methods of teaching, and stirring addresses were made by the Secretary of the Board, by private citizens, and others. It was the most practical Institute of the season. The Local Institute held at Pittston was also a very practical meeting.

MIFFLIN. Supt. Owens: Our schools, with but few exceptions, have been successfully taught. There has been a decided increase in the general interest taken in school and Local Institute work throughout the county.

PERRY-Supt. Aumiller: Three of our high schools have graduated classes, as follows: Liverpool, nine members; Millerstown, five; Newport, seven. The course pursued by each class comprises most of the branches enumerated in the Elementary Normal Course. There is a movement afoot looking to the establishment of a uniform course for the whole county. In Oliver township a neat, substantial fence has been placed around the grounds of the Evergreen school-house, and a gravel walk made for the benefit of the children of the East Newport schools in the same district. A fine brick house has been erected in Buffalo township: it is nicely located upon an acre of ground donated by Mr. Hunter, a patron of the school, Very few trees were planted this spring. As long as the school grounds are not protected by fences, but little progress can be made in this work.

SOMERSET Supt. Weller: Local normal schools are in session at Somerset, Meyersdale, Berlin, Rockwood, Ursina, and Stoyestown. The session ranges from ten to twelve weeks.

SUSQUEHANNA.--Supt, James: The management of the county fair at Montrose are still pleased with the educational feature of their last two fairs. They readily perceive that nothing can sooner elevate and dignify the pursuit of agriculture than to intimately connect it with the cause of education. Larger premiums than ever before will this year be offered in this department. Tree-planting has fairly progressed this spring. Nearly half the school grounds of the county now have trees growing upon them.

UNION.-Supt. Johnson: The Lewisburg high school graduated a class of fifteen ladies and four gentlemen this year. The exercises were attended by a large and appreciative audience. On the 30th of May, Rev. Henry G. Dill, Secretary of the Lewisburg School Board, passed from labor to reward. By his death the Board has been deprived of a safe counsellor and a faithful, painstaking member; the teachers have lost a true friend; the pupils will miss his kindly face and cheerful greeting; and the community and the church realize that an upright man and a true Christian gentleman has been taken from their midst.

WAYNE Supt. Kennedy: The teachers of Berlin district have held Institute during the winter. The Flat Rock school-house in Mount Pleasant was destroyed by fire recently.

ALLEGHENY CITY-Supt. Morrow: Arbor Day was celebrated at many of our schools by treeplanting and appropriate exercises. At no previous time has so much interest been manifested in the plantiug of trees and shrubbery as on last Arbor Day. The offices of the Supertntendent

and Secretary have been refitted and elegantly furnished by the Board.

BEAVER FALLS-Supt. Knight: School closed May 6th, with appropriate exercises in all the rooms. Commencement exercises were held in the Opera House the same evening. The house was crowded to overflowing, many being unable to gain admission. The class contained fifteen graduates. The exercises were pronounced a success in every respect. The Alumni reunion and banquet were held at the Grand Hotel.

BRISTOL Supt. Booz: Three Yaggy's Anatomical Studies were purchased by the Board last month. Arbor Day was appropriately observed by a number of the schools.

CHAMBERSBURG The School Board has adopted the plan for a large and commodious four-roomed building. Particular atiention will be given to the ventilation of the various rooms. A brick flue will be constructed in the wall of each room, through which a cast-iron pipe will carry off the smoke and gas from the stoves. With this the ventilators will be connected.

MAHANOY CITY.-Supt. Ballentine: A class of thirteen graduated from the high school this term. Notwithstanding the heavy rain that was falling, an immense audience gathered in the Rink to encourage the class who had successfully finished their course in our public schools.

NORRISTOWN-Supt. Gotwals: Arbor Day was observed in all our schools. Several trees were planted in each yard. The afternoon was devoted to tree-planting and exercises having a tendency to impress the minds of the young with the importance and necessity of planting trees and protecting them. Quite an interest was taken in these exercises by the citizens.

