nominated charity scholars, shall not form a contrast in appearance to the pay scholars; that is, the children of those who are not dependent, and who duly appreciating the superior advantages of this school, desire to give their children the benefit of it, and pay a moderate sum for their tuition.

In justice to the teacher, it is to be observed, that he continues in the discharge of his duties to manifest those talents and that fidelity, and regard for the welfare of the institution, which have distinguished him, since he first took charge of the school.

The treasurer's account for the last year, shows a debit of $1537 95, and a credit of $1210 84, leaving a balance in his hand, in favor of the society of $327 11. Among the debited items are $54 46, the balance of the preceding year, and $241 44 for tuition money received during the past year. SIMEON DE WITT, Pres't.

LEWIS C. BECK, Sec'ry.

Albany, Feb. 6, 1826.

MONITORIAL HIGH SCHOOL, GENESEO, NEW-YORK. Several enterprising individuals of Livingston county, have formed an association for the purpose of establishing a school, at Geneseo, on an extensive scale, for the education of boys-in which the monitorial system of instruction is to be pursued. It is to be conducted on the same plan as Dr. Griscom's High School, in the city of New York; and is intended to accommodate 600 lads at once. Such an institution will be a blessing to that section of country, and the plan is worthy of imitation by every county in the state. The all important subject of education, at this time engrosses much of the public attention throughout the Union: a spirit of inquiry and action is aroused, from which we may anticipate the happiest results.

PRACTICAL EDUCATION ON THE CONTINENT OF EUROPE.

By a decree of the King of Holland, Chemistry and Mechanics applied to the useful arts, are to be taught in each of the universities in the Kingdom. Two new professorships have been added to the university of Leige-one of Metallur gy and Technology, and the other of Rural Economy.

CONNECTICUT SCHOOL FUND.

From the report of the Commissioner of the School Fund to the Legislature, it appears that the principal of the fund, consisting in bonds, stock, lands, and cash, amounts to $ 1,719,434. The interest due is $116,283. The whole number of persons in the state between the ages of four and sixteen, according to the enumeration in the month of August last, was 84,851. The number of school societies in the state is 203; the whole amount of moneys divided to them during the past year is $72, 123 35, being at the rate of 85 cents to each person enumerated. The amount of interest on hand after paying the above dividend and the expenses of managing the fund, is $6151 18.

INSTRUCTION OF MECHANICS.

This subject is pursued with much vigor and zeal in France. Dupin, the cele, brated engineer, seems to have given it the first impulse by a course of lectures at Paris. The Minister of Marine appointed Blouet, Professor of Hydrographyto deliver a course of Geometry and Mechanics applied to arts and trades, at Dieppe, an important seaport. He commenced in October, 1825, at the city hall, and delivered his introductory lecture to an audience of four hundred persons. Mention is made that there were at the above date no less than 44 similar courses, delivered in seaport towns in France, and 15 in cities in the interior.

CONNECTICUT COMMON SCHOOLS.

Extracts from the Report of the Committee appointed by the Legislature of Connecticut to inquire what alterations in the laws relating to Common Schools are necessary to raise their character and increase their usefulness.

The Committee deem the subject which they were called to investigate, to be one of vital importance to the State. The intellectual and moral culture of every member of the community, was the basis on which the founders of our happy institutions reared the whole structure of civil society. In favor of this fundamental principle of free government, they bore a testimony so noble, as to command the admiration of all wise men, to whom their history is known; and to vindicate to themselves the high renown of benefactors to the human race.' A like interest was felt by their immediate descendants in the general diffusion of knowledge; and the system of common schools continued to be an object of peculiar care to the State, and went on improving, until the public resources enabled the Legislature to grant it the late munificent endowment.

