5. The number attending school under 4, and the number South Middle over 16 years of age.

cate to that effect. We think one of the most essential things to be observed in the education of those teachers, is to qualify them in the art of simplifying knowledge, of imparting it with effect, and kindness of disposition.

This suggestion is made by the working men of London, to the working class of England, who would experience the uplifting influence of good common schools, the first hour they were more generally introduced. But they have the good sense to see, that to have good schools, they must have well qualified and efficient teachers. And to have these teachers, provision must somewhere be made for their proper education and training. This address indicates how that can best be done, by establishing Normal Schools, or Teachers' Seminaries, which would immediately send forth streams to elevate and enrich our schools, and improve our whole social condition. As yet our Legislators have denied to the poor and laboring classes this chief means of their elevation, and have thus been blind to the highest interests of the state.

NEW LONDON COUNTY.

accommodated, between two or three roads. It is hoped that the respectable proprietors will recollect, that indelicacy and indecency do sometimes tend to immorality. [Remainder next number.] HARTFORD COUNTY.

We are gratified to find in several excursions made into various towns in this county, that a spirit of enlightened and efficient action on the subject, is beginning to engage so many friends of our schools. Associations for their improvement have already been organized in two thirds of the towns of the county.

In Granby and Simsbury, Town Associations have been recently formed, and the public meetings for this purpose were numerously attended. In a recent excursion through that section of the county we noticed the first district school library which we have met with in the State. It was in the school at Tariffville. The teacher mentioned that it already had had a very happy effect in encouraging and gratifying a taste for reading among the older scholars of his school. We noticed here specimens of writing on the wall of the school room, which men who felt an interest in the progress of the school, and by them had been executed by the scholars, put into the hands of several gentlenumbered according to their excellence.

We have heard of the formation of several Town Associations, in different parts of the county. In Lebanon, which has long enjoyed the reputation of having well sustained public schools, a Teachers' Association has been organized, which we learn from one who is devoting published by the Society for the diffusion of Useful Knowledge, neatly The library above referred to, consisted of the fifty volumes recently himself faithfully to his own school and to the cause of popular intel-bound and put up in a case with a lock and key, for twenty dollars. Beligence in the community, is likely to be permanently useful. Har fore the winter is over we hope to hear of many such. A trifling conmony and interest-a spirited rivalry pervading scholars and teachers, tribution on the part of ten or twelve friends of our schools in any thus far marks the efforts of the friends of our schools there. On the district would purchase one. 1st inst. a public debate is to be held in the church before the Town Lyceum, on the question, does the school fund afford the best pecuniary aid to our common schools? A convention of all the schools, with the teachers and parents, before the winter cioses, is talked of, and

we believe decided on.

teachers, and school children in the Baptist church-and such steps At Suffield, on new year's day, there is to be a convention of parents, will be taken as to secure a happy public meeting. Such an exhibition as that any town should be proud of, and of excelling in, as in any agricultural show or fair. Any town or State may be proud to claim That minds are ripened in our northern sky.

MR. HART'S REPORT ON THE NORWALK SCHOOLS. In Berlin a spirited public meeting has been held-a town associaOLD WELL DISTRICT.-Number of scholars between the ages of 4 tion formed-and in the parish of New Britain four thousand dollars and 16 years, 160-on the school list 65-average, 48. Reading class- have been subscribed towards establishing a county seminary for the es, nine in number, using eleven different books. All use the Testa-education and training of teachers for our common schools. ment. Arithmetic and Grammar taught. The school house is sur- In Southington, it will appear in the following extract of a letter rounded by roads, one of which is the thoroughfare to the steamboats, from Mr. Olney, that the friends of education are stirring to a good and descending a hill as it passes the house, the business and gov-purpose.

