and erection of enough high schools for adequate purposes. He believes in the library scheme, and in advancing that work. He hopes there will be a continued policy of keeping politics out of the schools. His tone is hopeful for the future of the schools, and his statements unequivocal.— The American Mathematical society held its annual meeting recently at Columbia University, and elected the following officers: President, Eliakim Hastings Moore, Chicago University; vice-presidents, Thomas S. Fiske and Henry S. White; secretary, F. N. Cole; treasurer, Dr. W. S. Bennett; librarian, Pomeroy Ladu; committee of publication, N. F. Cole, Alexander Ziwet and F. Morely; members of council to serve until December, 1903, Professor E. W. Brown, H. B. Fine, T. F. Holgate and W. F. Osgood; member of council to serve until December, 1902, E. W. Hyde. Queens. A year ago the Corona school was closed by the board of education and consolidated with the Elmhurst school. The Corona people sought legal decision, which was rendered to the end that under the charter the board had not the right to take such an action. A recent decision from the State Superintendent, however, declares that the high school is in the hands of the board, and if its facilities can be strengthened by such consolidation, they have such right. -The children of the Borough schools contributed $1,050 to aid in the re-establishment of schools at Galveston, 31,000 pennies being a part of the contribution.-Miss Letta V. Myer has resigned her position in the Springfield school. Brooklyn. A change in the curriculum of the Teachers' Training School, under directions of State Superintendent Charles R. Skinner, is now proposed. Among other things, the length of the course to three half years, instead of two, is proposed. Associate Supt. Shallow, under direction, has arranged for some 300 lectures to be given in connection with the schools during the winter months.-Prin. Frank B. Stevens has been elected president of the Brooklyn Principals' association.-Borough Supt. of Schools, Edward G. Ward, says there are now needed 38 new school buildings in Brooklyn, 16 of which number are in course of erection. He also asserts that there are some 43,000 pupils in part time classes, being not properly provided for.-The school children of the Borough of Brooklyn contributed $7,879.19 to the re-building of schools at Galveston.There is a movement planned and under consideration of the Brooklyn school board to harmonize the courses of study in the high schools of that city. These high schools were separately organized, and have been working under individual courses of study. It is now proposed to so regulate affairs as to set all at work, practically, under one course. EDUCATIONAL GATHERING AT SYRACUSE One of the largest gatherings of school men and women in the history of their organizations attended the meeting of Academic and Grammar School Principals, at Syracuse. It was not alone more largely attended than usual, but was an exceptionally practical meeting. The annual address before the Academic Principals, by James B. Dill, a leading attorney of New York city, was a fine beginning of the work of the session, and was received with much satisfaction. The following subjects were discussed by the Grammar School Principals: "Evening Schools," by Prin. John D. Wilson, of Syracuse; "Elocution," by Prin. G. H. Walden, of Rochester; "Music in the Schools," Prin. Hollis E. Dann, of Ithaca; "Physical Training," Miss Alta Wiggins, of Buffalo. The Academic Principals chose the following officers for the ensuing year: President, Charles H. Warfield, of Little Falls; vice-president, James Winne, of Poughkeepsie; secretary, S. Dwight Arms, U. S. N. Y., of Albany; treasurer, Jay Crissey, of Penn Yan; executive committee, H. J. Walter, of Waverly, Charles E. Keck, of Southampton, C. A. Hamilton, of Newark. The Grammar School Principals selected: President, E. A. Frye, of Troy; first vice-president, W. W. Torrance, of Jamestown; second vice-president, Mary W. Flanagan, of Syracuse; recording secretary, E. M. Sparlin, of Rochester; corresponding secretary, H. H. Kendall, of Troy; treasurer, H. L. Fowler, of Rochester; executive committee, N. P. Browning, of Buffalo, W. W. Rixford, of Elmira, R. B. White, of Syracuse, and Miss Leona L. Walker, of New Rochelle. The next meeting will be held at Syracuse during the holidays next season. STATE TRAINING CLASS TEACHERS An important event in connection with the meeting of different educational organizations at Syracuse during the holiday week, was the meeting of principals of training schools for teachers and training class teachers. Not alone was an interesting and profitable session held, but a permanent organization was formed. There were nearly seventy teachers present at this first meeting, and the discussion