styles, been excellent writers of prose composition."

In his essay on "Extempore Speaking," Bautain has well said: "There is another practice which aids greatly in facilitating expression and perfecting its form. We mean the learning by heart of the finest passages by great writers, and especially of the most musical poets, so as to be able to recite them at moments of leisure, or during a solitary walk, when the mind readily falls back upon its own resources. This practice, adopted in all schools, would be especially advantageous in rhetoric, and during the bright years of youth. At that age it is easy and agreeable, and he who aspires to the art of speaking ought never to neglect it. Besides furnishing the mind with all manner of fine thoughts, well expressed and well linked together, and thus nourishing, developing, and enriching it, it has the additional advantage of filling the understanding with graceful images, of training the ear to the rhythm and number of the period, and of obtaining a sense of the harmony of speech, which is not without its own kind of music; for ideas, and even such as are the most abstract, enter the mind more readily, and sink into it more deeply, when presented in pleasing form and manner."

For years the sermons we read most frequently, and always with a feeling of gladness and gratitude, were those of Henry Ward Beecher, in the New York Independent, and David Swing, in the Chicago Inter-Ocean. When they "went away" on whom did their mantles fall? Mr. Beecher left Lyman Abbott; but in Chicago who has followed David Swing? In New York recently our genial friend, Mr. W. H. Morton, of the American Book Company, who is a firm believer in the rare virtue of good memory work, inquired if we had ever seen what Mr. Swing thought of it, and handed us an extract from one of his eloquent sermons. It is so much to the point, and so characteristic of the man, that we put it at once into type as something that cannot be reprinted too often or be read too widely, especially by teachers and parents. He says, meaning every word of it:

Much as we may have studied the languages or the sciences, that which most affected us was the moral lessons in our McGuffey's School Readers. I cannot but wish the teachers had made us bound the States less, and solve fewer puzzles in

position" and the cube root, and instead have required us to commit to memory the whole series of the McGuffey's Eclectic Readers. The memory that does come up from those far-away pages is full of the best wisdom of time or of the timeless land. In those books we were indeed led by a schoolmaster, from beautiful maxims for children up to the best thoughts of a long line of sages, and poets, and naturalists. There we first learned the awful weakness of the duel that took away a Hamilton; there we saw the grandeur of the "Blind Preacher" of William Wirt; there we saw the emptiness of the ambition of Alexander; and there we heard even the infidel say, "Socrates died like a philosopher, but Jesus Christ like a God."

THE TEACHERS' PENSION FUND OF CINCINNATI.

ON

NE per cent. of the salaries paid to all teachers is deducted by the proper officers and is paid into the city treasury for the purpose of creating a teachers' pension fund. This fund may be increased by moneys received from donations, legacies, gifts and bequests.

The moneys belonging to the fund may be invested in bonds of the United States, or of the State of Ohio, of any county or school district of Ohio. After twenty years of teaching, three-fifths of which must have been in the schools of the city, a teacher may be retired on half pay on account of mental or physical disability, but in no event shall said pension exceed six hundred dollars per year. Any female teacher has the right to retire after thirty years of service as a teacher, and any male teacher after thirtyfive years of service, provided that threefifths of such term of service shall have been rendered in the city or in the county in which the city is situated. No payments shall be made prior to July 1, 1899, nor shall any teacher retired or retiring before that date receive payment of pension under the Act of Assembly creating the above fund.

Gradually the leading cities are providing for superannuated teachers, and thus freeing from anxious care for the future those who are devoting their lives to the vocation of teaching. Too much cannot be said in praise of these movements to create pension funds for teachers.

ITEMS FROM REPORTS.

BEAVER Supt. Moore: An educational meeting was held in the court house, Aug. 16th and 17th. It was intended to give special help to young teachers. About one hundred were present, and I think the meeting will result in good during the winter.

BERKS Supt. Rapp: The educational meetings held during the month were well attended by directors, teachers and patrons. The three-grade course of study, prepared by the superintendent, was the principal topic of discussion; as a result_thirty-two townships adopted the course. The indications are that every one of the forty-three townships will do the same by the time another year comes around. At the close of the school term a number of central examinations will be held throughout the county by the Superintendent, for those pupils who shall have completed the course. Each pupil making a general average of 75 per cent. will be granted a public school diploma. Not to discourage those who may fail at this examination, a central examination certificate, signed by the Superintendent, will be given each pupil, showing the percentage of work done in each branch.

