than in the manner of imparting it, or the branches of learning, which are taught. The business of society urgently demands great alterations in these particulars. New channels of business, new interests and objects, and other and different capacities for their proper management, require a conformity in the course of preparatory education. The qualifications of instructers deserve much more of care and attention. To the great honor and happiness of the Commonwealth, this employment has become an extensively desirable and lucrative occupation. It may be safely computed, that the number of male teachers engaged by the towns annually, for the whole or parts of the year, does not fall short of twenty five hundred different individuals, to which, if the number of female instructers and those employed in private schools be added, the aggregate would amount to many thousands. Knowledge in the art of governing, and a facility in cominunicating instruction, are attainments in the teacher, of indispensable importance to proficiency by the pupil. These talents are as much to be acquired by educa tion as are the sciences themselves. It will well merit the consideration of the legislature, when discussing the expediency of the institution of the proposed seminary, whether provision for the preparation of a class of men to become the instructers of youth in the public schools, in branches of learning adapted to the present condition and wants of the country, is not among the highest of the in ducements to the measure, and should be an object of primary and definite arrangement in its adoption.

[A reference to our past numbers will remind our readers that the subject of establishing a practical seminary for the diffusion of useful knowledge connected with the arts and business of life, was brought before our last icgislature, and that the report made by a committee appointed for that subject, recommending the proposed measure, was returned for farther consideration To every friend of improvement it must be highly gratifying to observe this subject introduced so prominently in the message of Governor Lincoln.

Whatever may be the result of legislative deliberation on the establishment of the above seminary, the public mind seems in a fair way to produce of itself some of the effects which are anticipated from such an institution. The highly favor able impressions of public sentiment toward the system of mutual instruction is effecting an extensive introduction of that method in common schools. A portant object of the improved system is the preparing of youth for the business of teaching, by furnishing them with early and daily opportunities of practie, under circumstances peculiarly advantageous for the acquisition of skill, and the attainment of success.

The

The proposed seminary, however, becomes not the less desirable from the introduction of monitorial teaching. It becomes in fact vastly more so schools of mutual instruction will operate as primary and preparatory institutions for young teachers, who will thus be put into a condition for receiving with advantage the course of education which the seminary will furnish.

Nothing surely can be more beneficial to the interests of our state, than the establishment of a seminary which may furnish a constant supply of well educa ted teachers, prepared to enter on their office with accomplished minds, and enlightened views of the whole subject of education, as well as the best practical qualifications for instruction. Such a seminary cannot fail soon to become so popular as to support itself; but all its actual success must depend on the liberality with which it may be enabled to commence its operations; for a poor and imperfect institution, instead of promoting the object desired, would unavoidably fix and entail a low standard of qualifications on the part of instructers, and consequently a low state of public education.]

GYMNASIUM IN BOSTON.

A meeting of the citizens of Boston was held at the hall of the Exchange Coffee House, on Thursday, the 15th June, to consult on the expediency of estab

lishing a school for gymnastic exercise.

437

A report was read, giving an account of the measures previously taken by a private committee who had been engaged in promoting this object. Application, it was mentioned, had been successfully made to the city council for a piece of vacant ground which might be improved for the purpose of commencing the exAll that remained to be done was to periment, and continuing it for two years. enclose and cover the gymnastic ground, and procure a teacher with the requisite apparatus. From three to five thousand dollars, it was conceived, would be sufficient to defray the expenses attending these arrangements, as after a favorable beginning the school would support itself, by moderate tuition fees, which, while they would suffice for the support of the establishment, would render its benefits accessible to every class of the community. The primary object of the gymnastic school would be to furnish opportunity and means of exercise to the youth of the city. At the same time, it would be open to persons of every age who might be inclined to embrace the opportunity for the regular practice of bodily exercise. If the experiment of a gymnasium is found successful, it is to be hoped that it will constitute a department of public education, under the patronage of the city. The general importance of physical education was very successfully exhibited in the able report of the secretary.

A letter was read from a committee of the students of the university, who had met for the purpose of adopting some method of aiding the efforts of the citizens of Boston, in their attempt to establish a gymnasium. The letter contained very pleasing intelligence regarding the good effects which had been experienced from the gymnasium at Cambridge, and the best wishes of the students for the success of the undertaking in Boston. The committee favored the meeting with their personal attendance; and one of their number furnished much instructive information regarding gymnastic exercise, in answer to inquiries from the chairman of the meeting. The gymnasium at Cambridge was said to have had the most favorable influence on the health, and bodily and mental activity of the students, as well as on the disposal of time during the hours of relaxation. Its moral influence therefore was decidedly favorable.

No addresses of any length were delivered, as the persons who composed the meeting seemed to have assembled with minds perfectly prepared, and very favorably disposed, for the business which came before them. The proceedings were marked by perfect unanimity, and a commendable despatch.

A committee was chosen for the purpose of procuring the necessary means of carrying into effect the primary resolution of the meeting, that it is expedient to establish a gymnasiuin in Boston.'