of questions pertaining directly to their branch of educational work was spirited and practical, many salient points being brought out. The permanent organization enrolled about one hundred and twenty members. The following officers were elected: President. C. E. Franklin, principal of the Albany Training School: vice-president, Miss Gertrude L. Mauson, of Whitney's Point Training Class; secretary and treasurer, Prin. George E. Lewis, of Syracuse Training School. STATE ASSOCIATION OF SCIENCE TEACHERS The Rochester meeting of the State Association of Science Teachers was a very satisfactory one, and brought together a notable gathering of school men. The important subjects treated were as follows: "The Scientific Method and the Public School," S. A. Forbes. University of Illinois: "The Place of Physics in a Liberal Education." Henry S. Carhart, Ph. D., LL. D.. University of Michigan; "The Teaching of Physiology in Secondary Schools," Frederick S. Lee, Ph. D., Columbus University; "How Shall a Young Person Study Botany?" W. J. Beal, Ph. D., Michigan Agricultural College; "Practical Experiments in Physical Geography," William Morris Davis, M. E., Harvard University; "The Significance and Limitations of Nature Work," Stanley Coulter, Ph. D., Pardue University; "The Scientific Basis of Modern Industry," John B. Johnson, C. E., University of Wisconsin; "Zoology in Secondary Education," Jacob E. Reighard, Ph. M., University of Michigan. Besides these addresses were many important discussions given. The election of officers resulted as follows: President, Dr. F. W. Barrows, of Buffalo high school; vice-president, Prof. Frank M. McMurray, of the Teachers' College of Columbia University; secretary and treasurer, A. R. Warner, instructor of science at Auburn high school. The following members of the executive committee were re-elected: James H. Stoller, of Union College, Thomas B. Lovell, of Niagara Falls, and William C. Peckham, of Adelphi College at Brooklyn. A NEEDED ORGANIZATION A company of well-known and responsible school principals of Buffalo have organized for the purpose of aiding teachers who wish to attend the Pan-American Exposition this coming season. The organization is known as the Teachers' PanTourist Co., and Prin. E. J. Cobb is its president. For a small compensation they propose to find suitable accommodations, look after baggage, help the teacher save money, and guide her in visiting the Exposition and surrounding points of interest. Teachers interested should write to them at 433 Mooney-Brisbane Building, Buffalo. N. Y. STATE NORMAL SCHOOL AT FREDONIA The destruction of the State Normal School building at Fredonia by fire, Friday, December 14, 190. entailed a loss of seven lives, besides a property loss of nearly $250,000. Six young lady students, who occupied rooms in the dormitory on the third floor of the building, and the aged janitor were the victims of the terrible disaster. In building and equipment this Normal School ranked foremost among the institutions of its kind in this State. And in the record of its efficiency it has been among the best. The loss is very great to the State and to Fredonia, and is deeply regretted. The corner stone of this school building was laid in 1867, the original building costing $100,000, which sum was borne by the community in which it was located. Dr. J. W. Armstrong was the first principal, and held that office until his death in 1878. With the student body his personality was clearly felt, and even yet his influence rests upon the community. Superintendent of Public Instruction, Neil Gilmour, thereupon sent Dr. J. H. Hoose, of the Cortland Normal School, who took charge until the election of Dr. Francis B. Palmer, October 24, 1878. At its head and identified with its marked progress and increasing efficiency has been this honored principal ever since. Heart and brain and soul he has been connected with this institution, and the result of his untiring energy, his unerring judgment, and unfaltering devotion has been marked. As the attendance increased, twice large and costly additions have been made. Many thousands of dollars have been spent in apparatus, books and other equipment. More than 1,000 members are enrolled in the alumni of this institution, and all up and down the State as heads of and teachers in some of our best schools, they are bearing faithful testimony of their training. The work of the school will be continued in the several halls and churches of Fredonia, and plans have already been laid for a new building. It is hoped that out of the gloom of this great disaster, this institution will come forth into a brighter and better future. AMONG THE COLLEGES SCHOOL OF PEDAGOGY, NEW YORK UNIVERSITY was Professor Samuel Weir, of the department of History of Education and Ethics, was the chief speaker