enlightened states. And as for the truancy clause, no wiser thing was ever done than to punish voluntary absence from school with a fine. It relieves teachers from a vast amount of trouble and responsibility that does not belong to them, and places it on the shoulders of those who ought to bear it. Texas is beginning in the right place to institute reform, and older states may follow her example with profit."

FEMALE EDUCATION.-The forty-fourth annual report of the Chauncey Hall School, Boston, gives the following bit of comfort to the young ladies:

Our experiment of educating the sexes together is entirely successful. The girls are, or have been members of all the different classes of the school, and their proficiency is fully equal to that of boys of the same age in all the departments of study. They were prepared for presentation to college last summer; but the colleges in the vicinity not being opened to them their entrance has been delayed. One will enter the University of Michigan next summer, and others are fitting for the same institution. We believe that our school is the only one in Boston, public or private, where girls can join regularly organized classes in preparation for college or other higher institutions of learning.

And as the following circular will show, the young ladies belonging to the "first families" of Boston have now an opportunity of fitting themselves for entering the colleges whose portals are open to them:

It is proposed to form a class for special instruction of women, in those branches required by our first-class colleges. All women desiring to join such a class, or wishing to obtain further information in regard to it, are invited to meet at the rooms of the New England Women's Club, No. 3 Tremont Place, Boston. Those unable to attend in person may communicate their wishes by writing to the secretary of the committee, Lucia M. Peabody, Roxbury, Mass.

CORPORAL PUNISHMENT.-The Washington (D. C.) Board of Education are seriously debating the question of corporal punishment. The members appear to be about equally divided on the question; half of them thinking that the parents should apply the birch, while the other half agree with "Pete Jones," that the only means of imparting knowledge is by a liberal use of the rod. A series of resolutions introduced at a recent meeting provide: first, that punishment shall only be inflicted after school has been dismissed; secondly, that another teacher shall always be present; thirdly, a report must immediately be sent to the subboard, stating " the name and age of pupil, nature of offense, the instrument, extent and severity of the punishment, apparent effect produced and the name of the witness present." The clause" apparent effect produced," is for the benefit of the physician of the board probably. No wonder the members immediately passed resolutions of condolence after giving birth to such a ridiculous muss.

AN INDIAN TEACHER.-An aboriginal knight of the birch thus writes to an Indian agent at Lake Superior, who says, “appreciating the full force of the reasons above given, and another too apparent to need mention, I have notified the teacher that his services can be spared."

"Great many time I teach all through the week if I thing they come I will do for the best, but I will quete after the next payement. I have three good reasons for, 1. I am too old. 2. I don't do any progress. 3. I have two daughter in age to maried there are no choice here so I will leve the place, because I don't want Indian for son in law. All thoses children as very hard head, and theirs

* *

*

*

parens don't care any for Education."

JAPAN.-An order has just been received by C. C. Chatfield & Co., New Haven, Conn., for a supply of "Barker's Chemistry "for the higher institutions of learning in that Empire. It is a well deserved compliment to the eminent author, who is one of Yale's most distinguished Professors.

THE BROOKLYN BOARD OF EDUCATION has resolved to ask the legislature for power to retire any teacher after twenty years' faithful service, with a pension of one-half their salaries at the time of retirement.

THE London Spectator is strongly in favor of a woman's university in England. . It thinks that on many of the most delicate questions of modern civilization we need the fine judgment of educated women.

New Publications.

BOOKS.

THE SIXTH READER. BY LEWIS B. MONROE, Professor of Vocal Culture and Elocution in the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Published by Cowperthwait & Co., Philadelphia.

Twelve years successful experience in teaching Reading and Elocution, as a specialty, and zeal for his profession, have fitted the author, in an uncommon degree, to embody the principles and art in text books, whilst a refined and catholic taste has governed the selection of the pieces to be read. The result is a series of readers, which, judging from the sixth, just now before us, leaves little to be desired. The publishers have brought out the volume in handsome style. SWINTON'S CONDENSED HISTORY of the United States. Ivison, Blakeman, Taylor & Co. 300 pages, in cloth. Price for examination 75 cents.

This book, already well known to our readers, is the leader in a new and improved method of presenting the subject--that is, in a natural and logical order. Of its merits there are two proofs: large sales and imitations. The reason of this success is that Mr. Swinton, from practical experience, knows how to make a school book adapted to the wants of the young. The publishers have brought out the book in the usual good style which characterizes their issues. FIRST LESSONS IN NATURAL PHILOSOPHY.-By JOSEPH C. MARTINDALE, M. D., author of History of the United States, etc. Philadelphia: Eldredge & Brother. This book is in the form of question and answer, and we should think it might be made quite useful in imparting to children at school or in the family circle, some knowledge of the natural world around them, and some taste for investigating natural phenomena and laws. A better method of instruction is by familiar talks or lectures, but this implies a knowledge and skill which teachers rarely possess at least in this branch.