The thanks of the meeting were presented to the students of the university, for the interest they had manifested in the measures taken by the citizens in an object so intimately connected with the public welfare.

ROUND HILL SCHOOL.

We lay before our readers an account of the studies now pursuing at the Round Hill School under the direction of Messrs. JOSEPH G. COGSWELL and GEORGE BANCROFT, assisted by the following gentlemen:

Charles Beck, Instructer in Latin and Gymnastics,

G. H. Bode, Greek and German,

C. C. Felton, Mathematics,

Donato Gheradi, Latin and Italian,

Francis Grund, Mathematics,

M. N. Hentz, French,

William Hutchens, Writing,

W. D. King, Elocution,

A. X. San Martin, Spanish,

A. G Villeneuve, French.

Of these

The whole number of boys at the school is one hundred and twelve. thirty-three pursue the study of Greek in seven classes. The text book used for

the lower classes, is Jacob's Greek Reader; for the higher the Collect. Græca Majora, Homer, or the tragedians. Buttman's Greek Grammar is preferred in all the classes, not less for beginners, than for the more advanced.

There are ninety-five who pursue the study of Latin, in twelve classes. The books regularly used with beginners are Adams' Latin Grammar, Jacobs' Latin Reader, and Cornelius Nepos. For the higher classes works are selected from the wide range of Latin literature as inclination and circumstances may lead.-Livy, Cicero, Virgil, Tacitus, Sallust, are most frequently used.

One hundred and ten attend to French, in thirteen classes. The class books used in commencing the study of the French are Wanostrotht's French Gram mar, the French Reader and the French Manual of Mr. Hentz. For the higher classes, works are selected each half-year, from the best French writers in prose and poetry; in the half year chiefly from Moliere, Bossuet, Voltaire and Florian. The attention of the higher classes is principally directed to speaking and writing the language.

Fifty-four learn the Spanish, for which they are arranged in ten classes. The Grammar used is Mr. Sales' Translation of Josse. As yet no satisfactory ele mentary work has appeared, and the Coleccion Espanola is used for the want of something, better adapted to beginners. The higher classes use Don Quijote, Gil Blas traducido por el P. Ysla, Cartas Moruecas and Comedias de Moratio. In the two German classes there are twelve. The Thirty Years' War of

Schiller is used with each.

A small class in the Italian language has just been formed.

The whole number pursue mathematical studies in thirteen regular classes, of which six are engaged with Arithmetic, and the rest have courses in Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, and the Application of Algebra to Geometry.

The English Language is made a subject of study to all. Exercises in Grammar, Reading, Declamation, and Writing, (either translations or Original Compositions,) constitute the course.

For English Grammar and composition the school is divided into two parts; of which the younger part receive lessons in Grammar and writing English in the same classes into which they are distrubuted for Arithmetic; the older part in two large classes have weekly exercises in Grammar and the rules of Composi tion, and give up themes once a fortnight.

For reading the School is divided into sixteen classes; of which the six lowest receive an hour's instruction three times in the week each; the more advanced pupils read but twice or once in the week.

For Declamation there are four regular and four extraordinary classes, embracing in all seventy pupils. These have private instruction once and some times twice each week, and each class performs before the whole school once a

month.

Besides these regular classes, there are several which are organised for the fartherance of particular views;--a class in History has two lessons a week; one in Moral Philosophy two also; one in Roman Antiquities six; one in Blair's Rhetoric three; one in Mercantile arithmetic six; one in higher Mathematics three; one in Sallust three.

M. Guignon (from New-York) attends as an instructer in dancing; for which purpose the school is divided into fourteen classes, each of which receives three lessons a week.

The duties of the day begin immediately after five in the morning with the suitable offices of religion--At half past five there are exercises of a class in Latin, two classes in Greek, three in Mathematics, and one in Spanish. The rest of the School are meanwhile engaged in private study, always under inspection. At a quarter past six the classes are changed: and there are one in Latin, one in Greek, three in Mathematics, one in Spanish, and one in History or Moral

Philosophy.

Breakfast is at seven. From half past seven till nine there are no exercises but in declamation, and in dancing, (except it be for voluntary classes.)

At nine the exercises are resumed. Two classes are then employed with the Latin Instructers, one in Greek, two in Mathematics, one in Spanish, one in Reading, one in Writing, and one in French.

At ten there are two in French, two in Mathematics, one in Latin, one in Greek, one in Spanish, one in Reading, and one in Writing.

And thus the business of the school is continued till twelve. From twelve to one is for rest. One is the hour for dinner. At two the exercises are resumed as in the morning, and continued till five.

The hours from five till seven are designed for exercise and amusement. At this time the classes in Gymynastics have their instruction, when the weather permits.

Seven is the hour for the evening meal. After the devotional exercises of the evening at eight o'clock, the smaller boys are at once dismissed. The larger part of the school devote one hour more to study;—and at nine all retire.

SCHOOLS IN BOSTON.

Hamp. Gas.

Report of the School Committee of the City of Boston on the State of the Schools, May, 1826.

In School Committee 26th May 1826.

