teachers whose rooms are heated by ordinary furnaces or stoves, without ventilating appliances, to make skillful and faithful use of the windows-their only reliance. It requires constant care and good judgment so to manage windows as to supply fresh air and, at the same time, avoid the pouring of currents of cold air on pupils

THE CLOSE OF THE VOLUME.

This number closes the current volume of the MONTHLY, the largest and best of the ten volumes which we have edited. Including the index the volume contains 485 pages, exclusive of advertisements-an average of over forty pages of reading matter to each number. A glance over these pages is sufficient to show that they have been largely devoted to the discussion of educational questions of great practical interest and importance; and we are confident that no previous volume has more faithfully presented the best experience of the country in school instruction and management. Our contributed articles have certainly made good the assurance with which the volume was begun. The average circulation of the volume now closing has not been greater than that of the preceding. Our books show a considerable decrease among school officers with a corresponding increase among teachers. This latter fact is specially encouraging, since the MONTHLY has never encountered as sharp and vigorous competition as during the present year. Two other journals have had their agents in many counties, and the MONTHLY has been "cut under" both in subscription price and in commissions allowed for canvassing. We do not complain of competition, since the MONTHLY has no exclusive claim to the patronage of Ohio teachers, but we regret that, having superior claims, we are not met on equal terms. The MONTHLY is not published to subserve other business interests, and hence we can neither pay large commissions to agents nor give large premiums for subscriptions. The Ohio agents of an Eastern journal, published largely as an advertising medium, have been paid as high as fifty cents a subscription. Nor can we reduce our subscription price without correspondingly reducing the cost of the MONTHLY. The actual cost of its publicatien last year was several hundred dollars more than the total receipts from subsciptions. By using inferior paper and paying nothing for contributions, we might make the two sides of this account equal. The same might be done by going back to a thirty-two page magazine. But the interests of education in this State demand that the present size and character of the MONTHLY be maintained. Our duty is to make it better, instead of cheaper, and in the discharge of this duty we shall confidently rely on the professional spirit of Ohio teachers. No other state educational journal in this country, possibly with one exce¡ tion, has one half as many names of teachers on its cash subscription list as the OHIO EDUCATIONAL MONTHLY, and certainly no other state journal has an equal professional support. We thank all who have contributed to this result.

We close the record of 1870 confident that the MONTHLY has sustained its character as well as its circulation, and we shall enter on a new volume with the hope of still larger success. The issue of our national edition will con

tribute to this result. It will aid us in securing contributions of great practical value-the best experience of the profession in this country—and, as an earnest of what may be expected, the reader is referred to the list of contributors to the present volume, found in the table of contents. We shall spare no pains to make the MONTHLY worthy of the support of every teacher and school officer in the State.

A FRIEND sends us the following extract from a letter received from a former pupil, a girl now in her twentieth year, and in the Freshman class in college. It is full of beauty and eloquence, and we print it to show how a young girl can give expression to feelings that have powerfully impressed her, and to provoke some of our young readers to a goodly emulation:

"Last Friday night, Prof. Clark took us out to look at Saturn through the telescope. The ring, that wonder of the solar system, was plainly visible; but the instrument had to be frequently readjusted, else the planet, then sinking low, would pass from the field of vision. An hour later, I saw it twinkling on the edge of the horizon-a few minutes more, it disappeared from sight. An hour or two afterwards, I looked again. The great Dipper was bending low; amid the moving stars Polaris alone stood firm; while, noiseless and serene, the moon pursued her westward journey. Night held me reverent; the mystery of worlds unknown, the limitless spaces of the sky were before me. Human intellect and its achievements stood dwarfed beside them. Galileo and Newton bridged yawning chasms in science; but who shall pass us over this one-the wherefore of creation?

"Thought becomes fragmentary; millions of worlds shine down, confusing all perception of time and space. Will they ever stop shining? How small they look, as though I might take up a number, a handful of stars! Yet, so vast; yet, so far away that some look on with the light of centuries past! I should lose all power of thought, if I gazed long. They shone in my dreams that night, and, in the morning, I woke with a vague feeling of having been with celestial things."

MISCELLANY.

WE wish to be notified of the fact if any subscriber has failed to receive all the numbers of the current volume due him. We cheerfully resend missing numbers.

We have now opened our subscription books for 1871, and we shall take special pleasure in filling them. We dislike to part company with any earnest, progressive teacher, but the cash system-the only safe one-waits for a renewal of subscription. Will not each of our old subscribers renew his subscription at once, and, what is still better, will he not secure at least one name to keep his company? The subscription price of the MONTHLY is $1.50 a year; four or more copies at the rate of $1.25 a copy -sent to the same or different postoffices. All new subscribers for 1871, whose subscriptions are received before Decembar 20th, will receive either the November or December number free. Send in the subscriptions, good friends.