THE GOVERNMENTAL INSTRUCTOR. By T. B. SHURTLEFF. Revised by D. N. CAMP. We called attention to the advertisement of this book last month. Mr. Camp's endorsement is much in its favor, and his revisory work has improved it and brought it down to the present time. Less elaborate than Townsend's Analysis, and covering a wider ground, it is just such an elementary book as young teachers require, and is suited to youthful classes in school. Published by Collins and Brother, New York.

SIX OF ONE BY A DOZEN OF THE OTHER:

Which means, a story about six lovers by six authors, led my Mrs. Stowe. This "Novel of Every Day Life," which first appeared as a serial in "Old and New," and which begins in New England and culminates in the great fire at Chicago, illustrates how first or even second love is not always lasting, and how fanciful, rash and unsuitable engagements are better broken than kept. The three pairs of lovers get rightly mated at last. The young ladies had all "taught school," but that valuable part of their experience is not recorded. The story is unique, as a literary production, and though a little mixed in style, is well put together. Published by Roberts Brothers, Boston; sold by Jansen, McClurg & Co., Chicago, and Mosely, Madison.

THE WORLD IN THE STEREOSCOPE.-Designed to accompany sets of Stereoscopic Illustrations. For the Use of Schools. Published by Hart & Anderson, New York. See advertisement.

With the book is furnished, if desired, an excellent stereoscopic apparatus, with a large number of fine photographs of striking views of scenery, architecture, etc., in all parts of the world. This plan of increasing the interest of school studies, has been successfully adopted, in many schools, and admits of wide application. Next to seeing the objects themselves, stereoscopic views give the most vivid of all impressions, and there is practically no limit to the multiplication of photographs. 1 (Ad.)-VoL. II.-No. 7.

NETHER SIDE OF NEW YORK. By EDWARD CRAPSEY. Sheldon & Co., New York. This fascinating book, which embodies a series of sketches first published in the "Galaxy," shows very forcibly how much stranger is truth than fiction. It reveals the crime, the vice and the wretchedness of the great metropolis, and painfully illustrates not only human credulity, but the readiness with which multitudes are tempted to go astray. If there were not so much cupidity and so many germs of dishonesty all over the land, rogues would not prosper so well in New York, by "Circular Swindles," bogus lotteries, etc. The book will open some people's eyes, but it cannot be recommended for boys to read. Sold by Jansen, McClurg & Co., Chicago.

PRACTICAL HORSESHOEING. By G. FLEMING, F. R. G. S., etc., etc. With Twentynine Illustrations. D. Appleton & Co., New York. Sold by Jansen, McClurg & Co., Chicago, Successors to S. C. Griggs & Co.

We did not at first see the connection of this book with education; but a friend suggests that it treats on the improvement of understandings. We notice that it decidedly recommends "hot" and not "cold" shoeing. This means, doubtless, that teachers must be in earnest, and excite a glow of interest in the minds of their pupils, if they hope to do their understandings much good. But seriously, the book must be valuable to farriers, and to every man who keeps horses.

SCHOOL RECORDS.-Messrs. Hobart Brothers, of Beloit, have placed a set of Teachers' Diaries, Class Books, Registers and Ledgers on our desk, which appear to be well suited for their purpose. They are published by E. F. Hobart & Co., St. Louis, but will be supplied by the firm in Beloit for use in Wisconsin. They are adapted to all schools which continue only five days in the week, as is now becoming the prevailing custom in country as well as in town.

MADISON MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY.-This sound, reliable and successful company, which takes none but good risks, on country property, may be specially commended to farmers and all owners of homesteads. The men who manage it are honest and reliable. We take pleasure in advertising such a company.

CURTISS’

PHOTOGRAPHIC GALLERY,

Pinckney St., (up stairs), near Belden's Corner,

MADISON

WISCONSIN.

PICTURES OF CHILDREN A SPECIALTY.

Particular Attention Paid to Copying and Enlarging. Work Warranted to Give Satisfaction.

WM. J. PARK & CO.,

Booksellers, Stationers, Binders,

· RULERS, BLANK BOOK MANUFACTURERS,

AND ALL OTHER MUSICAL MERCHANDISE,

Pianos, Melodeons and Organs,

Always on hand and warranted, being manufactured by some of the best makers in the country. Our facilities for Ruling and Manufacturing Blank and Account Books, Binding Magazines, Sheet Music, etc., are unsurpassed in the West, for STYLE AND PRICE.

