In other respects our schools will generally compare pretty favorably with eastern ones, though irregularity and change of pupils, render it impossible to advance classes with the same degree of accuracy as in more stationary communities. And the system of running at large, from one school to another, over the whole city, is destructive to school government. In some respects, our schools are undoubtedly in advance of the less progressive ones of older States. There is less of the forcing system, less of overtaxed brain and precocious development. The school room is made a pleasanter place.
More attention is given to physical training.
The hours of study are fewer, though at present too long. A return to the hours of two years ago from 10 A. M. to three o'clock P. M. would be far better, and more acceptable to a vast majority of parents. The muscular development given to the boys, the love of athletic exercises and manly sports, will be worth quite as much to their future life, as the mental culture and book knowledge there imparted. Erect forms, well developed chests, grace of movement, and ease of carriage are the results. No harm seems to result, however.