Town Report on Lincoln 1891-1898, Part 3

Author: Lincoln (Mass.)
Publication date: 1891
Publisher: Lincoln (Mass.)
Number of Pages: 734


USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Lincoln > Town Report on Lincoln 1891-1898 > Part 3


Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).


Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39


Towle, G. M. Young people's history of England. 1213.15


616.5


Character building. Jackson, E. P. in Chase of the Meteor. Bynner, E. L.


The divorce of Catherine of Aragon Century dictionary, Vol. 6. ..


326.13 A ..


45


SHELF


English language. Mead, T. H. Our mother tongue. 124.23


English literature. Dawson, W. J.


The makers of modern English ..


1325.7


Gilman, N. P. The laws of daily con- 1527.27 duct . .in ... Gilmore, J. R. The advance guard of Western civilization 325.9


Gladstone, W. E. Russell, G. W. E. The Right Hon. W. E. Gladstone ... 616.9


Glover, E. Family manners 1213.8 Goldschmidt, J. L. Holland, H. S.


and Rockstro, W. S. Memoir of Jennie Lind, I820-1851 612.2


Grant, J. B. Our common birds and how to know them. 112.11


Evolution. Spencer, H. Factors of organic evolution. 135.10 Greenland. Nansen, The first crossing of Greenland. 422.7


Falconer, Lanoe, pseud. See Hawker, M.


Family manners. Glover, E. 1213.8


Farmer, L. H. Short history of the


French revolution for young people Farrar, F. W. Eric; or Little by little Felicia. Murfree, F. N.


Finney, C. G. Wright, G. F. Charles Grandison Finney. 616.8 1527.28 334.10


Firnald, J. C. The new womanhood ..


Fiske, J. The American revolution ... Civil government in the U. S 134.2


Flammarion, C. Uranie 1017.12


Flock, A, of girls and their friends. Perry, N .. 1213.21


Foster, J. Four great teachers (J. Ruskin, T. Carlyle, R. W. Emerson and R. Browning). 616.6


Four and five. Hale, E. E. 1213.26


Fourteen to one. Phelps, E. S. 1012.10 France, A. The crime of Sylvester Bonnard. 1017.16


France. Farmer, L. H. Short history of the French revolution for young people. 1213.16


Masson. The story of mediaeval France .. 334.12


Freedom triumphant. Coffin, C. C ... 811.10 French, A. (Octave Thanet.) Otto, the knight. 1012.7


Frenchman, A, in America. Bloüet, P. (Max O'Rell). 424.15


Froude, J. A. The divorce of Catha- rine of Aragon


324.21 616.5 Lord Beaconsfield.


Fulton, R. Thurston, R. H. Robert Fulton : life, etc. 517.20


Gallegher, and other stories. Davis, R. H .. 1012.25


Gaskell, Mrs. E. C. Mary Barton, and other tales. 1017.10


Germany. Literature. Dippold, G. T. Great epics of mediaeval Germany .. 1325.9


SHELF 1015.23


518.22 1012.19 1213.26


editor. James Freeman Clarke; auto- biography, etc. 518.21


Hardy, A. S. Life and letters of Jo- seph H. Neesima. 528.21


Hardy, E. J. The business of life .... 1327.30


Harris, J. C. Baalam and his master. 1012.8


Hawker, M. Mademoiselle Ixe. 1012.14


Henderson, P. Handbook of plants, etc .. Ref.


Henty, G. H. By pike and dyke; tale of the rise of the Dutch republic .... Hibbard, G. A. Iduna, and other sto- ries 1025.1


1214.21


Hildegarde's holiday. Richards, L. E. 1213.25 History. Adams, C. K. A manual of historical literature .. Ref.


Brewer, E. C. The historic note-book; with appendix of battles. Ref.


