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OHIO JOURNAL OF EDUCATION.

We are indebted to Mr. Joseph Pancoast, Agent, No. 284 Main St., Cincinnati' for an opportunity to examine the revised and enlarged edition of this valuable work, comprising a summary account of the lives of the most distinguished per sons of all ages, nations and professions; including more than two thousand articles of American Biography, by the Rev. John L. Blake, D. D., who was a pupil of that great New England training master, Dr. Benj. Abbott, who has made famous Phillips' Academy, at Exeter, N. H. This veteran, "one of the best and most fortunate Teachers whose name has been recorded in the annals of American education," gave classic culture to Bushrod Washington, Joseph S. Buckminster, Lewis Cass, Dan. Webster, John A. Dix, Edward Everett, John G. Palfrey, Jared Sparks and others.

This latest edition has been extended to 1366 pages; and includes, besides one thousand in the original work, one thousand new articles, relating to individuals who have lived or died in the United States.

As an evidence of the growth of the West, and the spirit of the men who gave tone to the early character of our own state, which was a wilderness at the beginning of this century, it may be mentioned that this work contains sketches of about fifty persons, who in Ohio, brief as it has been a State, have risen to eminence.

This valuable Treasury, should be in the hands of studious Teachers, and should be placed by Boards of Education, when in their power to do so, on the tables of the Principals in each school building, as a work of reference for pupils and Teachers.

Those who wish to be waited on in Cincinnati, can be served by Mr. Joseph Pancoast, No. 284 Main St, who will, on receiving a note, requesting it, attend at private house or school room. He also will attend to any order by correspondence.

WINTHROP B. SMITH & Co., Cincinnati, Ohio, 1857.

Quite an event in the text book era of the present day, is the recent issue, by this pioneer firm, of a new and revised edition of McGuffey's Readers.

Perhaps no enterprise connected with the school system of Ohio has received more attention from authors or publishers than that, which first presented to pupils and Teachers this excellent series of reading books, which has entered as it were into the very vitality, the bone and sinew strength of our schools. Time, however, showed the necessity of some partial improvement in the text, with additions to the illustrations. To effect this in the most perfect manner has been a conscientious consideration; and the remodeled work is now before the Teachers of our country, whose judgment must be the arbiter whether what has

been done has been well done.

The points of improvement claimed by the publishers of the new readers, are: 1st. The great amount of primary matter embodied in them, rendering it necessary to add one additional volume.

2d. The beauty of the illustrations.

3d. An easier gradation.

4th. The excellence of all the new matter incorporated.

5th. The increased number of exercises in articulation.

In the new books will be noticed a separation of lengthy words into syllables.

Messrs. Childs & Peterson, Philadelphia, announce that they will soon pub

lish a memoir of the late Dr. Kane, by Dr. Wm. Elder.

Dr. Kane is known to all; Dr. Elder will be more generally known when his eloquent pages shall have been distributed over the land. We have been entranced by his oratory; we expect to be enraptured with his writing.

The Canada Educational Directory and Calendar, for 1857-8; containing an account of the Schools, Colleges and Universities; the Professions, Scientific and Literary Institutions; decisions of the courts on school questions, etc, etc.; edited by Thomas Hodgins, first Clerk of Department of Education, Clerk of Statistics.

This hand book of 130 pages, in the language of its preface, is intended to furnish information of educational progress and its present establishment in Canada, where an untaught boy or girl, or an ignorant business or professional man, will soon be an anomaly, and a disgrace in our land. In the Upper Province, is provided free education for all Canadian children, wherever Canadian parents choose. Lower Canada has nearly the same.

We commend this work as "a receptacle of the excellent liquor of knowledge." South Western School Journal, Louisville, Kentucky. This is the second year of this Journal, which has just been forwarded to us. Rev. J. H. Heywood, and Noble Butler, editors. We hope our neighbors across the water may be well supported.