ernment of the school must be disturbed or wholly interrupted every "Dear Sir,-We have had a meeting, and formed an association for day. Another school is kept over head, and the lowness and indistinct- the improvement of common schools in our town. A good degree of ness of the voices, which was witnessed, is believed to be owing in interest appears to be felt in the subject. Next week, on Friday evenpart, certainly, to the usage of keeping the voices of the pupils sup-ing, we hold an adjourned meeting. At which time we are to have adpressed, in order that the two schools may not hinder each other. The dresses on the following topics. 1. The happiness of community teacher is employed by the day, and by the scholar; which, in the depends upon the proper education of the young. 2. Every individual opinion of the visiting committee, has an injurious tendency in regard is interested in the improvement of our common schools. 3. The evils to all parties-affording something but little better than a premium on resulting from sending children to school at too early an age. 4. The negligence and non-attendance. Furniture within doors, very incon-duty of parents, guardians and others in visiting schools. 5. Evils revenient, and only street privileges out of doors. Considering all cir- sulting from placing too many pupils under the care of one teacher. cumstances, not forgetting the multiplicity of books, the unsuitableness 6. Importance of pursuing such a course of instruction as to embrace of some, and the want of uniformity among the better ones, the visit the harmonious developement of the physical, moral and intellectual ers were not surprised at finding some disorder in behavior, and back-powers. 7. Importance of having our school houses properly located, wardness as to attainments. Neither teacher nor scholar could be rea- and fitted up with convenient seats, desks, &c. 8. The importance of sonably expected to do what they might do under other circumstances. our common schools, with reference to the permanency of our political There are three private schools within a quarter of a mile of this institutions. Each speaker is allowed 20 minutes, and is to confine school. It should not be forgotten that less than one in three attend the his remarks to one topic. In four weeks from said evening we intend to district school-and, that of 160 scholars, 112 have no benefit of the hold another meeting. public money.

FLAX HILL DISTRICT-Number of scholars in the district 82-average attendance, 25. Reading classes three. Testament each dayclasses in Geography, Philosophy, and Arithmetic; which it was thought had better give way to good spelling and reading. Present teacher commenced with the present term. School house between two or three roads, and so much out of the centre of the district that some children are sent to a nearer school out of the district. That it should be moved to a better place appeared plain, although the school room was comfortable, excepting that the writing tables and benches were made to suit grown persons, and not children. It appears that less than one in three attend the district school, and that of 82 scholars, 57

are not found in this school.

SOUTH CENTRE DISTRICT.-Whole number 138-average 40-98 not sent to this school. Two reading classes. Classes in Grammar, Arithmetic, Geography, and Composition. Another school is kept over head, and both of them suffer disadvantage by being in this position, but, vastly more, in regard to attainments, decency and health, on account of the location. It is painful, as well as unpleasant, to see a group of children, brought up with care at home, who must be in some measure, inured to indelicacy and indecency in that place of attending

school.

NORTH CENTRE DISTRICT.-Whole number 113-average 45. Reading classes use English Reader and Spelling Book. Evidently this school ought to have different books to read in. The English Reader is an interesting book for those who have learned to read, but the Popular Lessons, for instance, would be more interesting, and in every respect a better book for learners. Spelling, very good. Classes in Arithmetic and Geography also, from four different books. Bible once a day. The school house is a good one, but stands in the highway, un

In Hartford, an Association has been formed in each school society. In the first school society the Board of School Visiters were authorized and directed to appoint three of their number, who should visit in company all the schools in the society twice during each season of schooling, and to report to the school society, on or before the 1st of April, the condition of each school, with plans for the improvement and better organization of our public schools. They are to receive $2 per day for their services.

TEACHERS AND TEACHERS' SEMINARIES.

It will be seen by the hurried glance which we have given of what is doing in the several sections of this State, that the importance of providing for the education of teachers, for their arduous and responsible duties, is beginning to attract the attention of those who would do something effectual to elevate the character of our common schools. To present this subject in its whole length and breadth-to give an account of those school systems abroad, in which Teachers' seminaries or Normal schools forms a prominent and essential feature-to give, as far as possible, the present condition of what is doing in this department in our own country, we shall devote an entire number of the Journal, of double the ordinary size, and in fine print. We ask from all an attentive perusal, and would suggest to those who have the means of doing good in this way, whether the wide distribution of such a number throughout all the cities and villages of our State, would not do some thing to promote the great cause of popular education in our midst, and in our country?

To the Vice Presidents of the county associations, and to all who are disposed to do anything to secure a wide circulation, for this forth coming number, we will add, that it shall be furnished in any quantities, at the cost of paper and press work.

PUBLISHED UNDER THE DIRECTION OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF COMMON SCHOOLS.

Vol. I.

HARTFORD, FEBRUARY, 1839.

THE CONNECTICUT COMMON SCHOOL JOURNAL
WILL BE PUBLISHED EVERY MONTH, AT THE PRICE OF
FIFTY CENTS A YEAR, PAYABLE IN ADVANCE.