BLAIR-Supt. Wertz: The Teachers' and Directors' Union of Altoona and Blair counties held its fifth annual meeting at Lakemont, August 21st. Besides the teachers and directors, there was a large representation of school patrons, making the audience the largest in the history of the organization. Supt. D. S. Keith presided. Prof. W. M. Benson, of Bellwood, discussed the question, "What are Necessary School Supplies, and how should they be used?" Mr. Benson gave many practical and useful suggestions. The address of the day was made by Dr. M. G. Brumbaugh, whose theme was "The Unwritten History of Pennsylvania." This address abounded with interesting and important facts concerning great deeds of Pennsylvanians, related in the Doctor's inimitable style. The Temple Quartette of Altoona delighted the audience with their appropriate music. It was pronounced a day of unusual enjoyment and profit to all in attendance.

FOREST-Supt. Stitzinger: Most of our schools opened August 30th. Everything points to a profitable and successful school term. In Marionville another room has been added, giving that school a total of nine rooms. Many of our teachers have shown the proper spirit by attending some Normal school during the summer, and some of them are at present in school expecting to complete the Normal course this year. In some of the districts the old books have been replaced by new ones that are fully up to date. Some of the primary rooms have been provided with more apparatus for busy work, and some supplied with books for reference and supplementary reading. We expect to make an extra effort

during the year to establish libraries in the schools throughout the county.

FULTON-Supt. Chestnut: Several flourishing Normal schools were in progress during the latter part of the summer, and their work is telling in the advancement of the teachers. Directors, in almost all cases, did their best to employ the best teachers available. Thompson made quite a substantial increase in salaries, and the increased number of fine teachers shows the wisdom of the step. They have also put in two slate boards, a needed improvement. Brush Creek has repaired and remodeled two houses, and equipped them with slate boards and patent furniture. Speed the work! Union has built another fine house. It is by all odds the finest equipped district in the county. Wells increased the term to seven months, but cut salaries from $30 to $26 a month. Tod cuts wages away below the appropriation, for what purpose no one knows. McConnellsburg brings up the salaries of Primary and Intermediate, and lowers those of Grammar and High School, I think. Licking Creek gives an increase to all her best teachers.

HUNTINGDON-Supt Rudy: Nearly every district in the county has adopted the "Berkey Graded Course of Study." Three districts used it last year, and this summer we made a special effort to make it uniform throughout the county. Several of our larger towns, of course, have a graduate course of their own. The number of applicants for provisional certificates this year exceeds that of any former year in the history of the county. The standard this year is also higher than ever before.

LEHIGH-Supt. Rupp: Three new school houses were erected during the summer, a one-room building at Koehler's in Hanover township; a two-room building at Schnecksville, in North Whitehall; and an eight-room building in Slatington. I have just commenced the holding of preliminary meetings of teachers and directors over the county. At these meetings the following topics receive special attention: School legislation, school libraries, school yards, school hygiene, the use of the English language, local institutes, and some miscellaneous matters. These meetings are well attended and great good results from them.

NORTHUMBERLAND-Supt. Shipman: The directors of Watsontown have supplied their eight-room building with an improved system of heating and ventilation. Delaware district has changed the term from seven to six months. A slight reduction in salaries was made in a few districts. We have fair prospects for a profitable year's work.

POTTER-Supt. Bodler: A summer school of methods was held at Ulysses, for the benefit of the teachers of the county. The instructors were Dr. A. T. Smith, West Chester Normal School; Prof. M. V. O'Shea, University of Wisconsin; and Mrs. Jean McK. Ashton, Franklin School, Buffalo. The subjects considered were methods in the differ

ent branches, psychology, child study, nature study, and art. A model school, where teachers could observe the practical application of the laws of teaching, was under the supervision of Mrs. Ashton. Mrs. Ashton also daily taught classes of children in the presence of teachers. These lessons were afterwards discussed by the teachers.