OIL CITY.-Supt. Babcock: Our closing exercises consisted of "receptions in all the grades below the high school. These were largely attended by the parents of the pupils. There was no attempt at making what is commonly called a school exhibition, but the regular work of the grade, reading, spelling, language, arithmetic, etc., were given, and collections of the written work of the year were shown, in order that the parents might see what their children were doing. The prize contest in recitation and declamation by the lower classes of the high school, and the regular commencement exercises of the graduating class, were of a high order of merit, and drew crowded houses. PHOENIXVILLE Supt. Leister: Arbor Day exercises were held in all the schools. About 300 trees, flowers, vines, and shrubs were contributed and planted by the teachers and pupils. The latter had been requested to do planting at home, and report to their teachers. About 200 plants were thus reported. White's Physiological Charts have been bought by the Board.

SHAMOKIN-Supt. Harpel: The commencement exercises of our High School were held in the Opera House. As on former occasions of this kind, the house was crowded to its utmost, every seat being occupied and comfortable standing-room not attainable. The stage was handsomely decorated with pyramids of beautiful flowers, and spanned by an arch of green, from the centre of which was suspended a large

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floral star of the class of '87, having a brilliant electric light shining from its centre. The class. sixteen in number, acquitted themselves well, and the exercises passed off pleasantly and successfully from beginning to end. Among the gifts to the graduates were some beautiful floral designs and many valuable books. The evening schools completed their four months' work, and have been closed.

WILLIAMSPORT.-Supt. Transeau: At a special meeting of the Board, the contract for the Central High School building was let to Mr. A. Anson Artley for $31,520,00. This does not include the heating apparatus, etc. When completed July 1st, 1888, I think we will have a school building of which this district may justly feel proud. Our schools closed with appropriate exercises. The high school commencement was attended by a large audience, and the eighteen graduates acquitted themselves well. It was one of our best commencements.

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HAZLE TWP.-Supt. Williams: The reg monthly Institute was held at West Hazlet Dr. W. E. Gayley, one of our leading physicia delivered a very able and instructive lecture "The Eye." At a previous meeting he lectured to us on Digestion and the Effect Alcohol on the Stomach." Both these lectu were highly appreciated by our teachers.

S long as ten years ago James Russell "the richest nature of his time." But there were comparatively few in this country who agreed with him. It was only by the few that he was read. But those few were our own greatest poets and truest critics, and they recognized the greatness under what superficially passed for his eccentricity, and the genuine poetry in what to the cursory and careless reader seemed nothing but obscurity and incomprehensibility. Since then, however, a great change has taken place in popular opinion, and to-day Browning has perhaps more readers, more students of his poetry, and more enthusiastic admirers, than any other living poet. In fact, there is something like a "Browning craze" upon us; though no doubt much of the popular adoration of him is nothing more than a fashionable affectation.

The truth, however, remains, and is daily becoming clearer, that, while Browning has written much that is well-nigh incomprehensible, and much that in form even lacks every requirement of beauty, he has also produced some of the most profound, true, and artistically perfect poetry in the English language; and enough of both to justify Mr. Stedman's opinion that he is "the most original and unequal of living poets," and to verify Mr. Lowell's words quoted above.

Of Mr. Browning's recent American critics one of the most competent and just, writing in The Christian Union, calls him an "awakener of souls," and gives this estimate of him:

"Among the many elements which conspire to give this poetry a depth, a range, and a value far beyond that possessed by the great body of contemporary verse, the spiritual element must be given a first place, No modern poet has seen life in its entirety with more clearness, or has set forth its environment, interpreted its laws,

AMERICAN LITERATURE AND OTHER PAPERS. By Edwin Percy Whipple. With Introductory Note by J. G. Whittier. Boston: Ticknor & Co., Cr. 8vo., gilt top, pp. 315. Price, $1.50.

on "