Persons wishing to subscribe, can forward their names and remittances, to the Secretary of the Board at Hartford, or to the Vice-President of the County Association, or to the postmaster of the town in which they reside, who can render the Journal essential service by acting as its agents.

To any Teacher who will forward the names and remittances of four subscribers, an additional number will be sent.

And to any person who will forward an order and remittances for fifteen numbers, two additional copies will be sent, if desired, All subscriptions to the Journal must begin with the first number. The back numbres will be sent, as long as they can be supplied. Twelve numbers, comprising at least One Hundred and fifty-two closely printed quarto pages, equal to at least Four Hundred octavo pages, will

constitute the olume.

All subscriptions hereafter must be paid in advance,-and all letters relative to the Journal must be post paid.

Printed by Case, Tiffany & Burnham, Pearl-st.

TEACHERS, AND TEACHERS SEMINARIES.

[No. 7.

Legislature, it is affirmed to be "an evident and important truth, that no school can be essentially improved but by the improvement of the teacher. All other things are, in comparison, of little consequence. Children of the best parents, in the best constructed school house, under the most favorable circumstances, will lose, and more than lose their time, if given over to the management of an incompetent teacher. This improvement is therefore at the bottom of every other." The present distinguished superintendent of the New York schools, says,-"Our common school system has been but a few years in operation, and it is only recently that it can be considered as having gained a solid foundation. In building up and bringing to perfection its external organization, the internal condition of the schools has in some degree been neglected. The only material defect of the system is the want of competent teachers. There is danger that they will never answer the ends of their institution, if the teachers, the body of men who are relied on to infuse into them the moral and intellectual improvement which constitutes the vital principle of the system, are not fully adequate to the task." Without competent teachers, the most perfect system of external organization must be powerless-must certainly fail of accomplishing its object. The truth is, education is to be regarded as a science and an art; it is a science, for it has its distinct subject, its distinct object, and is governed by its own peculiar laws; and has, like the other sciences, its corresponding art-the art of teaching. Hence results the profession of teacher, the most numerous of any in the country. But how little understood is either the science or the art? and how little esteemed is the profession of teacher? And In a closing article under this head, in the last Journal, we derstood without study? and if teaching is an art, how can it be suchow can it be otherwise? If education is a science, how is it to be unpromised to present our readers with an account of those school cessfully practised without suitable preparation? How then can the systems abroad and at home, in which provision was made by profession of teacher be esteemed, if men generally enter it who know the establishment of Teachers' Seminaries, or Normal Schools little or nothing of either? No man is supposed to be acquainted with for the education of those who expected to teach. Illness, and any one of the other sciences, who has not thoroughly investigated it; the difficulty of obtaining the best and latest information on the nor is any one thought to be qualified to enter the profession with which subject, much of it only to be found in volumes not republish- that science is connected, and practice its corresponding art, who has ed in this country, compels us to defer the issuing of this pro-thought to be fit to enter the learned professions, who have not thonot become intimately acquainted with its duties. Men are not often posed number until the 15th of the present month. may hence be pertinently asked, "On what principle of common sense roughly studied the sciences on which those professions are based. It is it that a man is considered good enough for a teacher, because he has satisfactorily proved himself good for no one thing else? Why is it that the utter want of health to exercise any other profession, is frequently the only reason why a man should be thrust into this, which requires more active mental labor in the discharge of its duties than any other profession whatsoever? Alas! it is not by teachers such as scholar say a lesson is not to educate him." Why is it that, in the these that the intellectual power of a people is to be created. To hear a lapse of ages, the very name of Greece is still surrounded with undiminished effulgence? It is not because of the prowess and fame of her commanders and chieftains-of her Miltiades, Leonidas and Cimon; it is not because of the unequalled splendor and comet-like glare of her military achievements and conquests; but it is because that in the days of her intellectual glory and greatness, Socrates and Plato, Aristotle and Zeno, were teachers of her youth. They were stars of the first magnitude in that peerless constellation of genius, which still In the mean time we invite the attention of our readers to the the light of which has, through all succeeding ages, been reflected upon shines thus resplendently upon the land which gave them birth; and long and valuable article on the New York common school every clime where civilized man has found a home. What a contrast system, which is at this time considered by many as the best when presented in connection with many of the teachers of our day! system now in operation in the United States, and is the only Instead of being all light as they should be, and capable of emitting it; one which has adopted the "settled policy" of providing for from their extreme opaqueness, they scarcely shine with even a borrowthe specific preparation of teachers for her common schools. ed lustre. It is utterly impossible to elevate the schools, and make Of her "academic teachers department," their origin and re-classes of community, without elevating the character and rank of them what they ought to be and must be, to meet the just demands of all sults thus far, we shall give a more particular account in our teachers. And to do this effectually, they must be thoroughly educated next. We cannot close this article beater than by inserting au and bred to the profession. In the Prussian system, the greatest attenextract which gives some of the best thoughts on Teachers and tion is paid to this subject, it being justly considered that nothing to Teachers seminaries, and was set up to accompany our notice purpose can be done without competent teachers; and consequently no in the last journal of the school system of Michigan. person is allowed to enter the profession, who cannot prove himself to be thoroughly qualified to discharge its duties. It appears from the report of M. Cousin to the French minister of public instruction, and also from the answers of Dr. Julius, commissioner from the king of Prussia, who lately passed through our country, to questions proposed to him by the superintendent of the New York Schools, that there is But the most perfect organization of the entire system of schools, in scarcely an individual of the thirty thousand teachers employed within ali the varied departments of instruction, must fail of securing the de- the limits of the kingdom, who has not spent, after passing through the sired results without a suficient number of competent teachers. In a common elementary branches, as taught at the primary schools, three memorial of the American Institute of Instruction to the Massachusetts' years at some one of the teachers' seminaries to qualify himself to dis

