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ALBEMARLE COUNTY.
From the above statement it will be noted that the value of the entire plant is about $360,000.
COURSE OF STUDY.
PRIMARY DEPARTMENT .- In this department, which is under the charge of a lady principal, assisted by as many lady teachers as may be required, the pupils are taught reading, writing, intermediate arithmetic and primary geog- raphy. We have under the conditions of Mr. Miller's will, no entrance examination. Hence many who come to us must begin at the lowest point. Very few are able to enter above our primary department. As the foundation of all our work is here, it is necessary that the depart- ment be most carefully attended to. To this end a corps of most excellent lady teachers have been secured, who give their entire time to the instruction of these beginners. By them our children are taught with great care to read and spell correctly. They also are specially directed in writing. Before leaving this department they are able to compose letters quite creditable to themselves. They are also here well drilled in the first principles of arithmetic, and given instruction in the Primary Geography.
HIGHER DEPARTMENT .- This department is divided into six classes, to each of which is given one year. The studies in these six classes are as follows-viz :
Sixth Class.
Arithmetic
English
History
Geography
House & Farm Work
Fifth Class.
Arithmetic
English
History
Geography
Printing&Farm Work
Fourth Class.
Alge bra.
English
Latin
Botany and Farm Work and Shop Practice.
Physiology
Third Class.
Geometry, Algebra.
English
Latin
Chemistry
Drawing and Shop Practice.
Second Class.
Algebra. Geometry.
Physics
Latin and German.
Geology, Mineralogy
Drawing and Shop Practice.
First Class.
Trigonom'y Mechnics
Latin and German.
Botany, Entomology
Drawing and Shop Practice.
ENGLISH .- Our object is to impart a practical knowledge
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of the English language; to make the pupil acquainted with the leading facts in its history and etymology and practically familiar with the laws of composition and style. Pupils are daily exercised in orthography and penmanship. The former is taught always by dictation, the latter practiced for a stated time under the immediate supervision of an in- structor. The study of English grammar, and of the history and analysis of the language, with the elements of rhetoric, is diligently pursued. Weekly compositions, or essays, upon assigned subjects are required of every pupil. These are sub- mitted for correction, and returned the following week, with errors in spelling, grammar, or construction carefully noted. Geography and History form an important element in this de- partment. One year is given to the study of Ancient, and one to the study of Modern History. While this is not long enough to study the History of even all the most important nations, a vigorous effort is made to instil a taste for reading.
LATIN .- The study of Latin by every pupil is required. Every pupil is thoroughly drilled in the accidence of this language by daily grammatical recitations, by written exercises, and by systematic reading. In the lower classes daily exercises are required, and every pupil is given a black-board drill to show that he understands the lesson for the day. In the higher classes longer and more difficult passages are given once a week, and the critical correction of these exercises, involving discussions of the nicest points of syntax, constitute a promi- nent feature. While we are not able in the time allowed to make a pupil a thorough classical scholar, every effort is made to give him a taste for classical literature and to make him familiar with the etymology and derivation of languages. Four years are given to the study of Latin.
GERMAN .- The same method, as far as practicable, is pur- sued here as in Latin. Great attention is paid to the writing of exercises and to the acquisition of a thorough knowledge of grammar and syntax. Care is taken to impart a correct pro- nunciation, and pupils are practiced daily in written and oral exercises. While reading the different authors, special atten-
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tion is paid to the idioms of the language. The course is oc- casionally varied with some book of current literature.
MATHEMATICS .- After completing Intermediate Arithmetic in our Primary Department, our pupils are given a careful and thorough course in Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, and Plane and Spherical Trigonometry. They also are given some in- struction in Conics. This course, taken in connection with their book-keeping, drawing, mechanics, physics, and shop practice gives them a most substantial mathematical founda- tion upon which to build.
