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struction in history should be considered sufficient, and will
be amply so if teachers are faithful.

When these subjects have been so studied that the scholar
begins to understand them, then other branches may be in-
troduced; Book-keeping tor those who wish preparation for
business purposes; Algebra, as an introduction to the myste-
ries of higher mathematics; and the systematic stcudy of
Natural Philosophy. The Text-Book, on the latter subject,
should not be taken up as a study before the Elementary
Algebra has been studied by the scholars. But there are
facts and principles in this science, (as well as in Natural
History) which should be communicated to children, from
the very first term of their attendance upon school. Let them
learn daily something from their teacher about the world
around them; let them know that his information extends
beyond the few books given them for study. Let a short, fa-
miliar lecture on such subjects be delivered daily, making it
the last exercise of the school, and it will be looked forward
to with the greatest interest. Ascertain, by questions, fre-
quently repeated, in the way of review of what you have
said, whether the child has acquired the power of reproduc-
ing the lesson. " No oral teaching is good—this should be
a cardinal maxim or the teacher—that is not carefully and
thoroughly reproduced by the learner."

Some may say how can we accomplish all this? We des-
pair of realizing such a conception of teaching. To which
the answer is, it is your duty to try. If you cannot find
pleasure in leading young minds into fresh fields of know-
ledge day by day, and in honest effort to make attractive the
subjects you are expected to teach; if you are willing to lapse
into the mechanical ideas of teaching that obtained, at one
time, all through our land,—it were far better for you to se-
lect some other pursuit and give up an occupation for which
you are not fitted. A school without life in the teacher, is
an engine with no steam in the boiler." For such teachers
their should be no place in our Public Schools. Thin is an
active, energetic age; the school master must move with it
and impart enthusiasm and and zeal to the young minds placed
under his charge, or else give place to others who are more
anxious to fill the full measure of this duty.

Let it be your ambition to prepare yourselves in the best
manner possible, for your duties; do not rest satisfied with
the lowest grade of proficiency required of those who wish
to teach in the Public Schools of thin County, but fit your-

selves as speedy as possible to take first grade certificates
counting no labor too great, if it be necessary, to accomplish
that end

With the hope that success may attend your labors, I have

the honor to be, Yours, very truly,

. ., LEWIS H. Steiner,
President Board of School Commissioners,