We deem the information which this number will contain, so valuable, that we shall strike off a larger edition than is necessary to supply our regular subscription list, although that has increased beyond our expectations, within the last few weeks. There are still many towns in the state, from which we have not a single subscriber. We shall be much indebted to any friend of our schools in those towns, if he will forward the names of twenty or thirty individuals, especially teachers, who will be willing to take the proposed number from the office, and one or two others, which we purpose to issue in the course of the next three months. These numbers will contain information difficult to be attained,-some of which, however, the Legislatures of New York, Ohio and Massachusetts, have considered of such interest and importance as to have ordered its printing and wide circulation among teachers and friends of

common schools in these several states.

The superintendent of public instruction in this State, in his Report made to the Legislature, in 1837, which laid the foundation of their system of education, thus presents the claims of schools for teachers:

To effect

charge the duties of the profession. With such a body of teachers the important is not to be attained by the course which is now generally schools must flourish, nothing can prevent their successful operation. pursued; for the plan is bad, and the execution worse. Nor can it be Such teachers we need, and such teachers we must have in our schools, amended, until education, which is the training of the entire person, or they will never answer the end of their institution. "There can be the exciting, developing and strengthening, by suitable exercise, every no doubt that the superiority of the celebrated Prussian system results faculty and organ of the system, is placed under the direction of those from the care bestowed upon the department of teachers. In that who have a competent knowledge of human nature. "Place the busikingdom, as before suggested, a distinct class of schools is appropriated ness of education, where it ought to be, among the most honorable and especially to the education of teachers; and the masters of the common profitable employments, and the work will be done. Talents of the schools are all taken from among the persons educated in these semina-highest order, united to the requisite knowledge, and all other suitable ries. In the state of New York, the same system has been recently qualifications, will then be engaged in it, and the issue will soon appear adopted in a somewhat different form." On the recommendation of a in a striking improvement of the educated portion of the human race.' committee of their own board, the regents of the university have, within The almost universal employment of incompetent teachers is a waste of the two years past, appended to eight existing academic institutions, a money, a waste of time, and a waste of intellect; the greatest conceivdepartment expressly for the education of teachers. And the subject is able outrage under the name of benevolence and duty, that can be perurged upon the attention of the public by the Hon. John A. Dix, pres-petrated upon the rights and dearest interests of the rising generation, ent superintendent of common schools, with distinguished ability and tending directly to moral as well as political degradation and slavery. zeal. In the system which we, as a state, may adopt, it will be highly Whatever system may be adopted, and however perfect in form, it will important to make such provisions as will infallibly secure a sufficient prove itself essentially defective, unless it provides a sufficient number number of competent teachers. It will be essential to make teaching ofteachers, well educated and bred to the profession, men qualified and the business of men, and then men will be found to do the business of competent, men who can elevate and leave their mark upon their pupils. teaching. No doubt, as things now are, it will be thought to be diffi- And such teachers may be had. Nearly all Germany is supplied with cult, if not impossible, to find a sufficient number of persons qualified such teachers. And efficient measures will soon furnish us with a full for the employment, or who will venture to engage in preparing them supply, unless indeed intellect degenerates in this western world. Such selves for it. But why should it be so? teaching is a noble employ-schools for the education of teachers as exist in Prussia, and New York, ment; why then such a deficiency of good teachers? Says the Hon. will furnish them. After a long visit to, and examination of, the grand A. C. Flagg, former superintendent of the New York schools, "The Normal school at Potsdam, M. Cousin says, "I ought to add that all principal reason is to be found in the unwillingness on the part of the students had a cheerful, happy air, and that their manners were school districts, to make adequate compensation to teachers of approved very good. I quitted the establishment highly satisfied with the stu talents and qualifications. How else does it happen that at a time dents, full of esteem for the director, and of respect for a country in when the merchant is overstocked with clerks, and the professions of which the education of the people has reached such a pitch of prosperity. law and medicine are thronged with students, there is such a lamenta- I have designedly accumulated official papers, from the conviction that ble deficiency in the number of those who have the inclination and the it is impossible to collect too much information on a point on which ability to engage in the business of instruction? Is it not to be ascribed depends the whole of primary instruction. In fact, from the moment to the more liberal encouragement offered by other employments, com- the