perience, will in time designate it. HOW TO CONDUCT THE RECITATION, and and not infrequently die in early life bethe principles underlying methods of cause of some defect in their training. teaching in classes. By Chas. McMurry, There is a right way, and study, with exPh. D., Professor of Educational Methods and Practice in the State Normal School, Winona, Minn. 16mo. Paper, 34 pp. 15 cents. Teachers' Manuals, No. 13. New York and Chicago. E. H. Kellogg & Co. A SHORT HISTORY OF THE ROMAN PEOPLE. By William F. Allen, late Professor of History in the University of Wisconsin. Published by Ginn & Co., Boston. In this work Prof. Allen briefly relates The title of this little hand-book is of itself sufficient to show that, to the teacher, it should be of real utility. It treats of methods, and also of the foundations of the history of the Roman people. He methods, the reasons and basic facts upon traces the policy and process whereby which correct school room methods are built. First are considered the elements of a good recitation-facts, mental digestion, observation and apperception-then advice is given, the reader told how to excite interest, compare, arouse self-activity and develop will-power. HOW TO REMEMBER HISTORY. A method of memorizing dates, with a summmary of the most important events of the sixteenth, seventeenth, eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. By Virginia Conser Shaffer. Published by the J. B. Lippincott Company, Philadelphia. The methods given in this book are not new, having been borrowed from a German years ago by Miss Elizabeth P. Peabody. It has been used for years with marked success in the Maryland Normal School, and by teachers who were educated in that institution. A NATURAL METHOD OF PHYSICAL In these pages the author has endeavored to outline a plan of conduct for bodily development that is not dependent on any appliances whatever, that will build up the frame of the slender and reduce the unwelcome proportions of the corpulent without the employment of machinery or harsh and weakening methods of dieting. We are all aware that physical training "is in the air," but how few really know much about the matter. Athletes break down Rome became mistress of the world, and then the social and economic forces which resulted in her downfall. References are made throughout the book to historical novels and other popular works for collateral reading. Particular care has been taken to give the reader excellent maps of the empire during its stages of rise and fall. ESSAYS ON EDUCATIONAL REFORMERS. By Robert Hebert Quick, M. A. A new edition, with topical headings, a chronological table, and other aids to systematic study in Normal Schools and reading circles; 16mo.; cloth; 336 pp. New York and Chicago: E. L. Kellogg & Co., 1890. $1 00. The present edition of this very valuable work presents it in a neat and tasteful dress, with an arrangement of subheadings, a table and a chapter upon Froebel that materially adds to its value to teachers. Mr. Quick's book is one that every teacher would benefit by reading. As a lawyer makes himself familiar with the lives and works of Blackstone and Kent, so will a teacher profit from such a knowledge of Rousseau, of Pestalozzi, of Spencer, of Froebel. The present work introduces the reader to these masters and to many others, amongst them Ascham, Montagne, Ratich, Milton, Comenius, Locke, Basedow and Jacotot. A general view of each of these is presented, together with such extracts or epitomes from their best work as will give their most valuable words to the teachers of to-day. POEMS AND PROSE PASSAGES from the | for June. The author of the article will works of Oliver Wendell Holmes. For be remembered as the writer of a criticism reading and recitation. Compiled by of Mr. Bellamy's "Looking Backward" Josephine E. Hogdon. Double number. POEMS AND PROSE PASSAGES from the which appeared in the Atlantic, and to works of John G. Whittier. For read- which Mr. Bellamy replied at some length. ing and recitation. Compiled by Joseph-General Walker has made social questions ine E. Hodgdon. Double number. a study, and his criticisms and suggestions Published by Houghton, Mifflin & Co, on the present "Eight-Hour-Law AgitaBoston. Single numbers, 15 cents; double tion" come from a man more fully fitted to numbers, 30 cents. speak with authority than almost any one in the United States. Charles Dudley OVERLAND MONTHLY FOR MAY.-This Warner's article on "The Novel and the distinctly Californian magazine should find | Common School" is a keen analysis of the a place on every book-table. The leading article is "The Old Mission Indians," a careful statement of facts which summarily disposes of some recent romancing about "old Justiano" of Santa Cruz, said to have been 120 years old when he died, Gabriel of Monterey, etc. THE MAGAZINES. A. S. Hallidie contributes a valuable valuable article on "A Study of Skilled Labor Organizations." There is also a thoughtful article by Kan Hong Ben, M. A., Edinburgh, on "Chinese Education and Western Science." duty of the public schools in the supply of reading for our young citizens. This and Hannis Taylor's consideration of "The National House of Representatives-Its Growing Inefficiency as a Legislative Body" are the two articles which make up the solid reading of the number. Miss Repplier has a whimsical paper called “A Short Defense of Villains," and Dr. Holmes discusses "Book-Hunger," the uses of cranks, and tells a curious story, enti tled "The Terrible Clock." In addition there are two pieces of fiction and two "Martin" is a ringing life-like sketch poems. of service in the Union war. The stories are mostly of California life, and are bright and readable, "Carmen" being well illustrated. The Overland is published at 420 Montgomery street, and is for sale at the book stores. THE COSMOPOLITAN for June presents a series of articles which cannot fail to be of interest to readers of magazine literature. Elizabeth Brisland contributes her third article on "A Flying Trip Around the World," Agnes Repplier "A Dark Page of Russian History," Rollo Ogden "Leading Writers of Modern Spain," and Louise Chandler Moulton "A Ghost at His Fireside." Besides these there is a pleasing variety of both prose and poetry, some of which are well illustrated. SCRIBNER'S MAGAZINE for June contains a graphic and exciting narrative from Stanley on his memorable expedition for the relief of Emin Pasha. Among other illustrations is one showing a group of pigmies he discovered in the wilds of Africa. The number contains the usual amount of excellent reading, not the least interesting of which is "The Rights of a Citizen," by President Seth Low of Co-artistic, and the reading matter, while The illustrative department is really lumbia College, in which he deals particu- very entertaining, is also instructive. larly with the use of public conveyances. OUR LITTLE ONES.