Holland. H. S. and Rockstro, W. S. Memoir of Jennie Lind Goldschmidt Holland, Art. Cundall, F. The land- scape and pastoral painters of Hol- land. 135.16


612.2


Holloway. L. C. The woman's story. as told by twenty American women. 1012.15 Holmes, O. W. Over the tea-cups .... 1527.25 Home life on an ostrich farm. Mar- tin, A. 424.16


Horse stories, and stories of other ani- mals. Knox, T. W. 821.8


Household, The, of McNeil. Barr, A. E 1017.18


How the other half lives. Riis, J. A .. 1512.18


Houston, Gen. S. Bruce, H. Life of Gen. Houston. 616.11


Howells, W. D. The Albany depot. .. 1017.23


Venetian lifc. 424.17


Morley, H. and Tyler, M. C. A man- ual of English literature. 1322.2 135.13 1213.9


English painters. Buxton, H. J. W ... Eric; or Little by little. Farrar, F. W. Ericsson, J. Church, W. C. Life of John Ericsson. 613.10 1127.7


Ethical religion. Salter, W. M.


Everett, Mass. Library, catalogue ..


Ref.


Grey, M. pseud. See Tuttiett, M. G. Griffis, W. E. Sir W. Johnson.


Gunsaulus, F. W. Monk and knight Hale, E. E. Four and five.


1213.16


1213.9 1012.12


Giberne, A. Nigel Browning.


46


SHELF


Huckleberries gathered from New England hills. Cooke, R. T. 1015.24


Hug, L. and Stead, R. Switzerland (Story of the nations). 328.10


Hutchinson, Rev. H. N. Autobiogra- phy of the earth. 134.4 616.4


Hutton, R. H. Cardinal Newman.


Huxley, T. H. Lay sermons, address- es, etc. 1325.8


Hypnotism ; its history and develop- ment. Bjornstrom, F


Iduna, and other stories. Hibbard, G. A ..


Imbert de Saint-Amand, A. L. Baron. The court of the Empress Josephine Marie Antoinette and the downfall of royalty.


Marie Antoinette at the Tuileries .....


Marie Louise and the invasion of 1814 614.20 Marie Louise, the island of Elba and the hundred days. 614.22


In darkest England and the way out. Booth, Gen. W.


1324.17


In my nursery. Richards, L. E .. 1213.20


In the cheering up business. Lee, M. C. 1012.6


827.24


Lee, M. C. In the cheering up business L'Estrange, C. F. Familiar London;


1012.6


sketches in color by A. Barraud .... Light of the world. Arnold, Sir E. 1413.12


Ref.


Light, The, that failed. Kipling, R .. 1014.26 Lillie, L. C. The squire's daughter ... 1213.24 Lind, Jennie. See Goldschmidt.


Little folks east and west. Shattuck, H. R. 1213.23


London. L'Estrange, C. F. Familiar London Ref.


Lothrop, H. M. An Adirondack cabin 821.9


Rob; story for boys .. 827.26 Macdonald, G. There and back ... 1012.5


Mackintosh, J. Story of Scotland. (Story of the nations) 328.9


Jefferson, J. Autobiography .


Jessop, A. Arcady for better or worse; study of rural life in England


Trials of a country parson.


Jewett, S. O. Play days; book of sto- ries for children.


Story of the Normans


Johnson, Sir W. Griffis, W. E. Sir W. Johnson. 518.22


Johnston, A. The United States; its history and constitution .. 325 10


Josephine, empress of France. Im- bert de Saint Amand. The court of Empress Josephine. 614.21


Joshua; story of Biblical times.