SCIENCES,-Our students are carefully instructed in the prin- ciples of chemistry, botany, zoology, mineralogy, and geology, and in order that they may possess a knowledge of the only true " Scientific Agriculture," their attention is called, in the various parts of the course, to the application of the princi- ples of the Natural Sciences to the improvement of the art of agriculture. All who pursue the study of chemistry work three hours each week for one session in the chemical labora- tory, where they are required to repeat most of the class ex- periments, and are well-grounded in blowpipe analysis. Such as show great aptitude for it are afterwards taught quantita- tive chemical analysis. In the study of botany, the students are stimulated to collect the native plants, and learn, as far possible, the principles of the science by direct observation of nature. Geological, mineralogical, and botanical excursions are made whenever practicable, and the School now possesses as one of the results of the labor of these classes complete collections of the native woods, minerals and rocks and a large herbarium of Albemarle. Before graduation, students pursue a course of cryptogamic botany, in which they are encouraged to work with the compound microscope.
DEPARTMENT OF PRACTICAL MECHANICS .- In this depart- ment instruction is given by the Director, aided by an instructor in wood work, one in iron, one in forging and foundry work, and one in drawing. To complete the course takes four years, one in wood work, one in forging and foundry work, one in iron work, and the last year in advanced work in one of these
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ALBEMARLE COUNTY.
three departments. Fifteen hours per week is devoted to shop work through the entire time. Drawing is taught throughont the four years for seven and a-half hours per week, and in each year is allied to the branch of shop work that the pupil is taking. The first year is taken by the boys in the fourth class of our regular school course (the first class being the graduating class). Here they learn by a systematic course of exercises the use of the various hand tools and appliances used for wood work, the principles of a variety of joints used in construction, and how to make them. They also become familiar with the lathe and its tools and wood-working ma- chines generally, such as are used in carpentry and cabinet work and pattern making. At the end of the year they are able to make articles of furniture, such as washstands, tables, etc.
The second year in this department is taken by the boys of the third class. Here they are trained in forging and foundry work. They learn first in forging the use of tools on lead in- stead of on hot iron, which greatly facilitates the work of a beginner. It is not long before they can handle iron itself with a measure of skill. In foundry work, they also com- mence with alloys, etc., before moulding iron, though they later learn to charge and manage the cupola and to do a fair variety of moulding.
The third year is taken by the boys of the second class in the Machine Shop, where they first learn the use of the tools, etc., by regular exercises. Before the end of the year they are able to construct different mechanisms, etc., of a creditable character.
In the fourth year, having previeusly gone through all the departments, the student is required to make a specialty of one of them, and follow up advanced work in it.
Drawing, as previously mentioned, is taught throughout the four years, and each year bears an intimate relation to that year's shop practice. It is begun with very simple free-hand drawing, and later on the use of instruments is gradually ac- quired. The drawing is never from plates, but from objects, either real or imaginary.
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ALBEMARLE COUNTY.
In addition to this regular course in shop practice, etc., a time is set aside in each department for regular instruction of a more special character for those boys who on account of ad- vanced age, or other cause, will be unable to graduate.
The instruction in physics, mechanics, and electricity is also given in this department. The course in physics is interest- ing, thorough, and decidedly practical, being well illustrated throughout by careful experiments. In mechanics, which is made (as it should) to bear a close relation to manual training, shop practice, etc., the pupils are taught the principles, etc., involved in the various operations they are taught to perform. Electricity is taught in direct connection with the dynamos, storage batteries, regulators, resistance boxes, etc., of the elec- tric-light plant, aided by a collection of electrical apparatus, and the pupils are required to become sufficiently familiar with them to manage them intelligently, and to make dyna- mos, motors, converters, etc.
FARM TRAINING .*- The sixth class will be engaged in farm and garden work every afternoon. The class will be divided into two squads, each in charge of a captain selected from one of the higher classes. They will be employed during the autumn in assisting with the planting and cultivation of the late garden crops, the gathering of vegetables, storing of winter vegetables, and growing and transplanting such vege- table plants as are kept in frames during winter. In winter they will be taught the feeding of cattle, and especially of young animals. In the necessary routine work, such as cut- ting feed and getting out ensilage, the squads will alternate with each other three days at a time. The effort will be made to make all the work done contribute to the manual dexterity of the boys, and to teach them that the thorough performance of work, which seems mere drudgery, will better fit them for more responsible positions.