before the Minnesota State Teachers' association, at St. Paul, at the evening session on Friday, December 28th. His subject "Humanism, Realism, or Education for Society,Some Reflections on the Function of Education." The school has received the Diploma of the Silver Medal awarded to its exhibit made at the Paris Exposition last summer. This exhibit, consisting of numerous charts, portfolios and brochures, presented the organization of the work in this department of the university, and the relation of the school to the educational system of the United States in so far as this system pertains to the preliminary and the higher training of teachers for public and private schools. VASSAR COLLLEGE Among the recent gifts to the Vassar College Library, a few are of special interest. The Vassar chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution has presented a number of historical books; the Contemporary club, which is this year studying Howells, has given ten volumes of his works; J. Rendel Harris has sent, among others, several of his own books; and a copy of "Eleanor" has been received from Mrs. Ward. Professor Laura J. Wylie has edited "The Sir Roger de Coverley Papers" in a volume just issued in the Star series of English classics. Mr. Bliss Perry, editor of the "Atlantic Monthly," gave a most interesting lecture at the college, on Hawthorne. The trustees of the college have decided to build a new dormitory which will accommodate about one hundred students. The dynamo and engine presented to the college last spring by George Westinghouse have been set up and wires are being laid for connection with the main building, the laboratories and Rockefeller Hall, in order that stereopticons may be used in lecture and class-room work. With the courses now added in modern Greek and Archæology, together with the courses offered by the Art Department, candidates can be fitted to take the examinations for the fellowship of. the school at Athens. Miss Lida Shaw King, A. B. class of '90, A. M. Brown University, has the $1,000 Agnes Hoppin Fellowship at the school at Athens. Miss Ida Carleton Thallon of the class of '97, is now studying there. The Greek department has become the possessor of an Ideal A. A. electric lantern made by A. G. Thompson, of Boston. This is one of the very best of its kind, being made with a double lantern, dissolving shutters and automatic feed. A pamphlet that is of especial interest because it is the first educational publication of the_college, has just been issued under the title, "Catalogue of Stars within one degree of the North Pole and Optical Distortion of the Helsingfors deduced Astro-Photographic Telescope from photographic measures," by Caroline E. Furness, '91, assistant in the observatory at Vassar. One of the most interesting things to observe in the new catalogue is the wide geographical distribution among the students. It is found that New York has 263, Massachusetts 69, New Jersey 58, Pennsylvania 51, Illinois 37, Ohio 32, Michigan 30, Connecticut 20, Missouri 19, Indiana 13, Maine 12, Kentucky 12, New Hampshire II, Iowa 10, Georgia 6, Delaware 5, District of Columbia 5, Wisconsin 5, Colorado 5, California 5, Rhode Island 4, Virginia 3, Tennessee 3, Nebraska 3. Washington 3, Vermont 2, Maryland 2, North Carolina 2, and South Carolina, Alabama, Texas, Minnesota, Arkansas, Kansas, Idaho, Canada, Cuba, Syria and Burma each one. This shows that New England is represented by 110 students, the states west of the Mississippi by 48, and the South by 29. CORNELL UNIVERSITY The new catalogue of Cornell University shows a total enrollment of 2.458, a gain of 218 on last year. It looks as if President Schurman were in favor of expansion at home as well as abroad. The preliminary announcement of the Summer Session of Cornell for 1901 is also at hand. From it we gather that there has been an extension of this work, some eighty-four courses in nineteen departments being offered. The inference seems clear that the Summer Session is popular among the professors at Cornell since we find so many well known names among the teaching force; as, for example, Professors Corson, Crane, Hewett, Wait, Burr, Bennett. Jones, Titchener, Atkinson, Bristol, Moler, Morris, Harris, Tanner. We note, however, a few names from other institutions. Thus, Professor Frank A. Fetter, from Leland Stanford University, will teach the economics; Professor Albert P. Brigham, of Colgate University, will give instruction in geology and physiography, and Professor Herman Schoenfeld, of Columbia University, is to teach German by means of the German language itself. That an especial effort is being made to assist teachers of French and German in a practical way, is apparent from the fact that half the instruction in both these tongues is given without the use of English. The mathematical