign is called the Era of the Reformation? and why?

7. Name six of the distinguished men in Henry Eighth's reign.

8. Give some account of Queen Elizabeth's ministers.

9. Give the leading circumstances in the life of Mary, Queen of Scots.

10. Give some account of the present translation of the Bible.

Percentage of correct answers, 94.1.

Physical Geography.

1. Describe the general outlines of the Eastern and Western continents.

6. What were the consequences of the battle of Bosworth?

6. Who was the first king of the House of Tudor, and what was his claim to the crown?

7.

8.

Scots.

Give a brief account of Lady Jane Gray.
Give a brief account of Mary, Queen of

9. Mention some of the distinguished men of the sixteenth century.

10. Locate five places mentioned in Englist. History, and give their historical associations. Percentage of correct answers, 91.4.

Physical Geography.

1. What are the points of resemblance be tween the two continents?

2. Describe the foundations of Coralline Is lands. Where are they found?

3. Describe the grand central mountain sys

2. Give an account of the formation of Coral- tem of Europe and Asia.

line Islands.

3. Name the six mountain Systems of America.

4. Describe the grand central mountain System of Europe and Asia.

5. Give the extent of the Plains of the Eastern and Western Continents.

6. Explain the principle of Artesian Wells. 7. Describe the four systems of Oceanic Riv

ers.

4. Where is the plateau of North America? 5. In what direction does the plain of the Eastern Continent extend?

6. What is the difference in the character of the eruptions?

7. What is the theory of the cause of volca noes and earthquakes?

8. What resemblance is there between the bed of the ocean and the surface of the land?

9. Mention some of the causes of ocean cur

8. Explain the generally adopted theory of rents.

currents.

9. Give the different parts of the great system of constant currents.

10. What is the influence of currents upon the temperature of different countries?

Percentage of correct answers, 90.

OUR BOOK TABLE.

THE COMMON SCHOOL ARITHMETIC: A Practi-
cal Treatise on the Science of Numbers. By
Dana P. Colburn, Principal of the Rhode Is-
land State Normal School, and author of va-
rious mathematical works. H. Cowperthwait
& Co., Philadelphia.
From a somewhat careful examination of this
book we are prepared to pronounce it a work of
rare merit. It is thoroughly inductive in its
method, and presents, analyzes, and applies
each principle in a manner at once complete and
perspicuous.

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the use of the large and complete Lexicon of Dr. Andrews.

The work of Messrs. Crooks and Schem is designed to supply the scholar in the academy and the college with a Lexicon sufficiently full for his

and use, free from so much cumbrous matter yet as is found in Andrews' Lexicon, which, altho' exceedingly valuable to the teacher and profound philologist, is entirely superfluous for the schol

ar.

This work omits the writers who come after the Silver Age of Latin literature; especially the Latin of the Church Fathers, and of the Mid

The order of subjects is more in accordance dle Ages; the writers upon some technical subwith our own ideas than in any book we have jects, such as medicine, architecture, agriculture, seen. We like the plan of treating compound &c.; and all such writers as Martial and Petronumbers in connection with the "Simple Rules." nius Arbiter. Its scope embraces nearly all the The same may be said of treating decimal frac-writers of the Golden and Silver Ages of Roman tions in connection with common or "vulgar' literature, and the words of Justinus Gellius, fractions. The treatment of interest and prob- and Eutropius of later times. It also rejects the lems pertaining to business life is unusually full superfluous portions of citations and translates and practical. The insertion of so large a number of business problems and specimen forms of accounts, notes, bills, &c., will give the book a value altogether greater than most text-books upon this subject. The number of examples and problems under each principle is greater than in

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A NEW LATIN-ENGLISH SCHOOL LEXICON, on the basis of the Latin-German Lexicon of Dr.

C. F. Ingerslev. By G. R. Crooks, D. D., and A. S. Schem, A. M., of Dickinson College. J. B. Lippincott & Co., Philadelphia. 1858. There is a long step between the vocabulary appended to elementary Latin readers and Andrews Latin Lexicon. The use of a mere vocabulary after perhaps the Latin reader, is attended with serious disadvantages, and should never be allowed. But it is too long a step for a young scholar to pass from the vocabulary directly to

examples where a peculiar use of the words oecurs. The etymology of words, a feature of very great interest and value, is carefully given. Proper names are noticed and briefly defined. The logical arrangement is entirely satisfacto

ry.

The typography is all that could be desired. As far as the daily use of the work in the school-room for the last month will allow us to judge, it appears to be well adapted to the purpose for which it is intended. It seems to embrace all that is necessary and to be sufficiently full and explicit upon topics treated. We have found only one omission, that of the word dissid ium. We hope it will meet with the favor it de

serves.

THE SINGER'S MANUAL.-By W. Williams, author of the "Gloria in Excelsis," "The Song Wreath," Oratorio of "Our Saviour," &c., &c. Shepard, Clark & Brown, Boston. 1858.

This new musical work consists of four parts, as follows:

Part 1. A complete elementary treatise on

music.

Part 2. Glees and part songs,
Part 3. Church music.

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