law has compelled each commune to have a primary school, nothing pared with the compensation of school teachers? Institutions for the remains but to furnish them with good masters. Now the Normal formation of instructors are desirable; but the education of teachers schools of Prussia prove that it is possible, in a very few years, to would be unavailing, unless the districts could appreciate the import- bring these establishments to a remarkable degree of perfection. Most ance of affording such compensation as would command their services. of them are posterior to the law of 1819, some are as late as 1825, and Other causes may have their influence, but the seat of the difficulty may thus three or four years have sufficed to place them on solid foundations, be traced to the disinclination in the districts to make adequate compensa- and to enable them to render the most important services. tion for the required talents. This is demonstrated by the fact, that all this, little is wanted on the part of the minister, but a firm hand and those districts which adopt a liberal course, have able teachers and the determination to be obeyed; success depends on a very small number good schools. The business of education should be committed to the of rules, inflexibly adhered to. I have already remarked, that as every best talents in the country; and it is in vain to think of procuring the commune must have its primary school, so every department must have choicest fruits, without paying the market price." Mr. Dix, the present its primary Normal school. If the same law which shall render the superintendent, uses similar language. He says, "So long as the former equally imperative on the communes, should render the latter wages of teachers were extremely low, men of talents would not devote equally imperative on the departments, we should have made a great themselves to the business of teaching, nor could they afford to fit them- advance." Substituting district for commune, and county for departselves for it, by a regular course of preparation. The rate of compen- ment, with other necessary modifications, and the system here proposed sation for teachers is gradually advancing; in some parts of the state, to the minister as suited to the condition of France, may be adopted by good viges are paid, and many individuals are preparing themselves us with equal advantage. for aching as a permanent vocation. As they find employment, the dem ind for them will increase; for as the benefits of instruction by a well trained teacher become apparent, the influence of the example will HOW HIGH MAY SOCIETY BE ELEVATED IN INTEL. extend to neighboring districts; and these causes acting reciprocally upon each other, cannot fail to produce important effects." It is hence Ovious that the great reason why there has been such a deficiency in the number of qualified teachers, is to be found in an unwillingness on the part of the inhabitants to pay such wages as to secure the services of individuals of the required talents and qualifications. If so, it is confilently believed to be within the power of the state to obviate the difficulty. Let teachers be paid as they ought to be, let them receive such compensation as will remunerate them for their ssrvices, and sufficient numbers will be found to fit themselves for the business of teaching And to secure their employment when fitted to teach, let the provisions of the law be such, that no township shall be entitled to any portion of the income of the public fund, which does not employ thoroughly educited teachers. It has been suggested, that no man ought ever to be considered as qualified to teach school, whose time is not worth at least thty dollars per month; and that no female ought to be engaged in this work, whose services are not worth fifteen dollars per month. Tais suggestion is certainly worthy of consideration; and it is also worthy of consideration whether it will not be expedient to fix on a minimum price, below which no teacher shall be entitled to receive aid The embarrassments which, in the countries of Europe, lie fron the avails of the public fund; and to provide prospectively that in the way of general intellectual improvement, have been alevery teacher of the public schools shall have been through a regularluded to in a former number of this Journal. We have not course of training, and received from the academic board a diploma, room at present to consider them more particularly but we setting forth his qualifications as a teacher. Could the people be nd wish it were in our power to do anything like justice to aro sed, and public sentiment set right on this subject, it is presunied the peculiar, the unprecedented advantages which here present no ownship would purchase the cheap commodity, which is generally themselves. Reflecting on the means and first measures 10 be worse than nothing, when that which is valuable is to be had. By taken for a general improvement in knowledge and taste, one adopting and pursuing new methods of instruction, methods obviously based upon the first and simplest principles of human nature, a child of the chief obstacles which have presented themselves to our may acquire as much knowledge and strength of mind at the age of mind was, the too low estimate which the people of Connectithirteen years, as is row ordinarily gained at twenty. Here, then, cut appear to place on their own advantages. Were they at would be a clear gain of seven years in the most active and interesting this moment aware of the superior opportunities they possess period of human life, to be devoted, either to the service of the parent, for self-instruction, for mutual assistance in promoting a great or to further improvement and culture. But an object so desirable and and rapid advancement in intellectual improvement, the task