WM. J. PARK & CO., 11 KING ST., MADISON, WIS.

(Delivered before the State Teachers Association, at Madison, July 10, 1872.) FRIENDS AND FELLOW TEACHERS: Since last we met, the earth has spun its way again around the sun; another page of the century-volume has been written full, the leaf turned over, and—but for its transparency from memory-forever hidden from the gaze of mortals. As we pause for a moment and look back over the twelve months just gone, let us thank God for His parental care and bountiful benefactions. As we cross the threshold and enter the vestibule of the deliberations appertaining to this gathering, let us reverently look up and crave Heaven's richest blessing on us-that for which young Solomon asked, and which the Lord so freely granted-an understanding heart.

Some twenty years ago, a few earnest educators in our state resolved to organize a Wisconsin Teachers' Association. In the constitution which was subsequently adopted, the first object is declared to be the mutual improvement of its members. Those who have been in attendance upon these annual gatherings from time to time, and have participated in the exercises, can testify that they were greatly benefited. The society has already grown from the state of helpless infancy to that of vigorous manhood, counting its members by hundreds, causing itself to be known and felt in every portion of Wisconsin. Nevertheless, of late years, many have become impressed with the thought that its very size and the necessarily heterogenous nature of its clements render it unwieldy. Accordingly, your executive committee, after mature deliberation, decided to inaugurate at this period what has been so successfully tried in other states-section work. We all feel solicitous to know the results that this change will produce upon our organization; but, with the hearty co-operation of each member present, it must prove to be a step forward, more particularly as such an arrangement affords better facilities for professional improvement than a general meeting can possibly offer.

Permit me to call your attention to what I candidly consider the only serious obstacle in the way of complete success to this new undertaking. Our vocation compels us to associate and labor with unripe minds; being creatures of comparison, we might naturally conclude that our intellectual attainments, which are so far superior to those of

our pupils, must be of a very high order. True, the difficulty could be remedied were we to mingle freely with the learned of other professions, or to peruse the works of those who are the leaders of modern thought. But the duties of the school-room of to-day are so arduous and exhaustive that comparatively few avail themselves of such privileges. Consequently, we may be unfitted to receive the many lessons which these hours might teach. We may be better talkers than listeners. We may have handled the microscope of adverse criticism so frequently that small defects will be eagerly scanned, while great excellences, which cannot come within its narrow focus, will pass by unnoticed. Surely, we who have taught so long and so acceptably to patrons and pupils in various localities care not to hear the routine of our daily work discussed. Mere tyros in the art of teaching may listen and drink in all they please; 'twill do them good, but years ago we finished our apprenticeship. Then, indeed, either our calling is so simple as not to merit the title of profession; or the limit of our capacity for improvement is soon reached. Let us determine which.

The highest prerogative of representative art is to depict nature with fidelity and care. 'Tis an axiom with every reasonable being that the creature is filled with an insane presumption who thinks by his puny skill to transcend or even equal, in all respects, the works of the Creator. Yet, strange as it may seem, many are similar to the buxom lass who preferred to look at her picture rather than the mirror; for her likeness appeared prettier than her image. Such people take delight in viewing the canvass and the marble; but see no beauty or symmetry in what has come directly from the unseen hand of God. The Master Artist has been dethroned from their affections; and, in his stead, has been erected that ridiculous caricature-a human idol. Nature was ignored by the patrons of the old deductive method; but, when the disciples of Lord Bacon began to listen to that voice unheeded through the ages, how firmly was the foundation laid for the superstructure of modern science. That imposing edifice now stands secure before the astonished gaze of the civilized world. What relation has all this to the wonted labors of the instructor? The most intimate.

The decree goes forth, and trembling from the hidden depths of nothingness a soul rises into the enviable state of existence. A little waif stands on the shore of Time. The child consists of the spiritual wedded to the material; the divorce will not be granted until the awful step across that unseen line is taken. Those hitherto latent powers are aroused to their wonderful activity through the avenues of the senses. How matter can affect mind is to us a mystery; but God has bridged the chasm and made the transit possible. Nay! He has decreed it the great highway over which the swift or ponderous vehicles of thought incessantly roll.

For the first few years of life, no one thwarts nature's plan. How tenderly, yet effectually, does she plume and spread the wings of that young intelligence! What proficiency it has attained ere those schooldays settle down upon its shoulders! How easily (these acquisitions have been made, while scanning the objects within the narrow limits of its world, or playing with its pets and mates, or listening to the goodnight story and soothing lullably within its mother's arms.

Truly, this system of education is successful. But the time arrives