faculty at Cornell appears to be in no danger of atrophy from idleness; for, led by the veteran teachers, Professors Wait and Jones, they offer sixteen different courses for the Summer Session of 1901. The instruction ranges from plain algebra up to "Groups," whatever they may be. Teachers of advanced physics will be interested to learn that for the first time the dynamo laboratory will be open for summer work under Professor Moler. COLGATE UNIVERSITY The winter term of the university opened on Tuesday morning with the attendance as large as usual. During the vacation the annual catalogue of the university for the current year was issued, and it shows that the total attendance for the present year in the college department is 152. A new department, entitled the Department of Education, has been instituted, and is in charge of Professor Melbourne Stuart Read. Courses in the philosophy and principles of education are offered, and also a course in the history of education. This course is under the supervision of the State Department of Public Instruction, and those students who successfully complete it are entitled to the endorsement of the Department, which enables them to teach in the public schools of the State without further examination. The institution of this department has been received with much appreciation by the students and friends of the university, The faculty of Hamilton Theological Seminary has been strengthened by the appointment of Mr. John B. Anderson as Instructor in Ecclesiology and the English Bible. Mr. Anderson is offering an interesting course during the present term on the History of New Testament Times. A feature which has not appeared in previous catalogues is a statement of the gifts received during the year 1899-1900, and a review of this statement shows much progress along certain lines. The first page of the catalogue is devoted to a view of the president's house, which has just been completed, and there are also views of the College Library and the Gymnasium. The class of 1904 has presented to the college a fine bust of Shakespeare, which has been placed in the chapel. The course of lectures recently delivered here by Professor Charles R. Henderson, D. D., of the University of Chicago, on "Christian Sociology," was well received. Great interest in the subject was aroused. The Inter-Class debate was won this year by the Seniors, who supported the affirmative of the question: "Labor organizations promote the best interests of working men." At the meeting of the Associated Inter-Academic Principals, at Syracuse, during the Christmas recess, graduates of Colgate University formed the "Colgate University School Masters' Club,' with the following officers: President, Prin. J. M. Thompson; secretary, Prin. G. L. Bennett, of West Winfield. The club proposes to hold an annual banquet at the time of the Principals' meeting. This year there were about thirty Colgate men in attendance. UNIFORM EXAMINATIONS HELD Thursday and Friday, November 8 and 9, 1900 FOR COMMISSIONER CERTIFICATES Each of the following questions has 10 credits assigned to it unless otherwise specified. METHODS AND SCHOOL MANAGEMENT. Questions. 1. State three things that it is desirable for a teacher to know about a child when the child enters school for the first time. 2. In teaching geography what help may be had from a) stories; b) pictures; c) imaginary journeys; d) history? 3. a) Name four methods of teaching primary reading. b) What are the special advantages of the method you prefer? Which should be taught first, long or short division? Give reasons for the answer. 4. 5. Suggest two good methods for dealing with poor spellers. 7. 6. a) What is to be gained in teaching history through different members of the class having different text-books? b) What will be lost through the use of this plan? What is the chief object of teaching grammar? 8. In cold weather how may a schoolroom that has no ventilating apparatus be ventilated? 9. Give a good plan for dealing with whispering. 10. What must be accomplished through "busy / work" in order to justify its use? Answers. 1. Age, health and temperament, home surroundings, previous school experience. 2. a) Places are remembered more easily when their characteristics are fixed and illustrated by interesting narratives. b) Pictures are the best substitutes for a visit to a place, impressing it on the memory as a reality as no word description can. c) Imaginary journeys stimulate activity of thought by the pupil, fix his attention upon the place itself and in connection with other places, and also develops the imagination. d) The teaching of history in connection with geography gives added interest to the spot where the event occurred, and makes both spot and event more real through the mutual association of one with the other. 