PERSONAL.-Rev. J. G. Aikman, formerly a teacher at Mt. Healthy, O., is professor of the Ancient Languages in Western College, Iowa.-C. W. Bennett, late superintendent of the schools of Greenfield, Ohio, has resumed the chair of mathematics in Moore's Hill College, Ind.-G. D. Hill, formerly superintendent of the schools of Port Washington, O., has taken charge of the schools of Delta, O. Salary, $900.

AVERY COLLEGE.-This institution, located in Allegheny City, Pa., is designed to afford colored students of both sexes facilities for acquiring a higher education, It was founded and endowed by the late Rev. Charles Avery, and is under the control of an incorporated board of trustees. Efforts are about to be made to raise an additional fund for increasing its efficiency. Prof. T. E. Suliot, who is one of the faculty, writes hopefully of the prospects of the institution. We wish it the largest

success.

COLLEGE LIBRARIES.-The National Bureau of Education has been collecting statistics as to the Colleges of the United States. It has reports from 274. There are sixteen Colleges only whose number of volumes exceeds 20,000. Six of these are in New England, one in New York, one in New Jersey, one in Pennsylvania, one in the District of Columbia, one in Virginia, one in North Carolina, one in South Carolina, one in Ohio, one in Michigan, and one in Missouri. The Ohio college is that at Marietta, whose number of volumes is nearly 23,000.

CINCINNATI. We have just received-too late for fuller notice this month-the annual report of the Cincinnati schools for the last school year, a document of 282 pages. President Wehmer's report presents concisely several very important topics, including ventilation, school furniture, German instruction, school attendance, the examination of teachers, etc. We are glad to see these statements: (1) "The plan of connecting each room by a duct with a central shaft, in which is placed an iron stack, warmed by the escaping smoke from the furnace or stoves, has worked well, and appears to solve the vexed problem of ventilation." (2) "The old plan of allowing beginners to obtain experience by experimenting, by cutting and trying, should cease. We must require henceforth a theoretical and practical knowledge of the art and science of teaching from every teacher before appointment." The report brings out several very interesting facts relating to the attendance in the different grades, which we defer until next month. The recommendation that a committee be appointed to investigate the matter of withdrawals from school, their causes, etc., is excellent, and we hope it may be carried out. Superintendent Hancock's annual report is preceded by his semi-annual, dated Jan. 31, 1870, in which he recommends, with other good things, the establishment of a "Weekly Normal Institute", similar to the one in New York, and the enactment of a general truancy law, which is greatly needed. We pronounce his annual report excellent-the best of the three which he has written, but we will not venture any reference to its suggestive topics. We need more time and space.

GALLIPOLIS.-The marked progress made by the public schools for four years past, has placed them among the very best in the State. The high school, which four years ago was not worthy of the name, now enrols one hundred pupils. This healthy, wellsustained progress is largely due to judicious and yet progressive, vigorous supervision. Supt. Caldwell has done his work wisely and faithfully, and he has had, from the first, the hearty co-operation of the teachers and the board. No superintendent in the State has given more attention to the professional training of his teachers. The fact that the average attendance at the county teachers' institute for three years past has been 184, is also evidence of good work in the county.- -The plan of monthly reports to parents was adopted at the beginning of the year. The blanks include only four items, viz: days absent, times tardy, conduct, and scholarship. Conduct is estimated by the teachers, and the scholarship record combines recitation marks and the results of examination. The plan is working well so far.—The school building was thoroughly repaired last summer and is heated by steam, and, what is still more commendable, the wages of the teachers of the lower grades have been ncreased.

MARIETTA. The public schools embrace one high school, two grammar schools, five secondary schools, and nine primary schools. The teachers of the high school are George R. Gear and Miss Bailey, who are doing good work. There is an average attendance of some 75 pupils. The grammar schools are respectively in charge of J. D. Phillips, who has an average daily attendance of 125 pupils, and J. A. Gallaher, who has an average attendance of 97 pupils. Neither of these principals has an assistant, and yet their schools are remarkably orderly and well-drilled. Mr. Phillip's influence over his pupils is wonderful; his school runs like his clock, from an inner force. Of the condition of the lower schools we have no report, but we know that they need supervision. No corps of teachers, however competent, can teach efficiently in a graded system without a head.

SOUTH CHARLESTON.-Supt. De Lay gave much attention last year to a thorough classification of the schools, and the good results are now apparent. The pupils, being prepared for the classes in which they recite, are making easy and good progress, and the teachers feel better satisfied with their work. The pupils of the higher grade spent most of last year in reviewing the grammar-school studies. They are now successfully pursuing a high-school course.

MIAMI COUNTY.-There were 66 men and 57 women employed as teachers in this county the past year. Of these teachers, 14 men and 19 women held first grade certificates; 25 men and 15 women held second grade; and 27 men and 23 women held certificates of lower grades. Thus it is seen that the largest number of first grade certificates were held by women and the largest number of the lowest grade were held by men. The average monthly wages of male teachers was $54.54; of female teachers, $42.66. The women excel in scholarship and the men in "value received."An effort is making to secure an 66 acting manager in each township of the county, and, when this is secured, it is proposed to try to introduce courses of study, a closer classification, and regular examinations of classes. The teachers of the county are giving their assistance to this movement, and we hope it may be successful.