Placed on a footing so elevated, and justly preferred to every other interest, it was not unreasonably supposed that the results of the system would correspond with its means, and that these institutions would maintain their acknowledged pre-eminence over the primary schools of other states; at least that they would not fail to keep pace with the progress of general improvement in our own. Facts compel your committee to say, that, in their opinion, they have done neither. The States of New-York and Massachusetts begin already, to challenge a superiority for their common schools, although it is but a few years since they looked to Connecticut for their models, and sought the aid of her wisdom. The academies of this State have never been cheered with a solitary gleam of legislative bounty, and seem to be wholly excluded from the pale of legislative sympathies; yet many of them have flourished. The University of this city has risen chiefly by its own energies, and urged its way to eminence with little aid from the State which it exalts and adorns. Yet common schools, on which, as on a favorite child the public resources have been lavished with great liberality, but with little care, have been gradually declining in their relative standing. The result of the experiment has decided that no appropriations of money will secure the increasing prosperity of schools. They lighten the burden of the people, but they also diminish, and for that reason perhaps, their interest in these institutions. While your committee are reluctant to believe, with many of the most enlightened men with whom they have corresponded in relation to the subject, that the common schools are in no better condition than they would have been had they received no aid from the State, they are confirmed in the opinion that they have fallen far short of that ex cellence which they might have attained.

A reform in that part of the system relating to books, while it would promote economy, seems indispensable to the success of the schools. The continual fluc tuation in the use of books with which the schools are inundated, subjects the parents to a heavy expense, and prevents that uniformity without which there can be no classification-a principle highly conducive to success in every grade of instruction. The selections are, not unfrequently, made with little judgement, and many books are used, fit only to corrupt the taste or the morals of youth.-The important business of preparing elementary books, has been left, too much, to un skilful hands-to men who have betrayed at every step, their utter ignorance of the first principles of the philosophy of the mind, a science to which the higher departments of education are greatly indebted, but whose aid has been little sought after in the lower, where it is most needed. This is an evil which the legislature, and the legislature only, can remedy.

Our elementary books should possess a more national character. The elements of our history, of our civil and political institutions, and of our religion, should be engraven on the memory of every child, and its earliest associations should be those of an American, a Republican, and a Christian. In this way, may the men of future generations be trained for the responsibility which awaits them, and become the safe depositaries of the rich inheritance which we now enjoy.

As it respects the qualifications of teachers, a matter of vital importance to the improvement of schools, the law has made no requisitions, but has left the subject

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entirely to the discretion of the School Visiters. Your committee are of opinion that something would be gained by specifying the requisite qualifications, assuming for a standard such as are already possessed, with a distinct intimation that it is the policy of the State, gradually to raise this standard.

The condition of every school, as it regards the books used, the number of pupils, the branches taught, the time the school has been continued, the expenditures, with similar facts, should be presented annually to the legislature and to the public. This would have the two-fold effect of obtaining that information which would enlighten the path of legislation in future, and of operating as a powerful stimulus to the career of improvement. A knowledge of the fact, that the eye of the State, is watching their movements, and that their actual and comparative standing is to be known to the public, can hardly fail to increase the fidelity of teachers, the industry of pupils, and the zeal of parents.

The inefficiency of the system, has, in the opinion of your committee, arisen chiefly from the neglect of supervision on the part of the State. No measures Their have been taken to ascertain the actual condition of common schools internal management, their character and prospects, have not sufficiently engaged the attention of the legislature.

With a view to invigorate and improve the system, the committee recommend the appointment of a Superintendent of Common Schools, whose duty it shall be to recommend suitable books to the adoption of School Visiters, and such modes of instruction and government as he may deem most expedient; and from the reports of the several School Societies, to prepare and present to the legislature, annually, a report, so far as he may obtain information, showing the actual condition of every school in the State, together with his proceedings for the year. The committee further recommend that the duties of the superintendent of common schools be discharged by the Secretary of State, for the time being.