What strikes us first of all on opening this handsome volume is the remarkably beautiful title page. A more artistic selection and arrangement of type we have seldom seen. And the same refined taste characterizes all the rest of the publishers' work on this volume. Though the late Mr. Whipple's best known work was that on "The Literature of the Age of Elizabeth," his old friend Whittier is correct in saying that "there are none of his Essays which will not repay a careful study." For he was one of the most scholarly, graceful, and conscientious critics in America, as well as the most kindly and genial. And these characteristics are all markedly present in the Essays contained in the volume before us. Aside, however, from the interest attaching to them for this reason, intensified by the recent death of the lamented author, they have an intrinsic value of their own that gives them a high and permanent place in our literature. The interesting and able essay on "American Literature" from 1776 to 1876, is probably the most correct and comprehensive short review of our literature during the first century of our national existence to be had anywhere. Its 138 pages alone give the volume a claim to a place in the school library. The two essays, on "Emerson and Carlyle" and "Emerson as a Poet," are equally worth studying for their clear and finished literary style, and for their careful critical estimate of their subjects. Not less interesting and valuable are the remaining two essays, on Daniel Webster as a Master of English Style," and The Character and Genius of Thomas Starr King," one of the most remarkable preachers of the century. The whole volume is one of more than ordinary importance to the student of our literature. OUTLINES OF LOGIC, AND OF ENCYCLOPEDIA OF PHILOSOPHY. Dictated Portions of the Lectures of Herman Lotze. Ginn & Co. Pp. 190. Price, $1. This completes the series of six volumes of Lotze's Outlines which Dr. Ladd has made accessible to English students by his able translation. It is a work for which he deserves the unqualified thanks of all interested in what is perhaps the dominant philosophy in Germany to-day, and is receiving ever more and closer attention in this country as well. Of the general spirit and trend of this philosophy we have written on several occasions in these pages when noticing the preceding volumes of this series of Outlines, and especially when treating of Lotze's main work, the "Microcosmus." The present volume, while not in any wise a text-book of Logic, will yet be found very suggestive and helpful to the student and teacher of that art; while in the second part many valuable side-lights on the author's general philosophical position will be found. Like the rest of the series, this is a book for the close thinker and special student of philosophy, rather than for the general reader. It is not easily mastered; but when mastered is worth all the time and trouble it may have cost. AMERICAN COMMONWEALTHS: CONNECTICUT. Study of a Commonwealth Democracy. By Alexander Johnston. Boston: Houghton, Mifflin &

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12mo, gilt top, with map. pp. 409. $1.25. As each successive volume of this admirable series appears one is tempted to pronounce it the best." It is certain, however, that no previous volume is better than this one on Connecticut. Its excellence will not surprise those who already know Prof. Johnston's ability through acquaintance with his History of the

In

United States for schools, which was noticed in these columns some months ago. Apart from its thoroughness, judicial fairness, and the eminent clearness of its style, the history of Connecticut is in itself so exceedingly important and full of interest in its bearing on the history of the whole country, that it appeals directly to every American. This influence, so disproportionate to the size of the state, is brought out with much force and clearness in this volume. It helps us to understand our federal constitution, to be shown, as we here are, the origin and character of the early Connecticut constitution, and the great debt the former owes to the latter. It enables us to understand the history of our own state and the character of a large part of its population, to read again the interesting story of the struggle between the two states over the long-disputed Wyoming district. short, this tenth volume of the series is as important as it is excellent and popularly interesting. SCRIPTURE READINGS: Selected for the Use of Teachers and Schools. By E. D. Morris, D. D., LL. D. New York: Van Antwerp, Bragg & Co. pp. 294. The aim of this very neat and well made volume is an altogether commendable one. Whatever tends to aid teachers in making the devotional exercises of their school interesting and less perfunctory than they too often are is to be heartily welcomed. And that is what this book is well calculated to do. Its selections from Scripture are wisely made, and interest in their reading is aroused by the use of various old and new versions and translations; most indeed from the King James Version, but many also from the new Revised, some from the "Bishops' Bible," from the Douay Bible, the Coverdale Bible, and the Tyndale Version. It is a book we heartily commend, one whose helpfulness cannot fail to be seen and appreciated. ELEMENTS OF ENGLISH; An Introduction to English Grammar, for the Use of Schools. By George Hodgedon Ricker, A. M. Boston: Inter-state Publishing Co. 12mo. pp. 100. Price, 30 cents.