Ebers, G. 1017.19


SHELF


Jupiter Lights. Woolson, C. F ... 1017.9


Justice; being part four of Principles of Ethics. Spencer, H .. 134,5 Khaled; a tale of Arabia. Crawford, F. M .... 1012.17


Kingsley, J. S. A popular natural


history; description of animal life from lowest forms up to man. 133.1


1413.10 Kipling. R. Departmental ditties, etc The light that failed. 1014.26


Knockabout club, The, on the Span- ish main. Ober, F. A. 821.10


1025.1


Knox, T. W. Horse stories and stories of other animals. 821.8


Koehler, S. R. American painters .. 135 13 Lang, A. Essays in little. 1323.18 editor. The blue fairy book. 1213.14


614.24 614 23


Langton, R. Childhood and youth of Charles Dickens. 615.24


Laws of daily conduct. Gilman, N. P. 1527.27


Leaf-collector's hand-book and herba- rium. Newhall, C. S. 133.2


Leaves of grass. Whitman, W .. 1413.8


Leckey, W. E. H. A history of Eng- land in 18th Cent. V. 7-8. 316.6


In the high valley. Woolsey, S. C .. .. In the yule-log glow. Morris, H. S. ed .. 1516.22 In the heart of the storm. Tuttiett, M. G. pseud. MI. Grey 1012.4 1017.20


Ingelow, J. Quite another story. .... Ireland, Mrs. A. Life of Jane Welsh Carlyle. 612.5


Italy. Mariott, J. A. R. Makers of modern Italy 616.2


Poynter, E. J. and Head, P. R. Classic and Italian painting


Jackson, E P. Character building ... Japan. Arnold, Sir E. Seas and lands Japanese girls and women. Bacon, A. M.


135.15 1527.27 422.6


1513.16 613 11


Macmaster, J. B. History of the peo- ple of the U. S. V. 3. 323.6


Mademoiselle Ixe. Hawker, M. (pseud. L. Falconer) 1012.14


Maguire, J. F. Father Matthew; a biography . 616.10


Makers of modern English. Dawson, J. W.


1325.7


Maria Louisa, empress of France. Im- bert de Saint-Amand, A. L. Marie Louise and the invasion of 1814. .... 614.20 Marie Louise, Elba, and the hundred days. 614.22


Marie Antoinette de Loraine. Imbert de Saint-Amand, A. L. Marie Antoi- nette and the downfall of royalty ... 614.24


Marie Antoinette at the Tuileries .. 614.23


1513.8 1513.9


1215.23 334.11


135.9


614.21


47


SHELF


SHELF


Marriott, J. A. R. The makers of modern Italy ..


616.2


Martin, A. Home life on an ostrich farm


424.16


Next door. Burnham, C. L. 1017.15 Nigel, Browning. Giberne, A. 1015.23 Normans. Jewett, S. O. Story of the Normans ... 334.11


Norway nights and Russian days. Davis, S. M. H. 424.18


Ober, F. A. The Knockabout club on the Spanish main. 821.10


Masson, G. Story of mediaeval France (Story of the nations)


334.12


Oliphant, M. O. W. Memoirs of Law- rence and Alice Oliphant. 2v.


612.4


Royal Edinburgh. 326.10


Mead, T. H. Our mother tongue ... 124.23


Meredith, G. One of our conquerors


1012.3


One reason why. Whitby. B. 921.19


Mind and body. Bain, A.


135.11


Orr, Mrs. S. Life and letters of Robert Browning. €16.7


Monk and knight. Gunsaulus, F. W .. Montgomery, D. H. Leading facts of American history. 325.11


Morfill, W. R. Story of Russia. (Story of the nations). 328.11


Morley, H. and Tyler, M. C. Manual of English literature.


1322.2


Perry, N. A flock of girls and their friends .. 1213.21


Pharaohs, fellahs and explorers. Ed- wards, A. B 421.19


Phelps, E. S. [Now Mrs. Ward.] Me- moir of Austin Phelps. 516.21


Fourteen to one 1012.10


Play days. Jewett, S. O. 1215.23


Portugal. Stephens, H. M. Portugal. Story of 334.13


Power through repose. Call, A. P .. 124.22


612.7


Poynter, E. J. and Head, P. R. Classic and Italian painting. 135.15


1013.23


Proctor, E. D. A Russian journey .... 417.21


Pueblos. Wallace, S. E. The land of the Pueblos. 424.14


Quite another story. Ingelow, J. 1017.20


Recalled to life. Allen, G. 1025.5


Rhymes of childhood. Riley, J. W. 1213.19


Richards, L. E. Captain January. 1213.12


Hildegarde's holiday 1213.25


In my nursery 1213.20


Richardson, C. F. American litera- ture, 1607-1885. 1322.1


Riis, J. How the other half lives 1512.18


Riley, J. W. Rhymes of childhood .... 1213.19 Rob; a story for boys. Lothrop, H. M. 827.26