"

HANCOCK COUNTY.-Supt. Wood has made a promising beginning at Findlay. He is assisted by Miss Fannie Stevens in the high school, and by a good corps of teachers in the lower grades. The boa rd of education in District No. 9 has put a third story on the school-house, and otherwise greatly improved it. It is now as good as F. H. Tuft still remains in charge of the school, at a salary of $1,200.

new.

TEACHERS' ASSOCIATIONS AND INSTITUTES.

NORTH-WESTERN OHIO TEACHERS' ASSOCIATION.-Some fifty teachers met at Clyde, Oct. 15th, and organized the North-western Ohio Teachers' Association, to meet once in two months. Supt. M. F. Cowdery, of Sandusky, opened a discussion on Map Drawing, which was participated in by several members. This was followed by a discussion on School Government, opened by Mr. Leland, of Bellevue. A discussion on Moral Instruction was introduced by Mr. Cowdery, and the subject was referred to a committee to report at the next meeting. The subject of Essay Writing was also discussed. The Association adjourned to meet in Sandusky in December.

This Association is the fifth of its kind that has been organized in Ohio the present year. The other four are the North-eastern Ohio Teachers' Association, which has been very successful and useful; the North-Central Ohio Teachers' Association; the Central Ohio Teachers' Association, and the South-western Ohio Teachers' Association. These organizations embrace each the teachers of several contiguous counties, and the meetings are held at different points, quarterly or bi-monthly, and

usually on Saturday. It has been feared by some that these local Associations will interfere with the success of the State Association. They are attended, it is true, by live and progressive teachers, and the expense incurred is considerable, but the State Association will not be abandoned by such teachers. If they are obliged to give up either, the local Association will be the loser. A North-western Ohio Teachers' Association was organized in 1864, we believe, and several large and successful meetings were held. For some reason it was given up.

HAMILTON COUNTY.-The meeting of the county teachers' association, held the second Saturday in October, was a lively affair. President Turrill, of Cumminsville, devoted his opening address to State Certificates. He stated that the State Board of Examiners had held seven meetings, and issued 78 certificates, of which 28 were held by teachers in Hamilton county. He sharply reviewed the policy and action of the Board, charging, among other things, that it was announced that the success of candidates would depend very materially on length and success of experience and satisfactory recommendations, but wo to the candidate who is not sufficiently posted to write an elementary text-book in each of the common and especially the higher branches. When an applicant fails in one or two branches, he is granted a special examination on them the next year. This address was followed by a lecture on the teaching of arithmetic by Mr. L. A. Knight, of Madisonville, which gave rise to a spirited discussion, participated in by Messrs. Watkins, Carnahan, and Chase.Mr. U. T. Curran is preparing a class of seventeen teachers for the examinations of the State Board. HAMILTON.

COLUMBIANA COUNTY.-The annual institute of this county was held at New Lisbon the five days beginning Nov. 7th. Our veteran teacher, Father Anderson, was elected president, A. Blunt, vice president, and J. B. Strawn, secretary. The number of teachers in attendance was 143. Instructions were given by R. W. Stevenson, of Norwalk, on geography and language; Hon. W. D. Henkle, on the use of the dictionary; Prof. M. C. Stevens, of Salem, on arithmetic; I. P. Hole, of New Lisbon, on elocution and language; H. Morrison, on elocution; and J. B. Strawn, on penmanship, who also conducted a class in singing, composed of the teachers. At the close of each lesson, time was given for discussion and questions on the subject as presented. Evening lectures were delivered by Messrs. Stevenson, Henkle, Stevens, aad Hole. The question of "compulsory education" furnished a lively topic for discussion. The institute was a grand success throughout. A list of thirty-six subscribers to the EDUCATIONAL MONTHLY was obtained.

J. B. S.

WASHINGTON COUNTY.-The sixth annual institute of this county was held at Marietta the three days beginning Oct. 26th, M. D. Follett, Esq., president, and J. D. Phillips, secretary. The instructors were Supt. John Hancock, of Cincinnati; Prof. G. R. Rosseter, of Marietta College; Rev. J. W. McMaster and M. D. Follett, of Marietta. Prof. E. B. Andrews, of the State Geological Corps, gave an interesting account of the survey in South-Eastern Ohio, and Prof. Cox, of Beverly College, gave a brief lecture on language. The attendance of teachers was good, the number enrolled being 159. The sessions were attended by a large number of citizens.

MEDINA COUNTY.-The teachers institute, held at Chatham the first week of November, was not as well attended as the preceding institutes held in the county, but was a success. The instructors were School Commissioner Henkle, who also gave two evening addresses, and Wm. P. Clark, of Medina. Evening addresses were delivered by Rev. J. U. Mendenhall and Rev. S. D. Peet.