3. a) The sentence method, the word method, the phonic method, A, B, C method. b) Most schools are now using the combination of the word and sentence method accompanied by phonic work. The advantages of this are, that though the children begin with the sentence the word which is the element they first use in expressing themselves is almost immediately given, and they also have drill in sentence expression, which is the method of expression in youth and adult life. The process of the sentence, then the word, is an analytico-synthetic that is more helpful and more interesting than the word first and then the meaningless symbols known as letters. The phonic drill tends to fix attention upon the syllables and clear articulation and prepares for the stage at which the children will be able to be given regular phonic work. Additional reasons may be given. 4. Authorities differ. Generally short division is taught first, because the child can keep in. mind the whole dividend better. If long division is learned first, the child will thus work examples, which could more profitably be worked by short division. 5. a) Have misspelled words written in separate book, and drilled on until acquired. Have words missed reserved for the close of the week, and given to the poor spellers only. b) Provide what is known as the game of "Logomachy"-a collection of letter cards with which defective spellers are required to build up the missed words. Poor spelling is due to lack of close observation of the syllable elements. 6. a) Different text books give different ideas of the period under consideration as well as different illustrations and anecdotes. The comparison of these secure interest and a broader point of view. b) Different text books result in loss of time in the preparation of the lesson, and afford pupils inclined to shirk an excuse for not answering a question fully and accurately. 7. Grammar is the science of language, furnishes the pupil with a scientific understanding of the forms of correct speech, and trains the reasoning powers of the pupil. 8. There is nothing better than a board the width of the window, and about nine inches high, put under the lower sash. This secures an upward current of fresh air between the sashes, which, at the same time, does not strike upon the children. Even where there is a system of ventilation, this may be used in early fall and early spring. 9. Keep the children so interested with your knowledge of the subject matter and way of presenting it that they will be so engrossed with what you have to say or the work you have given them to do, that they will find no time for whispering. If this is done, what little whispering may still occur can well be let go unnoticed. 10. It must be educative, and have a perceptible relation to the work of the school. It must also pleasantly and profitably engage the time of the pupils, who must exhibit results to show that proper attention has been given to the work. Dec. 4. Bought of Gustavius Stewart (New York city), on account, 5 pieces Cambric, 220 yds. at 4c., 3 pieces Fancy Plaid, 85 yds. at $1.20, 20 doz. Spool Cotton at 48c. Dec. 5. Sold John Wile 7 yds. Fancy Plaid at $1.35, 8 yds. Cassimere at $1.75. Received in part payment, cash $10. Dec. 6. Sold for cash, to Irving Dean, 10 yds. Blue Serge at 90c., 2 pairs Blankets at $5.75. Henry Newman gives us his Note in payment of account of Dec. 3. Received of Henry Newman, on account, cash $20. 3-4. Rule proper forms, one page each, for daybook, cash-book and ledger. 5. Using proper abbreviations and conventions, enter transactions in day-book. 6. Enter transactions in cash-book. 7. Post accounts. 8. Close in proper form ledger accounts. 9. Make an itemized bill to Irving Dean (Dec. 6) and receipt the same. 10. Write note mentioned in transaction of Dec. 6. Answers. 1. (a) The assets represent all property belonging to a business. (b) The resources represent all property belonging to a business. (c) The debtor is the receiver. (d) Bills payable are written promises to pay money to others. (e) Bank discount is that which is paid or received for the use of money. Commercial discount is the amount taken from a list price. 2. (a) Account; (b) per cent; (c) care of; (d) collect on delivery; (e) day book; (f) balance book; (g) sales book; (h) free on board; (i) last month; (j) number. BOOKKEEPING Questions. 1. Define a) assets, b) resources, c) debtor, d) bills payable, e) discount. 2. Interpret the following: a/c, %, c/o, CO.D. D. B., B. B., S. B., F. O. B., ult., #. Glover, Warren & Co., of Watertown, N. Y., have the following memoranda : Dec. 3, 1900. Sold Henry Newman, on account, 5 yds. Linen Sheeting at $2. 17 yds. Cotton Flannel at 20c. I Carriage Robe, $9.75. 13 yds., @4c... 44 00 By pieces Fancy Plaid, 85 yds., @120... 306 00 By 20 dozen Spool Cotton, @ 48c. |