Rome. Bryce, J. The holy Roman empire .. 326.13


Roosevelt, B. Elizabeth of Roumania; with two tales from the German of Carmen Sylva. 612.3


Rose and Lavender; by the author of "Miss Toosey's mission". 1015.26


Rudder Grangers, The, abroad. Stock- ton, F. R. 1012.11


6


Matthew, Rev. T. Maguire. J. F. Father Matthew ..


616.10


One of our conquerors. Meredith, G ..


1012.3 O'Rell, M. pseud. See Blouet, P.


Otto, the knight; and other stories. French, A. 1012.7 Our Italy. [So. California.] Warner, C. D. 421.18


Our mother tongue. Mead, T. H. 124.23 Over the tea-cups. Holmes, O. W 1527.25 Parton, J. Captains of industry. 1213.17


Morris, C. King Arthur and the knights of the round table. 1012.26


Morris, H. S. In the yule-log glow. 4v. 1516.22


Morris, W. News from nowhere. .. Murfree, F. N. D. Felicia. 1012.12


Murray, J. O. Francis Wayland. (American religious leaders). 616.1


Murray, J. Smiles, S. A publisher and his friends; memoir, etc. of J. Murray ..


Murvale Eastman, Christian socialist. Tourgee, A. W.


My days and nights on the battle-field. Coffin, C. C .. 827.25


Nadaillac, J. F. A. du P. marquis de. Pre-historic America .. 134.3


Nanon. Dudevant, A. L. (Geo. Sand.) 1012.18


Nansen, F. The first crossing of Greenland. 422.7


Natural history. Kingsley, J. S. Pop- ular natural history. 133.1


Neesima, J. H. Hardy, A. S. Life and letters of J. H. Neesima 528.21


Negro question, The. Cable, G. 1527.26


New England nun, A, and other sto- ries. Wilkins, M. E. 1012.13 New senior, The, at Andover. Ward. H. D. 1213.7


New womanhood, The. Firnald, J. C .. 1527.28 Newhall, C. S. The leaf-collector's hand-book and herbarium .. 133.2


The trees of Northeastern America ... 134.1


'Newman, J. H. cardinal. Hutton, R. H. Cardinal Newman 616.14


News from nowhere. Morris, W 1025.3


Mary Barton, and other tales. Gas- kell, Mrs. E. C .. 1017.10


Mason, A. G. Women of the French salons ..


611.2


Molesworth, Mrs. M. L. The children of the castle 1213.13 1012.19


1025.3


48


SHELF


Russell, G. W. E. W. E. Gladstone .... 616.9


Russia. Morfill, W. R. Story of Rus- sia .. 328.11


Proctor, E. D. A Russian journey .... 417.21 Ryder, A. H. Go right on girls. 1324.24 Trees of Northeastern America. New- hall, C. H. 134.1


St. Catherine's by the tower. Besant, W .. 1012.16


Salter, W. M. Ethical religion. 1127.7


Sanborn, K. Adopting an abandoned farm .. 1017.22


Sargent, J. P. comp. Reading for the young.


Ref. 1212.1


Science for the young. Abbott, J ..


Scotland. Mackintosh, J. Story of Scotland. 328.9


Scott, Sir W. Journal; from original manuscript. 2v. 613.12


Seas and lands. Arnold, Sir E .. . .