Books designed to lighten the task of studying English grammar, and to brighten that branch which to the majority of children is the dullest and most difficult in the whole school course, are steadily multiplying. This attractive little volume belongs to the number. "It is designed to be used in the lower grades of schools, and to prepare the pupil for the study of larger works on language and grammar. It consists of a series of lessons, treating of the parts of speech and their uses, of the simple sentence in its various forms, fully illustrated by practical exercises composed of common words in daily use." These words of the preface fairly describe the contents. We welcome the volume as an attempt in the right direction. Teachers will find it worth examining. PRINCIPLES OF EDUCATION PRACTICALLY APPLIED. By J. M. Greenwood, A. M. New York: Appleton & Co. 12mo. pp. 192.

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An exceptionally neat and tasteful little book, printed on extra fine paper and in superior style. And its contents are worthy of it. For it is quite different in plan and method from the usual works on the theory and practice of teaching that are so abundant. While in the main its aim is the same as theirs, it is more specific in its scope, and more practical and helpful to the working teacher than the most. In its fourteen chapters the teacher is told in a plain and direct manner just what to do and what not, and how to do it and how not, in his work of managing and teaching children. All the instruction and counsel are eminently sound, based on correct principles, and presented in a clear, common sense man

ner.

There is a store of wisdom and good sense in the chapters on the Length of Recitation, Art of Questioning, Teaching Reading, Composition, Penmanship, and the various other common school branches, from which no teacher can fail to derive solid benefit, and which is of a kind sorely needed by not a few. It is a book that deserves to be widely read and studied, and merits a place in every teacher's library.

TEN GREAT EVENTS IN HISTORY, Compiled and Arranged by James Johonnot. New York: D. Appleton & Co. 12mo. Illustrated. pp. 264. This volume is book IV of the second Part of Appleton's deservedly popular Historical Series. It will not detract from that popularity, nor from Prof. Johonnot's reputation as a successful writer and compiler of school books. The ten great events have been selected from the history of Greece, the Crusades, Switzerland (whose mythical hero Tell is still treated as a historical character), Scotland, the Netherlands, England, India, and America, with the story of Columbus's discovery of America, and the Puritans' colonization of New England. A main purpose of the author is the laudable one of arousing and strengthening the virtue of patriotism and love of liberty in the minds of our youth. No bright boy but will be deeply interested in the pages of this book. ELEMENTS OF BOTANY, including Organography, Vegetable Histology, Vegetable Physiology, and Vegetable Taxonomy, and a Glossary of Botanical Terms. By Edson S. Bastin, A. M. Chicago: G. P. Engelhard & Co. 8vo., pp. 300. Price, $2.50. It is rarely that a handsomer or better made textbook comes to our hand than is this one. And indeed it differs also from most other text-books on botany, that are equally comprehensive and thorough, in that it is freer from mere technicalities that often make this delightful branch of natural science a burden to the average school boy and girl. It is so written that not only can children of ordinary intelligence understand it, but they will also be likely to become interested in the study. To this the clearness of style contributes much, but as much also the order and method of treatment, which proceed upon the only truly scientific principle that the pupils must be led from well-known facts to those less known. It begins, therefore, not with the treatment of cells and tissues, but with the roots, stems, leaves, &c., and from these leads on to the more intricate and hidden parts of the plant world. The illustrations are all from original drawings by the author, and are more than ordinarily helpful. It is a work that must meet with favor among teachers and private students. We heartily recommend it.