The fourth and fifth classes will work each three days in the week, and will be under the immediate personal supervis- ion of the director of this department. The effort of the in-
*This plan will go into operation in September, 1888.
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ALBEMARLE COUNTY.
structor will, with these classes, be to train them in a skillful use of all farm tools. This work will be less of routine drudgery than that of the sixth class, and while their labor will be utilized in the work of the farm and garden, the acquirement of skill in the use of tools, management of teams, etc., will be considered of more importance than the amount of work accomplished. At the same time the effort will be made to teach the great value of human labor in our American agriculture, and the necessity for such use of ani- mals and tools as may enlarge the productive capacity of human labor. The boys in these classes will be taught, as opportunity offers, the handling of teams, methods of plow- ing for different purposes, the use, adjustment and care of farm machinery, planting crops, sowing grass seed, etc. They will also have lessons in greenhouse practice during winter and in the care of plants in frame's.
BOOK-KEEPING .- Every boy and girl, at some period in our course of study, is thoroughly taught in single and double entry book-keeping. During this instruction special atten- tion is paid to their penmanship. Work in this department is given for seven hours a week during the entire term.
TELEGRAPHY .- A class of girls is taught for about seven hours a week during the year in telegraphy. At the end of the year they are able, after one or two months' practical training in an office, to do good work.
BEE-CULTURE .- We have a well equipped and well managed apiary. The instruction given here each year to a few of our boys is both pleasant and profitable.
PRINTING .- In a well equipped and arranged printing office the boys of the fifth class are given instruction in printing for seven and a half hours each week. Nearly all the printing needed for the school is done by these boys.
INDUSTRIAL TRAINING IN THE GIRLS' SCHOOL .- In addition to the instruction now given to the girls in book-keeping and telegraphy, a class is practiced in typewriting. Arrangements have just been completed for giving the girls a thorough and careful course in dressmaking. To this end a teacher has
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ALBEMARLE COUNTY.
been employed, who has completed a course in this special line under one of the best instructors in this country. Train- ing in other departments for our girls is being now inves- tigated.
LIBRARY.
A well selected and constantly growing library is kept for the benefit of the pupils. The best newspapers and periodicals are also provided for their use. To this our
pupils have daily access, and a taste for good reading is stimu- lated that we are sure will be of lasting benefit to them.
SOCIAL TRAINING.
Every effort is made to have our children trained to a happy home life here at the school. Their associations with the teachers are always pleasant and profitable. It is recognized by all officers that the great object of the school is to develop our children, mentally, morally and physically. The introduction of lady teachers into the school has had a most elevating and refining influence upon all the pupils. Their work with our smaller boys is showing most excellent results. Every pupil is trained to feel that this is his home ; that every officer is his friend, and is here for his good. They are taught to be respectful and polite at all times, while they; by kind and courteous treatment, are made to feel free and easy in the presence of the officers. A special feature of the school is a series of entertainments, to which the pupils are invited in turn. The object of these en- tertainments is to confer a pleasure upon the pupils by afford- ing them an agreeable recreation from the monotony of their daily tasks, to bring teacher and pupil together and promote cordial relations between them, and to cast about the latter a refining, social influence. . The entertainments occur upon alternate Wednesday evenings, and to each are invited a cer- tain number of pupils, the officers and the ladies of the school. On the appointed evening these assemble in the parlor ; re- freshments are partaken of, and the evening is passed in games, music and appropriate amusements. These entertainments
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ALBEMARLE COUNTY.
have proved very successful, and, we feel confident, are des- tined to exercise a highly beneficial influence upon the man- ners and morals of the pupils of the school.
RELIGIOUS TRAINING.