LECTUAL RANK?

In Connecticut, we may promptly answer, very high. If another question should immediately follow this, viz: By what means? We should as unhesitatingly answer: by the common schools. By this we should mean, that the common schools offer the principal, though not the only means for the great and general improvement of the people in useful knowledge.

advantages for an universal and rapid diffusion of knowledge Believing that circumstances in Connecticut present peculiar and taste, we could wish that the inhabitants generally might be convinced of this truth. At the same time, being persuaded that this State possesses greater facilities, as well as inducements, to elevate society in, these respects, than almost any other parts of the world, we feel solicitous that foreign examples may not limit our views, or expectations, nor shackle our plans.

of devising and introducing a plan for its accomplishment, have, ever applied to the subjects of school instruction in their would appear comparatively light. Indeed it would have been whole lives. What discrimination, ingenuity, perseverence already more than begun; for the people themselves would and success are often displayed in the progress or completion doubtless have devoted themselves to the enterprize without of enterprizes, and often by persons who are ready to doubt or delay. deny their possession of some of the intellectual qualities nePerhaps the most simple and direct mode in which we can cessary to the acquisition of learning! Were they but devoted arrive at a satisfactory answer to the question at the head of to their more appropriate objects, what results might we not this article, is by applying it to a single family, instead of the witness! whole community. Let us then ask, in the first place, wheth- And where would be the loss, if a large amount of the inteler there be or be not time enough at their disposal, to make a ligence of American females were turned out of the direction great advancement in knowledge. If we suppose that each annually given it by a few Parisian inventors of frivolities, tomember has an hour a day at command, to devote to study, or wards the productions of the best, and ablest writers of differto improving conversation and reflection, we allow him ent ages and countries! But we by no means intend to speak enough to accomplish great things in a year, with the assist- without qualification or discrimination. We have here only ance of good places and able direction. Probably the majority given one instance, out of several which might be given, in reof those who are now studying French, and learning vocal and lation to different sexes and ages of our people. We wish, at instrumental music in the United States, do not receive more the same time, to express our views, not only of the importance than two or three hours instruction in a week: yet with appli- of giving their minds proper subjects of attention, but also of cation and good teachers, they may make considerable profi- affording them good methods of instruction; and this we reciency, even if they should not apply themselves to those gard as an object of indispensable importance to the accombranches during the interyals, or if they should have the re- plishment of our wishes, both in the school and in the family. mainder of their time occupied with a variety of other studies, By good teachers, good books, and good systems of superinas is the case with many. tendence, schools might soon lay the foundation for a great and Let us suppose that several persons in one house apply permanent future elevation of society: By other means, as we themselves to one and the same subject one hour daily. They believe, existing society may be reached, and more extensively might take botany for example. How much might they inter- improved than some of our readers may be prepared to supest and excite, as well as assist and instruct each other by their pose: but the greatest, most extensive, and permanent effects, conversation and example! How each mind would dwell on cannot be secured, without a thorough improvement of our the topic of common attraction; how much the common stock common schools. In them the young may be educated with a would be enlarged and enriched, by the observations and re- desire for a more elevated state of society, and with minds preflections of all! pared to assist in its elevation. At the same time, during the Many of the most useful branches of labor, in the field and process of their education, the schools should be so truly excelthe work shop, permit a free use of the mind, and not a few lent and so highly practical, as to proclaim their own utility are favorable to conversation as well as thought. What ad- by knowledge diffused by them; and thus present society, as vances then might be made by each member of such a family, well as that of future years, should enjoy some things of their if we suppose their studies, and their avocation to be judi- good influences. ciously directed for the attainment of the end! If the parents were skillful teachers, and daily applied themselves to the instruction of their children and others around them in botany, who can doubt that great progress would be made?