Voted that Mr. H. J. Oliver, the special committee to prepare the Return of the several schools in the city, to be made to the Secretary of the Commonwealth, in compliance with the requirements of the Statute of 4th March last, entitled 'an act further to provide for the instruction of youth'--and to report to this Board,be authorised and requested to make the Return, this day reported, to the Secretary of the Commonwealth, as from this Board.

Voted that the same Committee be requested to cause five hundred copies of the Report aforesaid to be printed in a pamphlet form, together with such of the documents accompanying it, as in his opinion, will be consistent with the rights of individuals, and conducive to public benefit.

Attest

JOHN PIERPONT, Secretary.

The sub-committee appointed at a meeting of the School Committee on the seventh ultimo for the purpose of preparing a return of the several schools in this city, to be made to the Secretary of this Commonwealth, in compliance with the requirements of the Statute of the 4th of March last--entitled an act further to provide for the instruction of youth--have attended that service, having commenced upon the preliminary duty assigned them, that of inquiry, on the 8th and completed the same on the 17th instant, and now ask leave to report.

That the whole number of Public Schools in the city is 74 viz 9 Grammar and 9 writing schools, one Latin school-one English High school for Boys, one English High school for Girls-51 schools for children between 4 and 7 years of age and denominated Primary Schools,' and two schools at the House of Industry at South Boston.

That the whole number of pupils at the above Schools is 7044. It may not be uninteresting in this place to state, that of this number of 7044, there are 218 colored children, who are participating in the advantages of each branch of instruction enjoyed at our public schools.

That the expense of tuition, fuel &c. for the current year is estimated to be $54,417-without any reference to the cost of the several public buildings where those children over 7 years of age receive their instruction, and which are ten in number, the average cost of which, as appears from the books at the auditor's office, is but little short of $20,000 for each School House.

That the whole number of Private Schools in this city, as ascertained from a personal visit by your committee to each school is 141.

That the whole number of pupils at said schools is 3392 as will appear by the separate schedule of each ward-giving the numbers &c. at each school of those under 4—those from 4 to 7-those from 7 to 14, and those over 14 years of age—

and here it may be mentioned, that there are 272 children at School under the age

of four years.

That the expense of instruction at these schools estimating from the most correct data which could be had, including the average expense of books &c. both at these and the public schools, for the current year, is $97,305 25.

That the whole number of schools in the city is 215. That the whole number of children at the public and private schools in this city at the present time is 10,436. That the whole amount of public and private tuition including expense of books as before expressed is $ 152, 722 25.

Your committee present the above particulars, together with the additional information required by the Act of the Legislature in the printed form accompanying this Report, which if it receive the sanction of the School Committee, will constitute the Return to be made at the Secretary of the Commonwealth's office.

The preceding report and return embrace, as has already appeared, the privat schools of our city.-Strictly considered, and with all due deference to the Legis lature, it was conceived by many of the Teachers-that that Body had no autherity to demand of any town the information pertaining to this class of schools.and hence that no town could require the information of any teacher of a private school-In some instances the questions were asked of your committee, why do you request this information of us? what is the object of it &c.—when on explanation, the information was very readily afforded.--Your committee would take this opportunity to express their thanks to the Teachers generally, for the promptitude and urbanity which characterised them in their answers, and, in several instances, in the aid afforded to your committee in making their inquiries and which have resulted in completing a return with regard to which the School Committee of Boston would unite with all teachers of Youth and their fellow citizens in general, in mutual congratulations, that we live in a day when the interests of learning are so generally and so liberally fostered, and for the encouraging belief, that under the blessing of God, they cannot but be attended with the most important and happy consequences.

ALBANY LANCASTER SCHOOL.

At an annual meeting of the members of the Albany Lancaster School Society, held at the capitol in the city of Albany on the 6th day of Feb. 1826Samuel M. Hopkins was chosen chairman, and Benjamin F. Butler, secretary, The trustees made their report to the society, which was read and ordered to be printed. The following are extracts.

The trustees of the Albany Lancaster School Society in conformity to the requirements of their act of incorporation, make their annual report as follows: From the report of the teacher, it appears that the school has been well attended for the past year, and that the progress of the scholars has never been greater, owing in part to their less fluctuating attendance. The number of scholars that have received instruction during the year until the 6th of December last, is 743, aud the number now on the class lists is 401, the average number daily at tending is from 300 to 350; 58 cipher in books, and enter a portion of their cal culations. Some of them have been through Daboll's Arithmetic; 92 cipher on the Lancasterian cards, and 117 write on ruled books; 15 boys and 10 girls are studying the English grammar, and the rules of reading, and all who are disposed for it, study geography.

The visiting committee who have from time to time visited the school, inspect ed its discipline, caused the scholars to go through examinations, and perform their several exercises before them, believe, that in propriety of reading, in pen. manship, and in the neatness of their writing and ciphering books, in reciting compositions committed to memory, and in the rapid progress made in these acquirements, few common schools, perhaps none, can produce evidence of equal proficiency. Particular attention is paid to cleanliness and decency of appearance among the scholars; so that those who belong to the class, properly de