The religious feature of the school is amongst the most interesting connected with it, showing that the best moral and religious influences are brought to bear upon the pupils. The entire school meets regularly in the chapel for worship, night and morning. This exercise con- sists of reading the Scripture, singing and prayer, occupy- ing about ten minutes each time. The Sunday-school is opened-the entire school being present-at 9:30 A. M., each Sunday morning, after which teachers and pupils repair to their respective rooms, where the lesson for the day of the International Series is taught. Preaching in the chapel at II:30 A. M. every Sunday morning. In addition to this, there is daily reading of the Scriptures, especially in the pri- mary department, followed sometimes by questions and brief instruction to impress it upon the minds of the children. Among the boys there are two Y. M. C. A.'s, numbering to- gether 140 boys. These meet every Sunday night. Much interest is taken in these societies. Nearly one hundred of the pupils are members of some church. Among the girls, there is a Christian band, corresponding to the Y. M. C. A. among the boys. An interesting Bible class, taught by the "Superintendent and composed of the officers and teachers, meets in the parlor every Sunday night.
CONDITIONS FOR THE ADMISSION OF PUPILS.
Ist. Each pupil shall be fed, clothed, instructed and cared for in accordance with the provisions of Mr. Miller's will. 2d. They shall be governed and controlled by the Superintendent exclu- sively, assisted by the other officers of the school, in accordance with such laws and regulations as may be adopted by the Board of Visitors and approved by the County Court. 3rd. They shall remain at the school subject to its laws and regulations during the time that shall be determined by the District Board of School Trustees, unless dismissed in accordance with the laws
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ALBEMARLE COUNTY.
and regulations of the school. 4th. The parents, or guar- dians, shall, upon their entrance into the school, relinquish all right or claim to control or govern them during the time that they shall be required, in accordance with the above condi- tions, to remain at the school. 5th. They are appointed by the County Court, subject to the condition that they shall not remain at the school after they are eighteen years old, save in case of unusual merit, when an exception may be made upon the recommendation of the officers of the school and the Board of Visitors.
FINANCES.
How MANAGED .- The managers, or foremen, are required "to give written notice to the Superintendent of what is needed by their respective departments ; and if it meet with his approval, the order is made from his office over his own signature. When the goods come to hand the bill (after rigid comparison with the original order and verification of the figuring by the clerk) is sent to the manager or foreman. He, on finding the goods to correspond with the bill, marks it " correct," and returns it to the Superintendent, by whom it is marked "approved," and passed on to the book-keeper, who classifies, arranges and lists all the bills ready for examination by the Judge of the County Court, to whom they are sub- mitted once a month by the Superintendent. All bills that are marked "examined and allowed " by the Judge are then returned to the book-keeper to be prepared for payment, and. to be properly posted in the books. The Judge grants a draft on the Second Auditor of the State for the exact amount required to pay the monthly claims, which sum is placed to the credit of the Superintendent in one of the banks of de- posit in the county, and paid by his check to the respective parties in person, their receipts being taken therefor and held as vouchers to be exhibited with the books, orders and origi- nal bills to the Board of Visitors at their regular quarterly meetings. All claims against the school are paid directly to the parties to whom they are due, and that only by a check for the exact amount as certified by the court. No transfer of
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ÁLBEMYRLE COUNTY.
a claim, either by order or by assignment (except by legal process), is recognized by the Superintendent. Money due the school for work or sales of any kind is paid only to the book-keeper at his office, and by him credited to the proper department, his receipt being taken therefor. This money is deposited in bank from time to time during the month, and the sum thereof deducted from the amount of the draft on the Auditor for that month.
OFFICERS OF THE SCHOOL.
(As Appointed by the Visitors and Approved by the County Court.)
On the 20th day of June, 1878, the Visitors selected C. E. Vawter for the position of Superintendent of the school. In August, 1878, Mrs. V. P. Means was selected for the position of matron of the school. In September, 1878, J. Roy Baylor, Jr., was appointed a teacher in the school. As the school ad- vanced he was assigned specially to the department of lan- guages. In August, 1879, R. B. Shepherd was appointed to give instruction in drawing and physics. He resigned in Au- gust, 1886. He is now professor of drawing in the Techno- logical school of Atlanta, Ga. In August, 1880, E. G. Taylor was appointed a teacher, and was afterwards specially assigned to the position of book-keeper for the school. In August, 1880, W. O. Whitescarver was appointed a teacher and as- signed specially to instruction in English. He resigned in August, 1883, and is now a civil engineer at Atlanta, Ga. In July, 1882, C. G. Taylor was appointed director of our machine shops. He resigned in July, 1884. He is now instructor in practical mechanics in the Michigan University. In August, 1882, W. H. Seamon was appointed a teacher and assigned specially to the department of chemistry. He now resigns to accept the chair of Analytical Chemistry in the School of Mines of the University of Missouri, Rolla, Mo. In August, 1883, T. U. Taylor was elected a teacher and assigned to the de- partment of Mathematics and Physics. He also resigns to accept the chair of Assistant Professor of Applied Mathematics in the University of Texas. In August, 1883, W. B. Richards was appointed a teacher and assigned specially
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ALBEMARLE COUNTY.