The fact that on these institutions, the great body of the people must ever depend, exclusively, for the means of education, invests them with a paramount importance, and establishes their claim to the peculiar and increasing regard of the Legislature. Of the 206 members who compose this honorable body, more than 180 are indebted for their education, entirely or chiefly, to common schools. Such men, it is confidently believed, while they are laudably employed in embellishing the structure of civil society, and in giving it a fair exterior, will not suffer its foundations to go to decay.--All which, with the accompanying bill for a public act, is respectfully submitted.

In behalf of the Committee,

HAWLEY OLMSTEAD, Chairman.

GYMNASIUM IN BOSTON.

[When the article p. 436. was inserted, the subjoined Report had not appeared; and as the subject is one of the deepest interest to the well-being of the community, and to the prosperity of education, we presume its importance will be thought sufficient to justify our returning to the intelligence respecting the gymnasium, and presenting it in fuller detail.]

At a meeting of citizens of Boston, held at the Exchange Coffee House, on Thursday the 15th day of June, current, Mr. William Sullivan was chosen Chairman, and Mr. Charles P. Curtis, Secretary.

It appeared that the city authorities had granted the use of a piece of land at the westerly end of Boylston street, (lately the site of the Ropewalk,) for two years from the 1st of May, 1826,-and that one or more instructers could be had to conduct the exercises of the Gymnasium; that such an Institution would develope the physical powers of the pupils therein, and direct the use of them, in the duties and rational amusements of social life, and essentially promote health and vigor; that similar establishments in Europe had produced the effects expected from them; and that the Gymnasium of the University has produced the most salutary and beneficial consequences among the students of that seminary; that far

less of bodily strength and vigorous health, are found among the young men in this city, and especially among the sedentary, than might be, if a very practica ble change of habits were introduced; and that a regular course of physical education would tend to prolong life, and to increase the proper enjoyment of it; that from these, and similar views, it was unanimously resolved by this meeting: First. That it is expedient to attempt the establishment of a Gymnastic School in the city of Boston.

Secondly. That William Sullivan, John C. Warren, George Ticknor, John G. Coffin, and John S. Foster, together with such an addition to their number as they may select, not exceeding five, be a committee to carry the first resolution into effect, in conformity with the public notice for calling this meeting; thai said committee be authorised to ask the voluntary contributions of the Citizens of Boston, for the establishment of a Gymnasium, at such time, and in such manner, as they may think expedient; and to receive and apply such contributions in establishing the same.

Thirdly. That this meeting have received with great pleasure the deputation of young gentlemen from the University at Cambridge, and are benefitted and obliged by the information derived from this source; that the interest which the members of the University have taken in the object of this meeting, is highly creditable to them; and is regarded as a pleasing demonstration of public spirit, and an honorable promise of future usefulness.

The deputation from the University presented the subjoined letter, and verbally explained the course of exercises at the College Gymnasium, and its beneficial effects. In behalf of this committee it was stated to the meeting, that the health of the students had been greatly improved; that intellectual vigor was found to be the consequence of physical improvement; that the diseases and inquietudes of feeble digestion, had disappeared from among the students; that the demand for sensation' too frequently supplied in unoccupied periods, by smoking, fully satisfied by the manly exercises of the Gymnasium; that the regulanty with which the course of instruction was pursued, from simple to masterly movere, is, was such as to secure the pupils from injurious accidents, and that they were su prised to find how easily and securely exercises might be performed, worch would seem to the uninstructed difficult, if not impracticable.' that its social effects were not the least of its consequences to be valued, inasmuch as one coine mon interest, in a commendable pursuit, had brought into contact and prietoly feeling, those who might have passed the whole period of college life without being more to each other than mere strangers.

Voted, That the transactions of this meeting be published.
True copy of proceedings.

CHARLES P. CURTIS, Secretary.

Letter of the Deputation from the University.

To the Chairman of the Committee on the subject of establishing a Gymnasium

Boston.