RURAL HOURS. By Susan Fenimore Cooper. New and Revised Edition. Boston: Houghton, Mifflin & Co. 12mo. pp. 337. Price, $1.25. FIELD, WOOD AND MEADOW RAMBLES.

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Amanda B. Harris. Chicago: Interstate Publishing Co. Square 8vo. Illustrated. Price, $1. Both these books will be found to be very pleasant out-door company during the hot days of the summer vacation. And they are profitable companions as well, contributing not only to our entertainment, but as much to our instruction, teaching us how to see what is to be seen, and then telling us what it is that we see. Miss Cooper's book is an abridged and thereby improved edition of what, when it first appeared some years ago, was hailed and enjoyed by all lovers of nature for its simple, unaffected, yet accurate and correct, descriptions of the scenery about her home in Ostego county, New York; of the flowers, lakes,

Mental, and Spiritual Exercises;" of Dr. McCosh on 'Habit, and its Influence in the Training at School;" of Dr. Bartlett on "The Spontaneous Element in Scholarship;" Dr. Carter on "The Sentiment of Reverence;" Dr. Robinson on " Men: Made, Selfmade, and Unmade;" Dr. Noah Porter on 46 The Ideal Scholar," and all the rest of these lectures. The volume is one from which every teacher and older student cannot fail to derive much profit and benefit. THE APPEAL TO LIFE. By Theodore T. Munger. Boston: Houghton, Mifflin & Co. 16mo. pp. 339. Price, $1.50.

It is not often that we call attention to volumes of sermons in these columns. But then it is not often that we are privileged to see volumes of such sermons as these, so profound yet clear and plain, so fresh and unconventional, so filled to overflowing with Christ's spirit of "sweet reasonableness." They are so unlike most published sermons as to be most interesting reading not only to the specially "devout" and churchly," but by their frank and manly Christian common sense, freshness of thought, exquisite literary style, winning the attention and interest of every unbiased, thoughtful man and woman. The grand discourse on "Music as Revelation" will specially interest educators, and is alone worth the price of the whole volume.

HISTORY OF ENGLAND FOR BEGINNERS. By Arabella B. Buckley (Mrs. Fisher), with Additions by Robert H. Labberton. New York: Macmillan & Co. 12mo. with Maps and Tables, pp. 380. What strikes one at once as a specially excellent feature of this beautifully printed and bound volume is the arrangement of the Table of Contents so as to serve the purpose of a clear and comprehensive Chronological Table of all the leading events in English history from B. C. 55 to A. D. 1886. The maps too and genealogical tables are of unusual excellence. As for the book as a whole it has the merits of clear arrangement and method and a simple, interesting style. The author being a very patriotic Englishwoman, she, of course, views all things from the English standpoint, which is sometimes radically different from the American, and indeed from that of all the rest of the world. For example, few of us look at England's relations with Ireland, and the Irish HomeRule movement, as does Mrs. Fisher. So also her views of England's colonial policy and her part in Indian history, are very different from ours. Nevertheless the volume is one of more than ordinary merit and value for teachers, and as a text-book.

A THIRD READER. Stickney. Boston: Ginn & Co. 12mo. Illustrated. Pp. 328. Price, 55 cents. Says the prefatory note of this attractive little book: "If a pupil can be trained to enunciate well, to control the slides of his voice, to vary the pitch and volume, and to attend to these points in others' reading, he need only to understand and enjoy what he reads to make an agreeable reader." Which is very true; but is putting the cart before the horse. How can he be trained thus if he do not first "understand and enjoy what he reads?" Fortunately the selections given as reading exercises in the book are of so excellent a quality, that few children will not at once understand and enjoy them. Indeed it is the admirable literary taste displayed in the making of these selections that gives this Reader a place far in advance of many others. The make-up of the book is also to be commended; the clear, large type, good paper, and substantial binding are what such a book ought to have; the paper might with advantage be still heavier and more opaque.