OHIO STATE TEACHERS' ASSOCIATION.

The ninth Semi-annual meeting of this Association will be held in Steubenville, Thursday and Friday, July 1st and 2d, 1857.

Rev. I. W. Andrews, President elect, will deliver his Inaugural Address, on the first day of the Session, at 11 o'clock, A. M. An address will be given by Hon. Salmon P. Chase, Governor of the State, at 2 o'clock P. M., of the same day. The Ex. Committee regret to announce, that in consequence of an engagement to lecture elsewhere, the Hon. Stanley Matthews is compelled to decline the invitation of the Association to deliver the Evening Address. They hope to be able to supply his place by a speaker acceptable to the Association.

The following reports will be presented for the consideration of the meeting, by the several committees:

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'On the subject of requiring pupils to report their own conduct."-J. A. Garfield of Portage, Chairman of Com. "Do Common Schools prevent crime ?"— A. J. Rickoff, Sup't Public Schools, Cincinnati. "On the condition of the schools for the colored youth of the State."-Rev. M. French. "Course of Study for graded schools."-Hon. H. H. Barney. "On the grading of schools."-E. E, White of Portsmouth. "On the working of Normal Schools in this and other countries."-John Ogden of Hopedale.

The Report of Prof. Merrick, of Delaware, on the subject of the "Code of Honor" among College Students, presented at the last meeting and deferred to this for discussion, will be taken up.

Any member having matter which he would wish to bring before the Association, is requested to make it known to the Ex. Committee, before the time of meeting, so that a time may be allotted for its consideration. It is believed this would much facilitate the transaction of business, and save valuable time.

We think we may promise, that no efforts will be spared to make the coming Session both a pleasant and a profitable one. Teachers from all parts of the State, are therefore earnestly exhorted to be in attendance.

JOHN HANCOCK, Chairman Ex. Com. O. S. T. A.

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JUNE.-More than ever have we had occasion to look to June as the real May. The pretty things said of May must have been sung by Southern Poets. Of the backward May, it may be gaid

"Nor wonder man that Nature's bashful face,
And opening charms her rude embraces fear;
Is she not sprung of April's wayward race?"

-June, sixth month, begins on Monday.

Full Moon, 7th day, 0 h. 14.6
Last Quarter, 15th (( 2"
New Moon, 21st 66 4" 55.4
First Quarter, 28th "11" 11.8

A. M.

2.1

P. M.

A. M.

A. M.

Summer commences June 21st, 7.18 P. M., and the Sun continues in the Summer signs, Cancer, Leo and Virgo, 93d. 14h. 7m.

The movable festivals of the Church for this month, are

Trinity Sunday, June 7th; Corpus Christi Day, Fete Dieu, June 11th. June 23d the Jewish Anniversary of Thanksgiving begins. June 24th, Festival of St. John the Baptist.

"In Spring's affectionate inspiring smile

Green are the fields with promise."

May Parties adjourned over to more favorable weather, may now be held with profit and pleasure. The "Journal" wishes all Teachers and pupils to be happy.

-O'er the wintry boughs is seen

Spring's first light powdering of green.

Come away! come away!

Flow'rs are fresh and fields are gay!

Spring, her early charms discovers,

Come forth to greet the breathing Spring,

Haste thee, then, for fiery June

Will tarnish all this freshness soon.

-"New Methods," and "Thoughts on Absenteeism, and the powers which teachers possess, enabling them to prevent it," came too late this month, but will appear in July No -The School Commissioner, Rev. Anson Smyth, is visiting various portions of the State, addressing the friends of Education, and creating a good impression wherever he goes. We ask of our Educational friends to avail themselves of the occasion of his visits, to stir up the teachers by way of remembrance for the "Journal." His receipt for funds we'll honor.