Sir Perceiving, by your address to the citizens, published on the 12th inst. in the Advertiser, that you have in consideration, the establishment of a Gymnasium for the city of Boston, the students of Harvard University, members of the Gymnasium there, have thought proper to address to you a few remarks, which you are at liberty to use as you see fit.

your ad

At a full meeting of the members of the Gymnasium, holden in College Chapel, on the 13th inst. it was voted to express our opinion on the subject of dress, and the undersigned were appointed a committee to carry that resolution

into effect.

From the short experience we have had in gymnastic exercises we believe them highly beneficial, and we feel a sincere desire that others should participate in the advantages to be derived from them. The improvement in health has bee perceptible, and general, among all those who have engaged in them.

The

cheerfulness which they produce, and the increased agility which results from them, are remarkable. The mind sympathises with the body, and is equally acted All idle apprehensions of danger have long since been removed; and we are surprised at the ease with which we perform motions, that at first seemed difficult, if not impracticable.

on.

We are glad to find physical education gaining ground; and hope it may soon become a regular part of the system of education. The soldier, sailor, traveller, and men of many mechanical employments, find the accomplishments of the gymnasium of the first necessity in their daily business; and in cases of emergency, they are of the highest importance in every walk of life. The object of this communication is not however, to enter into an argument on the proposed establishment, but simply to express the pleasure we feel, that such a one is in contemplation; and to assure you, that so far as can be argued from its popularity here, you have the highest prospect of success. With the highest respect, &c.

John H. W. Page, Edward North, Robert Rantoul, Jr., Seniors; Ben. T. Crowninshield, Epes Sargent Dixwell, Juniors; S. M. E. Kittle, R. C. Winthrop, Charles C. Emerson, James Jackson, Jr., Sophomores; Benj. M. Saul, Benigno Davenport, W. H. Channing, Freshmen.

HARVARD UNIVERSITY, Cambridge, June 14, 1826.

BOOKS FOR CHILDREN.

Messrs. Monroe and Francis, Boston, have just printed an edition of Miss Edgeworth's Early Lessons, arranged in a different manner from any other heretofore published-having put Harry and Lucy in one volume, Frank in one volume, and Rosamond in two volumes, with the addition of cuts from original designs made by vir. D. C. Johnstone of this city. Each of the works can be sold separate, and will be an excellent book for reading in classes. The first one has already been introduced in this way.

We have seen copies of the new edition of Harry and Lucy and of Frank. The books are neatly excuted : if used as reading books, they will be found as useful in their sphere as the Encyclopedia is to adults: that they possess the additional advantage of being highly entertaining we need hardly say. We cordially wish the publishers success in their excellent undertaking. In our next number we shall take up these volumes individually, as their importance demands.

REV. MR. NEWLAND'S ESSAY ON EDUCATION.

The principles laid down by Mr. Newland are these: 1. That exercise is the chief means of cultivating and improving the mind. 2. That the knowledge already in the student's possession should be employed as the means of conducting him to some higher attainment. 3. That association is a consideration of great importance in tuition. The concluding observations of the essay are these: 1. That the Christian religion should form a part of every system of education. That care should be taken, in an academical education, not to weaken the influence of filial and parental affection. 3. That in every system of education, pains should be taken to prevent the loss of time.-Lond. Evan. Mag.

BRITISH AND FOREIGN SCHOOL SOCIETY.

2.

Since last year, it appears, that there have been added to the Central Schools 500 boys and 300 girls. Since the commencement of the Institution, there have been educated 16,120 boys, and 7,290 girls-in all 24,010.

There are 60 Assistant Schools in London, at which 10,000 children are educated.

In Ireland there were at first only 261 Schools; to these 1,500 have been added. The number of children educated amounts to 100,000; and 200 masters and 300 mistresses, are at present receiving instruction for that country. The total number of instructers at present is 1,171, among whom gratuities to the amount of L 6,250 have been distributed The number of cheap books sold last year was 122,000, and, since the commencement of the Institution, 1,089,703.