to the chair of English. He resigned in August, 1884. Hc is now professor of Mathematics in the School of Mines, Rolla, Mo. In August, 1883, Geo. A. Beck, one of the first graduates of the school, was appointed a teacher in the pri- mary department. He resigned August, 1886. He is now a teacher in Augusta county, Va. In August, 1884, A. H. Davis was appointed a teacher and assigned specially to the department of English. He resigned in August, 1885. He is now a lawyer in Atlanta, Ga. In August, 1884, J. W. Cal- houn, Jr., was appointed a teacher and assigned specially to the department of English.
Upon the inauguration of the department of the school for girls, Mrs. I. Coleman was elected principal, and Mrs. J. W. Calhoun teacher. In April, 1888, Mrs. Coleman resigned and Mrs. J. W. Calhoun was appointed to the position of principal. In August, 1885, Miss P. S. Coleman was appointed a teacher in the girls' department. She resigned in August, 1886. In April, 1886, W. F. Massey was appointed director of the agri- cultural department. In August, 1886, S. Tompkins was ap- pointed director of the mechanical department. In August, 1886, Miss M. E. Hill was appointed principal of the boys' primary department, and Miss W. T. Brown a teacher in the same department. At the same time Miss W. F. Schooler was appointed a teacher in the girls' department. Miss Brown resigned April, 1887. Miss Bessie P. Fleet was appointed a teacher in the boys' primary department in January, 1887, re- signed July, 1887, and was appointed a teacher in the girls' department in April, 1888. Dr. J. D. Smith was appointed physician February, 1887. Miss M. J. Moser was appointed a teacher in the boys' primary department April, 1887. Rev. S. P. Huff was appointed chaplain June, 1887. Miss Jennie Rodes, Miss Marion Glassell and Miss Lena Tucker were ap- pointed teachers in boys' primary department August, 1887. Miss Rodes resigned in March, 1888.
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University of Virginia.
MONG the objects of interest in Albemarle county the University of Virginia must always occupy an impor- tant place. It is the intent of the present paper to . point out the resources of this school of learning, to state what it is able to do for the young men of the State, and to describe what it is doing.
PREPARATION.
First in order comes the question which every young man who proposes to enter the University must answer for him- self : Am I prepared to profit by the work of the University ? How he should answer this question will depend on the work he desires to do there. If his studies lie in the academical department, then of the thirteen Schools which compose it, there are eight in which only the essentials of an ordinary common school education are absolutely indispensable. These are ENGLISH, HISTORY and POLITICAL ECONOMY, MODERN LAN- GUAGES, GENERAL CHEMISTRY, ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY, MIN- ERALOGY and GEOLOGY, BIOLOGY and AGRICULTURE, MORAL PHILOSOPHY. Of the remaining five, PURE MATHEMATICS and NATURAL PHILOSOPHY require in addition an acquaintance with the elements of MATHEMATICS, while LATIN and GREEK demand at least the rudiments of these languages; and the SCHOOL OF PRACTICAL ASTRONOMY can be profitably taken only by students who have accomplished a tolerably complete course of MATHEMATICS and PHYSICS.
In short it may be said that while the benefit of sound, mental training and accurate preparation is nowhere greater than here, yet no man of robust intellect and earnest purpose need turn away from the doors of the University in despair. She offers to all such ample fields of work suited to their powers, and makes abundant provision for the repair of their deficiencies.
In the professional departments of Law and Medicine, the same remarks as to preparation can be made. But
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