422.6


Sevier, J. Gilmore, J. R. John Sevier as a commonwealth builder. 521.10


Sewall, A. Black beauty. 1012.20


Shattuck, H. R. Little folks east and west. 1213.23


She loved a sailor. Barr, A. E. 1012.20


Sheridan, R. B. Plays 1413.12


Sidney, M. pseud. See Lothrop, H. M.


Sister's tragedy, The. Aldrich, T. B .. 1413.11 Smiles, S. Memoir of John Murray. 2v. 612.7


Smith, F. H. Colonel Carter of Car- tersville. 1012.9


Smith, G. W. Painting. Spanish and French. 135.14


Smith, N. A. joint author, See Wig- gin, K. D.


Spencer, H. The factors of organic evolution. 135.10


Justice; part four of Principles of ethics. 134.5


Squire's daughter, The. Lillie, L. C .. 1213.24


Squirrel inn. The. Stockton, F. R .... 1025.2 Stand fast, Craig-Roystan. Black, W. 1017.21 Stephens, H. M. Story of Portugal .. 334.13 Stevenson, R. L. Ballads. 1413.14


Stewart, B. and Tait, P. G. The un- seen universe 135.12


Stockton, F. R. The Rudder Gran- gers abroad. 1012.11


Stockton, F. R. Squirrel inn. 1025.2


Story hour, The. Wiggin, K. D. and Smith, N. A 1213.10 Switzerland. Hug, L. and Stead, R.


Switzerland (Story of the nations) .. 328.10


There and back. Macdonald, G .. . . Thurston, R. H. Robert Fulton 517.20


Timothy's quest. Wiggin, K. D. 1213.11


Todd, C. B. Story of Washington, the national capital .. 326.11


SHELF


Tourgee, A. W. An appeal to Caesar 1527.29


Murvale Eastman, Christian socialist. 1013.23


Towle, G. M. Young people's history of England. 1213.15


Trials of a country parson. Jessop, A. Trollope, T. A. What I remember. 1513.9 V. 2. 536.6 Tuttiett, Miss M. G. In the heart of the storm. 1012.4


Twenty years around the world. Vas- sar, J. G ... 421.17


Two modern women. Wells, K. G .. 1017.11


Two penniless princesses. Yonge, C. M. 1013.24 United States. Fiske, J. Civil govern- ment in the U. S. 134.2


The American revolution 334.10


Johnston, A. The United States; its hist. and const .. 325.10


Mac Master, J. B .. History of the peo- ple of the U. S. V. 3 .. 323.6


Unseen universe, The. Stewart, B. and Tait, P. G. 135.12


Uranie. Flammarion, C .. 1017.12


Ursula. Balzac, H. de ... 1012.24


Vassar, J. G. Twenty years around the world. 421.17


Venetian life. Howells, W. D. 424.17


Wallace, S. E. The land of the Pueblos Ward, H. D. The new senior at Ando- ver.


1213.7


Warner, C. D. As we were saying .... 1324.25


Our Italy. [So. California.]. 421.18


Washington, D. C. Todd, C. B. Story of Washington. 326.11


Wayland, F. D. D. Murray, J. O.


Francis Wayland. 616.1


Wells, K. G. Two modern women. 1017.11


Whitby, B. One reason why 921.19


Whitman, W. Leaves of grass 1413.8


Wide Awake. Vols. 30-31 821.1


Wiggin, K. D. Timothy's quest. 1213.11


Wiggin, K. D. and Smith, N. A. The story hour. 1213.10


1012.13 Wilkins, M. E. A New England nun Window, A, in Thrums. Barrie, J. M. Winsor, J. Christopher Columbus .... 612.8 Woman, A, of Shawmut. Carpenter, E. J. 1025.6


1012.23


Woman's Story, The, Holloway, L. C. Women of the French Salons.