SNYDER-Supt. Bowersox: The directors of Middleburg have established another grade, thus making three schools. This is a move in the right direction. The Teachers' Normal Class was held in Middleburg with the usual attendance. Supt. Cooper, of Mifflin, Prof. G. E. Fisher, of Susquehanna University, and Prof. Wm. Noetling ably assisted in conducting the school. Twelve examinations have been conducted thus far. Nearly all the directors of the respective districts attended, and about six hundred citizens were present. It is with a sense of deep regret that we record the death of Miss Lizzie Livingston, of Selinsgrove. Miss Livingstone was one of our best primary teachers, and for many years she held that position with great credit to herself and with honorable distinction to the school and the community. Her influence for good was widely disseminated, and, though she is at rest, her cheerful, sunny disposition has made such impress upon the hearts and minds of her boys and girls that they will always be influenced by the memory of her gentle virtues.

SOMERSET Supt. Pritts: Very few of the districts raised the salaries of teachers; yet nearly all of the teachers have made an effort to improve themselves by attending school during the summer. I am satisfied that we have a stronger corps of teachers in our county than last year. A number of the districts have made attendance at the local institutes mandatory. In a few districts the directors allow teachers a small compensation for such attendance.

WASHINGTON-Supt. Hall: My examinations for the year are at an end. Five teachers have had Latin, algebra, rhetoric, civics, and music. Of the number receiving certificates, 190 have never taught; 86 have taught one year; 78 for three years; and 98 four years or longer. The directors have made a wise selection of teachers, and the prospects for a profitable year's work are good. On Saturday, August 28th, sixteen of our principals met, and organized a "Principals' Round Table." Their object was to adopt a course of reading and plan work for the year. Prof. H. H. Elliott was elected president, and Prof. W. E. Bair, secretary. Their next meeting will be held November 6th at Canonsburg. The outlook is encouraging.

WAYNE Supt. Hower: Many teachers are doing more professional and general reading than heretofore. They were asked to work up the history of education and school methods, and considerable work has been done of an excellent character. They are passing better examinations, but many are

still weak in arithmetic, grammar, and history. Lake township is building a township High School. These directors are enthusiastic workers, and the boys and girls will reap the benefit. New school houses are also being built in Waymart borough and Preston and Buckingham townships. Honesdale, Hawley, Waymart, and Pleasant Mount Academy, graduated classes. The class at Honesdale was one of the largest in the history of the school. Many teachers attended normal and training schools, thus preceptibly raising the grade of scholarship.

YORK-Supt. Gardner: New Salem will have a nine months term this year. Spring Grove School Board purchased a beautiful one-acre lot, upon which will be erected a two-story building, of buff brick, with granite base and Indiana limestone trimmings. It will have two entrances, a hall, tall belfry, six school rooms, and a directors' room; automatic flush closets, and the latest improved system of heating, lighting and ventilating. The cost will be about $20,000, five thousand of which will be paid by the school board, and the balance by Messrs. P. H. Glatfelter & Son, proprietors of Spring Grove Paper Mills. The directors of Shrewsbury are enlarging their school building and will have three schools this term.

LANCASTER CITY-Supt. Buehrle: The annual City Institute was the best held so far. Everybody in attendance was delighted with it. Mr. Jacques Redway, F. G. Ř. S., said our singing, under the lead of Prof. Carl Matz, principal of our German-English school and instructor in music in the High Schools, from which most of these teachers come, fairly carried him away. It was phenomenal.

NORTH HUNTINGDON TWP., (Westmoreland Co.)-Supt. Warnock: Our schools opened August 30th for a term of eight months, an increase of one month. The Ardara school was unable to open at that time, as the additional room being built there was not completed. It will be seated with single seats. Slate blockboards were placed in eleven rooms, and tables for number work in primary rooms. An effort to send advanced pupils from the one-room schools to the apartment schools developed some opposition, which has subsided since the benefit to be derived became apparent. PHOENIXVILLE The Supt. Leister : schools opened with twenty-eight teachers, including the special teacher in music and the superintendent. The enrollment on opening day was 831; it is increasing rapidly.

WILLIAMSPORT-Supt. Lose: The annual Institute was held during the week beginning August 23d. Supt. Geo. I. Aldrich, Newton, Mass.; Dr. S. C. Schmucker, West Chester S. N. S.; Dr. A. C. Ellis, Worcester, Mass.; Miss Ella L. Richardson, Peekskill, N. Y., and Miss Kate J. Neumont, Pittsburg, instructed in arithmetic, reading, child study, drawing, nature study, and penmanship.