-The May number is filled to overflowing with the most delightful matters of great interest to the little folks. "The Potato Babies and How They Grew" is worth the price of the number. One year, $1 50. Russell Publishing THE question of hours of labor is discussed by General Walker in the ATLANTIC | Co., Boston, Mass. THE PACIFIC EDUCATIONAL JOURNAL. Official Organ of the Department of Public Instruction. VOL. VII JULY, 1890. No. 5. GEOGRAPHY AND HISTORY WORK OF THE STATE NORMAL SCHOOL AT SAN JOSE. I. PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY. Senior Year. Time Ten Weeks. Geodetic and Astronomic Work, three weeks. Students are required to make measuring rods, lines and tapes; also simple instruments for levelling and measuring horizontal and vertical angles. These instruments are used throughout the course in making such surveys upon the school grounds as will give the students a clear understanding of how the earth is measured, and how the distances of the heavenly bodies are determined. Only the most important facts in astronomy are learned. A large map of the solar system is made by each student; also, such maps and plans as assist to an understanding of how the change of seasons, the varying length of day and night, etc., are brought about. The phases of the moon and its motion as well as that of one or more planets are observed. Cheap telescopes constructed by the students and a good instrument belonging to the school are used in this work. Standard Time and the International Date-line are discussed. 2. Geology three weeks. Special attention is given to the origin of the physical features of the earth's surface. The forms of mountains and the evidence of their former submergence, the appearance and mode of formation of stratified rocks, the erosion by water and atmospheric action, etc., are studied by observation in the vicinity of San Jose. Granite, quartz, feldspar, mica, sand, sandstone, clay, slate, chalk and marble are all examined in hand; their chemical and physical relations are studied that the different effects of erosion depending upon the materials forming the rocks may be understood. Earthquakes and volcanic action are briefly discussed. 3. General review of the Physical Features of the Earth-one week. 4. Ocean Currents and Tides-one week. 5. Atmosphere and Climate-two weeks. Most of the time is devoted to the climate of the Pacific Coast. HISTORY. Middle Year. Time Twenty Weeks. It is suggested that history in the story form be pursued in the lower grades of the California schools by the use of well selected supplementary reading adapted to young children; such as Mara L. Pratt's American History Stories, and Edward Eggleston's Young Folks' History of United States. Thus a taste for history will be created and a fundamental knowledge of it acquired before the time when the United States History of the California Series will be placed in their hands, thereby rendering possible the understanding of the more difficult matter therein presented. In schools having a very limited time for United States History, discriminations of topics should be used in the following course planned for Normal work, the part of the outline preceding the Administrations occupying but one-fourth of the whole time given to history. As taught in a twenty' weeks course in the Normal School, this part should be accomplished in ten weeks, giving preliminary history its proper share of the time. Pupils wishing to enter the Normal School in advance of the first term of the Middle Class should be well grounded in as much of general and United States History as is indicated in the following. NORMAL COURSE. The history of the United States is to be prefaced by a short study or review of Egypt, Rome, Greece, and the Hebrews, as foundation work for modern European History, using for reference books in general history some of the following: Barnes' Brief General History (Ancient, Mediæval, and Modern, in one vol.) Swinton's Outlines of World's History. Outlines of Universal History. (Geo. P. Fisher.) Anderson's New General History (Ancient, Mediæval and Modern, Zigzag Journeys in Classic Lands. (H. Butterworth.) A Book of Golden Deeds. (Charlotte Yonge.) Plutarch's Lives for Boys and Girls. (John S. White.) Study the physical geography of each country in reference to its influence upon the political geography and history of that country. Take a brief survey of the maritime explorations of the Phoenicians as forming a basis for geographical knowledge of the ancients. The following outline indicates the very condensed scope of the designated work : I. EGYPT. Political History. Race, Origin, Old Empire, Middle Empire New Empire, Decline. 2. Civilization. Society, Literature, Education, Monuments and Art, Science and Inventions. 3. Manners and Customs. General Character, Religion, Embalming, Burial. 4. Summary, showing the influence of Egyptian History upon European and American history. The foregoing plan will be pursued, so far as applicable, to Rome, with the addition of study of Roman law and government as having been transmitted through English history to our own. Also to Greece, with |