1012.15


Mason, A. G .. 611.2


Woolsey, S. C. In the high valley .... 827.24


Woolson, C. F. Jupiter Lights ... 1017.9 World's Workers, The. Alldridge, L. 517.18


Wright, G. F. Charles Grandison


Finney .. 616.8


Yonge, C. M. Two penniless princesses 1013.24


424.14


1012.5


ANNUAL REPORT


OF THE


SCHOOL COMMITTEE


OF THE


TOWN OF LINCOLN,


FOR THE


SCHOOL- YEAR £ 1891-92.


4


Superintendent's Report.


To the School Committee of Lincoln :


GENTLEMEN :- I have the honor to submit the fol- lowing as my first report, the same being the second annual report of the Superintendent of Schools under the district system of school supervision.


As I have been in charge of the schools less than half of the school year covered by the statistics follow- ing this report, I can neither make a detailed state- ment of the work done during the year, nor draw a fair comparison between this and previous years' work. That teachers, however, have been faithful and efficient, and have succeeded, to an eminent de- gree, in imparting instruction to those pupils who have been in regular attendance upon the schools, there is, in my judgment, no question. And now that the new school house, a fine building with modern improve- ments, has been opened at the South, and the pupils of the East school are transported to the Centre, thus giving to all children the privilege of ample accommo- dations and good instruction, our schools ought to be in excellent condition. But the attendance is far from satisfactory and is sadly against successful work. Though our schools be never so well appointed, they cannot benefit children who do not attend them. Not only do those who are in irregular attendance lose the benefits that would otherwise result to them, but they break up the classes, prevent systematic work, and thus hinder those who attend regularly.


52


The total enrollment for the year is 208 with an average attendance of a fraction over 127, and 561 tardinesses-an average attendance of but little more than half the enrollment, and tardinesses more than double the enrollment. And yet the attendance this year compares not unfavorably with that of the preceding. Thus the bad habits of neglect of duty, and being constantly behind time are being fixed upon those who are soon to bear the responsibility of citizen- ship, and take into their hands the reins of goverment.


Aristotle said two thousand years ago, that the fate of empires depended upon the education of children. What was true of empires then is doubly true of our country today- a self-governing people, made up of het- erogeneous elements from all nationalities. The State recognizes this and has formulated the following law, only a portion of which is quoted :


" Every person having under his control a child be- tween the ages of eight and fourteen years, shall annu- ally cause such child to attend some public day school in the city or town in which he resides, and such attendance shall continue for at least thirty weeks of the school year, if the schools are kept open that length of time, with an allowance of two weeks' time for absences not excused by the superintendent of schools or the school committee, and for every neglect of such duty the person offending shall, upon complaint of the school committee or any truant officer, forfeit for the use of the public schools of such city or town, ' a sum not exceeding twenty dollars."


This law is explicit, and it is not in the authority of school officers to excuse anyone from a strict compli- ance with its provisions.


53


Legal force, if judiciously applied in a few cases, might exert a healthy influence on school attendance, and yet it could not bring about the desired result of raising our schools to the high standard they are capa- ble of attaining. This can only be accomplished by the hearty co-operation of parents with teachers and school officers. I, therefore, trust that parents will endeavor, by all means, to have their children in school, not simply enough to comply with the require- ments of the law, but during the full session of every term, thus granting them the full privilege of a public education, which is their birthright.


THE EAST SCHOOL.


Owing to the small, and decreasing number of pupils in the East School, it has been decided to close that school and transport the pupils to the Centre. This plan embraces both wisdom and economy. Economny, because it costs but four dollars and a half per week to transport the pupils-one-half the cost of employing a teacher, to say nothing of the added expense of keep- ing in repair, and caring for, the East school house, and furnishing it with maps, reference books, etc.


Wisdom, because the pupils now have the advantage of a graded school, hence better instructions and better appliances. The people in the East, instead of having their school taken away, have, virtually, a graded school brought to their very doors; thus enjoying equal school advantages with those living in the im- mediate vicinity of the Centre.


TEACHERS.


The instruction during the year has been greatly in- terrupted by changes and sickness among the teachers.