THE training of the voice and the study of elementary | principles should be commenced in early youth. After one has reached maturity his inclinations lead usually to that which directly contributes to his business or his favorite pursuits He soon tires of the essentials in learning to sing, and if nature has not endowed him with a voice fully equipped and ready to meet practical demands on short notice, he is quite apt to give up the undertaking before it is fairly begun. The public school can be made to furnish an elementary musical and sing. ing practice to the rich and poor alike, and with very little expense in money or time. What a grand thing

SOMEWHERE.

it would be for us all, as a people, if the children could grow up in the atmosphere of song in the school-room! It would enable many a heart to attune itself to love, duty, hope and benevolence, that must otherwise be listless and dumb. The wonderful utility and influence for good that well-regulated music has in the schoolroom is not usually understood by school boards and the public. Its sanitary effects, its softening influence, its recreative tendencies, its power to quicken the inertia of the school, are things understood only by wise teachers and others whose privilege it is to observe carefully the bearings and results of school work.-W. T. Giffe.

F. CAMPANA. ALFRED C. SHAW.

hood experience: "There is a keen remembrance," she says, "lingering with the writer, of a little girl coming to school once upon recitation day with a 'piece' of her own selection safely stored away in her childish memory. It was a new poem to the school, and when her turn came to recite her soul was full of the gleam and glory of Camelot. She felt as if she were unlocking a treasure-house, and it was with unspeakable pleasure to herself that she gave, verse after verse, the entire poem of The Lady of Shalott.' Doubtless the child's voice drifted away into sing song, as her whole little self seemed to drift away into the land of fancy, and doubtless also the busy teacher, who was more familiar with Jane Taylor and Cowper, was sadly puzzled.

"When the child at length sat down, scarcely knowing where she was in her sudden descent from the land of marvel, she heard the teacher say, to her amazement and discouragement, after an

ominous

'I

pause, I wonder if any young lady can tell me what this poem means? There was no reply. Can you tell us?' was the next question, pointed at the poor little girl who had just dropped out of cloudland. thought it explained itself,' was the plaintive reply. With a slight air of depreciation in another moment the next recitation was called for, and the dull clouds of routine shut down over the sudden glory. 'Shades of the prison house' then and there began to close over the growing child. One joy had for the present faded from her life, that

Address before the Division Teachers' Institute of Pittsburgh, Dec. 12, 896, by J. P McCaskey, compiler Harper's Franklin Square Song Collection, and principal of the Boys' High School of Lancaster, Pa.

of

sure sympathy and understanding. Not even her teacher could see what she saw, nor could feel what lay deep down in her glowing heart. Nevertheless, Tennyson was henceforth a seer and a prophet to this child, as he has been to the growing world.”

A writer in the Ohio Educational Monthly says, in a paper addressed to teachers: 'Live much with the poets and gifted minds of this and other lands. Make Longfellow, Lowell, Whittier, Bryant and Holmes, and other poets, your constant companions. Parts of them should be your own. Commit much, and in your naturestudy you will be surprised at the wonderful knowledge these men had of the very subjects under investigation. They are fountains from which the more you draw the more you will find they contain. It would be hard for some of us to estimate the debt we owe to the pioneer teachers who directed our attention to Pitt's Reply to Walpole, Marco Bozzaris, Rienzi's Address, and many other good things. Not long since I found myself repeating Spartacus to the Gladiators at Capua. It has been stored away long years, but it comes back more readily to-day than the minister's text of a week ago. Lastly, but not least by any means, read the Bible. Not that you may be able to discuss theology. Not that you may be a Methodist, Presbyterian, Baptist, or Catholic. But that you may have constantly with you a store house from which your pupils may 'hear the conclusion of the whole matter.' 'Prove all things; hold fast to that which is good.' No other teachers have ever lived such as Christ and Paul. If they have been the chief of teachers, where can we find better pedagogy? Do not understand that I wish to detract anything from the reading of magazines, journals or books on education; nor from the study of the branches you are expected to teach. Far from it. These things sav I unto you, 'that you may have life and have it more