PLANS FOR SCHOOL HOUSES.
Continued from No. 5.

Arrangements for warming may be of different kinds: a fire Some of our readers, no doubt, may be able to recal cases in place for wood or coal, one or more stoves, or a furnace to supwhich something of the kind has been done. We might men-ply warm air. The last is better calculated to render the detion families where some measures of this nature have been taken, though not with all the advantages of system, capable teachers or well adapted books, which are here supposed; and we can say that the results have been highly encouraging How much more influence might have been exerted by a better state of things, we may easily conjecture.

gree of heat uniform in all parts of the room; and has another advantage; that of preventing the cold air from rushing in at crevices and other openings. The pressure is outwards; and the air supplied is warm, so that there can be no currents of cold air to render the children uncomfortable, and to expose them to taking colds. It is necessary, however, to have a Without going into a particular consideration, of the advan- cellar, or other place beneath the school room, to put the furtages which would naturally result from a higher tone of conver-nace in, with a convenient access to it; and where such arsation, a familiar acquaintance with collections of plants, botanical books, discussions on the nature, uses, origin and history of vegetables, we may easily come to the conclusion, that such a system would assuredly produce happy and permanent effects. So if other branches of study were taken up in turn, and pursued in a similar manner, how much might the family be instructed in one year, how much more in five or ten! How pleasing would be an evening spent in social intercourse at their fireside!

rangements exist, it may be best to warm the room by these means, especially if the fuel is deposited there. Two or three leading defects exist in many furnaces of this description. The air-chamber is two small; and the opening above the fire is in the furnace and not in the smoke pipe. It is not necessary in all cases to construct such an apparatus on one plan. A common cast-iron stove may be placed in the cellar, and surrounded with brick walls, extending up to the floor of the school room, leaving a space of a foot or more, on every But let us extend the plan and practice supposed to all the side except the front, with openings below for fresh air, and one families in a country village; and what a state of things would or more openings through the ceiling, or floor above. The air be produced in ten or five years, or even in a single season! chamber should enclose as much of the stove pipe as may be, How would those, who had enjoyed superior opportunities of otherwise much of the heat will he lost. A door or valve of education in youth, begin to review their long neglected books, some kind should be made into the stove pipe, which may be when they found their neighbors making progress in them! opened conveniently whenever the fire is too hot. This should We have seen in too many instances, how much, evil men be in the pipe rather than in the stove, because in the latter case have learnt in hours of idleness, by haunting places of dissipa- the fresh air would cool the sides of the stove. For the same tion, the theatre, or the bar room. Why should we not pre- reason, such a valve should be made in the pipe of a furnace. sume that much good might be acquired in an equal period? There should also be a damper in the smoke pipe as near its Many a female around us, in her exertions to learn the changes upper end as convenient. This would afford the common of fashions in dress, to acquire the art of imitating them, and means for checking the heat of the stove, by checking the disin furnishing herself with garments colored, cut and disposed charge of hot air through the pipe, and of course the admission according to the standard, employs an amount of time and in- of fresh air into the stove. The supply of air to the air-chamtellectual labor sufficient, if otherwise occupied, to introduce ber, should be perfectly pure, even if a pipe from out of doors her to the elements of any branch of useful science or literature. be necessary to admit it.

Indeel we may gravely question, whether in some cases, more The hole or holes at the bottom of the air-chamber, for the earnest thought, study and observation, are not devoted to sub-admission of air to be warmed should be from six to twelve jects little real or lasting importance, than the same individuals inches square, and the pipe or pipes from without (if any,)