All remember the inimitable and Mann-ly anti-Tobacco Report of the last session of the Association. A few of our leading principal teachers yet cling to the use of the weed. We are duly notified of a conversion of an "old stager," in the following language: "Now open wide your ears for news - let me have your undivided attention while I communicate the great and important fact steady now—so — so — I have not chewed any tobacco during the past two weeks! Now, ring the tea bell, blow the tin whistle, and fire off the elder pop-gun. the crickets shout aloud, and the tobacco-worms dance for joy. There—that. I think, will

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-M. K. C. is notified that seven syllable patent note books are not up to the spirit of the age. OUR MUSIC. — In this number we give the "Star Spangled Banner," two pages for four parts, as sung with thrilling effect in many of the cities of the United States, by M'lle Parodi - the inspiring words of patriotic enthusiasm, it is known, were composed by Francis Scott Key, of Baltimore, on the occasion of the bombardment of Ft. McHenry, by the British Fleet, during the war in 1814. Our July number will contain the music of "Hail Columbia."

With these

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two National Airs, our "Young America" can be prepared to sing the freeman's songs on the approaching Anniversary of the Declaration of American Independence.

L. W. Mason, Cincinnati, will supply for the occasion adverted to, these two pieces of music on one sheet, at $2,50 per hundred.

GRAMMATICAL CONSTRUCTION. -A farmer's son, just returned from a boarding school, was asked "if he knew grammar?" "Oh yes, father," said the pupil, "I know her very wellGran-mer sits in the chair fast asleep."

-Will some one in each county present in a succinct report, the proceedings of Teachers' Institutes already held, and preserve hereafter accurate data from which to make tabular Exhibits of the places at which held-the length of session-names of Instructors of evening Lecturers, and the number of members in attendance?

-Those who have made themselves responsible for unpaid subscriptions, will please commence forthwith, to collect the money due from the subscribers whose term expires with this number, and secure their renewal. Send us word that we may know to whom the July number is to be sent. The money can be sent or brought to us at Steubenville.

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-Let your work be done - 1st, uprightly; 2d, deliberately; 3d, resolutely — with an active, ardent constancy · -a persistent, untamable efficacy of soul-with the energy of Howard; he had one thing to do.

He who would do some great thing in this short life, must apply himself to the work with such a concentration of his forces, as, to idle spectators who live only to amuse themselves, looks like insanity.

Educational Items.

ASHLAND.-At the recent Exhibition of this Union School, Mr. S. M. Barber, Superintendent, was not present, being on the sick list. In the Primary Department an affecting incident occurred, which brought tears to many an eye. The presentation of embellished diplomas was in order, and several bright faces had satisfactorily accepted this high certificate of character-the entire absence of "black marks"-when the teachers came upon one whose owner no human voice could call. The teachers explained his absence by reading from within the embellished border of the diploma the following testimonial, and the scroll was then presented to his mother:

"Died, February 28, 1857, Willie, eldest child of R. and C. McKane, aged 6 years, 6 months and 23 days. Possessing an amiable disposition, by the gentleness of his manners he had gained the love of all who knew him, and endeared himself to his teachers and schoolmates. He had also good natural talents, was attentive and industrious in learning, and for a child of his years had made great progress. He has been a member of the Primary Department three terms, and at the close of each received a diploma. But he has been called early, by the Good Shepherd who gently folds the little lambs in his bosom, and has received from the Great Teacher (who calls little children to come unto him and forbids them not,) his everlasting reward. Now our little band is broken, no longer are we permitted to meet his joyous, happy smiles, no more shall his voice join in the pleasant morning song, but there is another harp heard among the blissful throng which surrounds the throne of the Most High.

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A creditable Literary Society called the "Alpha Nu," composed exclusively of High School pupils, who have monthly Exhibitions, has been successfully organized in Ashland.

