REPORT. THE Committee, appointed by the Directors of the American Institute of Instruction, to examine the several Essays which have been offered "On the Construction of School-Houses," and to award the Society's premium to the author of the best one, respectfully ask leave to REPORT: That they have given the subject committed to them, that deliberate consideration which its practical importance to the great cause of common education seemed to them to require. They have carefully examined five Essays, with their accompanying plans; some of them being of considerable length, and all of them containing valuable suggestions upon the several topics discussed in them. And while the Committee would not be understood to predicate absolute perfection of any of them, they have unanimously agreed that the one offered by WILLIAM A. ALCOTT, of Hartford, Ct., is decidedly the best. And they do hereby award to him the premium of TWENTY DOLLARS, appropriated by the proper authorities of the Institute for that purpose. The Committee ask leave further to report, that pending their deliberations, they received å scientific and valuable communication from Mr. WOODBRIDGE, of Hartford, Ct., upon the "Size of School-Rooms; "—a topic intimately connected with, or rather forming a part of, the more general subject discussed in the Prize Essay. In view of its merit, both as a distinct performance, and as an amplification of one topic of the subject proposed for the prize, the Committee herewith submit the document; and recommend that it be appended to the Prize Essay, and published with that, agreeably to the Resolve with which this Report concludes. All which is respectfully submitted by your Committee. J. KINGSBURY. 1. Resolved, That the thanks of the Institute be presented to Mr. Woodbridge for his timely and valuable communication upon the "Size of School-Rooms." 2. Resolved, That the Prize Essay "On the best Construction of School Houses" be read before the Institute, at such time during its present session as convenience may suggest; and that, together with the document appended, it be printed under the direction of the Censors; and that each member of the Institute receive, on application, one copy gratis. CONSTRUCTION OF SCHOOL-HOUSES. THAT the general arrangement and appearance of even inan ate things around us, have an extensive influence in forming our character, will hardly be questioned. Every object, and every individual we see, either renders us more cheerful and happy, or the contrary. The condition of those objects, therefore, which surround a collection of children, whether the number of those children be five, fifty, or one hundred, must of necessity have a very considerable influence in forming their dispositions, and giving a determination to their future character. Nor is their present comfort a matter of indifference, any more than that of the same number of adults. Where is the parent to be found, who would select as a location for his dwelling, the junction of four roads, or a portion of the highway, or a sand-bank, marsh, or swamp? Or, who would choose, for this purpose, a bleak hill, a wilderness, or some lonely and secluded spot, rarely visited by man or beast? With a few misanthropic exceptions, mankind love to dwell in airy places, affording a pleasant prospect. They are fond of having shade and fruit trees, shrubs, flowers, fountains, and greensward around their dwellings. The number of those who prefer the disagreeable sight of barren hills, and fields, and sand-banks, or the nauseous and unwholesome exhalations of stagnant |