54


Mr. J. C. Knowlton, Principal of the High School during the first two terms of the year, was succeeded in the fall term by Mr. C. C. Davis, who, on account of severe illness, was compelled, early in the term, to give up his work temporarily. Mr. Geo. K. Small was em- ployed as a substitute, and for six weeks did successful and efficient work, but resigned to accept a $1,200 position. He was followed by Mr. H. A. Roberts, who finished the term.


Miss Carrie B. Chapin has continued in the Centre school during the year. Miss Ella L. Bates was em- ployed at the beginning of the fall term to teach the primary grade at the Centre and assist in the High School. Thus a needed addition has been made to the teaching force in the Centre schools. The East school has been taught by Miss Lillian M. Hoar; the North, by Miss Florence M. Sherman.


The Winter term of the South Grammar school was taught by Miss Edith A. Andrews, the Spring term by Miss Nellie J. Wentworth. Miss Louise E. Dunsmoor began the Fall term, but resigned at the end of two weeks to accept a larger salary. Her place was filled by Miss Harriette F. Sawin. There have been four teachers in this school during the year. It is need- less to say that such frequent changes are disastrous to successful work.


Miss Lizzie A. Webster taught the South Primary school during the winter term. Miss Nellie B. Hooper taught the following two terms.


I trust the changes in the teaching force will be much less the coming year, and believe the results will be proportionately more satisfactory.


55


COURSE OF STUDY.


For the teacher to succeed in securing the best re- sults she must learn definitely what is expected to be taught and understand clearly how to teach it. I have, therefore, outlined a course of study which has been submitted to, and approved by the Committee. I have given quite specific directions to teachers, thus making the course appear perhaps more elaborate than it is. But I am sure that it embraces no more ground than can be covered thoroughly and well in schools as well graded as ours are at present.


I desire to direct attention to some of the subjects in the course.


READING.


The reading constitutes a connected course, with the Davis Readers as a drill series, and the Normal Read- ers, to give supplementary reading on plants, animals, insects, etc., and leads up in the last year of the gram- mar grade to " Masterpieces of American Literature," thus laying a foundation for the study of American and English literature in the High School; while the " Story of Our Continent" and "Star-land " sup- plement the physical and astronomical geography of the text-books, and lead easily to elementary work in geology and astronomy in the High School.


Thus it will be seen that, while the reading course aims to make the pupil a good reader, it has also a definite purpose at the end, furnishes a valuable fund of information, and cultivates a taste for good reading. When this course is carried out, I believe something of the idea of Dr. McAllister may be realized, who says : " More can be got out of it that tends to cultivate the minds of the pupils than any other in the course. It


56


has a moral power, a refining power, and an elevating influence that can be found nowhere else."


NATURE STUDY.


It is not the object of this part of the course to make scientists of the pupils, but to open their eyes to the beauties and wonders about them; to teach them, not so much what is to be found between the covers of text-books, as to read the great book of Nature that lies open everywhere before them; and as another has said, " To give pupils who are walking through the ordinary school curriculum by faith, some opportunity to walk by sight; to give them some opportunity to get information at first-hand, while they are compelled to get so much at second-hand."


This part of the course is not original with me, but has been taken from that used in the Andover schools, with slight changes ; and in evidence that such a course is not impracticable I quote from the school report of that town the following : " It has been proved that a knowledge of botany, mineralogy, and zoology can be successfully taught in the elementary school."


DRAWING.


Drawing is required by law in the public schools. It has been made one of the regular subjects in the course of study. The Prang System will be introduced and so arranged that there will be regular, progressive, work for pupils in every year in school, thus training the taste and the hand as well as the eye.


FLAGS ON SCHOOL BUILDINGS.


The beautiful idea of raising the Stars and Stripes on our schools is both wise and patriotic, and may be made


57


an impressive object lesson in history. To this end I would suggest that flags be placed on all the school buildings, and that they be raised on the following days, and that the pupils' attention be always called to the event commemorated. This will not prevent the flag being raised on other days at the option of the teacher :




Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.