ATHENS COUNTY -In our notice, in May, of what "will and work" had accomplished, we stated that the entire subscription from Athens county for this "Journal" for 1857 was 96, whereas, on closer count, we find that Prof. Wm. H. Young has, of his own motion, remitted

this year 123 names. Honor to whom honor is due. The Speaker of the House (General Assembly of Ohio) is a writer as well as a speaker, and being editor of the Athens Messenger, says many excellent things in a late number of his paper of the Ohio Journal of Education, and speaks commendatory of the editor. We entertain no grudge against this fair-spoken man, but trust that he may be gently removed from his seat as presiding officer of the lower House, and quietly placed, as Lieutenant Governor, as President of the Senate in the upper House.

Sandusky.-Earl Bill, Esq., President of School Board, (who has since removed to Tiffin,) presents an interesting exhibit in the eight annual report. In view of the evil of truancy and vagrancy, so common elsewhere, a citizen of Sandusky has offered to contribute $25 per month to employ a suitable person to look after truants and absentees from the schools, and vagrant children, generally, to be found in the streets: provided a corresponding sum be appropriated by the Board, or otherwise contributed, for the same purpose, during the current

year.

Mr. M. F. Cowdery, Principal of Schools, having been on a trip to New Orleans recently, for his health, has, we learn, returned to his duties, much improved.

FRANKLIN, Dr. Patterson has rented the house and grounds belonging to Mrs. Neville, on Friend street, Columbus, opposite the Blind Asylum, for the present use of a school for instructing idiots and imbecile youth, for which purpose $3000 was appropriated by the Legisla ture at its recent session. Pupils will be received alter July.

Mr. S. D. Phipps, Musical Instructor in the Public Schools of this city, is doing a good work in the culture of the musical tastes of the youth and citizens of the capital. He has a musical hall handsomely fitted for class instruction, with melodeon, etc. He has a design to open, during the recess of school, a Normal Music Institute, to fit teachers to conduct the musical exercises of their own classes.

-That was a crowning act of Rudisill, the Columbus hatter, towards the "head" editor. It capped the climax.

HAMILTON.-The Cincinnati School Board will, after August next, pay the Principals of their schools $100, instead of $85 per month. An increase of the salaries of assistant teachers is in contemplation.

JEFFERSON.-We anticipate that Steubenville, and the teachers of this county, will entertain the State Teachers' Association soon to assemble therein, in a style worthy of its ancient hospitality.

The following notice was crowded out last month:

The "School Visitor," devoted to the interests of our Public Schools, Steubenville, O., April 1, 1857, Vol. 1, No. 1, edited by Alexander Clark, has been laid on our table. It is a neat quarto monthly paper, for circulation among the schools of that neighborhood. Thanks, in the name of the State Teachers' Association, friend Clark, for the complimentary notice of the Ohio Journal of Education. As the Association will assemble in Steubenville in July, we would be glad if some active person in each township would circulate the prospectus of the Journal, and have enrolled on our subscription list the names of a majority of the teachers in that and adjacent counties. What say you, friends and patrons of the "School Visitor"? MONTGOMERY.-Dayton has contracted to build a new High School building for $17,500; a recently passed law having authorized the Dayton Academy to arrange for the sale of its real estate to the Board f Education.

At a late meeting of the Wood County Teachers' Association, D. A. Avery President, committees were appointed to report on the following subjects:

Messrs. E. W. Lenderson, W. H. Gorrill, and W. F. Hannon, a committee on Programme of Exercises, to report at the next meeting for the one following.

Mr. E. Elliott to write an essay on the art of Teaching.

Messrs. W. S. Thurstin and J. B. Newton to write on a subject of their own choice.

Mr. G. N. Parsons, on the best Method of Governing a School.

Miss E. L. Bassett, on Primary Teaching.

Mr. J. O. Shannon, on the Object of Education,

Miss M. E. Carr, and Mr. W. H. Gorrill, on Teaching the Alphabet.

Mr. D. Day, on the Science of Numbers.

The Association meets again at Bowling Green, on Saturday, the 20th of June.

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