Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1840-07-09
For Mcaddrcrtiscr.


dersigncd as Board Of Examiners, to wit
ness the exercises Of their public examina-
ton, which commenced OIL the 10th and
closed on the 18Th ult. The Board of,
visitation thus constituted, having given
diigent heed 10 The duties OF their appoint
ment, would respectfully call The attention
of The public 10 the following report:
We are aware that such reports are often
looked upon as the vehicles, in which may
be found as d thing oil course, the mere COM
mop-places of commentator, having no
other emil than the qualification of those i'm
mctiiaIeiy interested. We distinctly dis
claim any such aim; hui in express.
ing the high qualification with which
the exercises Of the occasion inspired us,
set forth, only our honest, bona yfde, and
unanimous convictions.
The Greenwood Schools, consisting of
female Seminary aud Two malo schools;
one designed for the different branches of
English, the other exclusively for classical
and Scientific instruction, owe their exis-
tence 10 the con,mendable'public spirit and
enterprise of an association Of gentlemen,
who have united their efforts and concen-
trated their influence to diffusc through
their vicinity and District, the blessings of
education. How far they have been sue
cessfnl in their object, will be indicated by
The following simple statement offacIs.
The only embarrassment felt by tho
Committee in drawing this report, is from
The abundance of materials before them,
10 make such selection as will most fulIy
express their own satisfaction, and give 10
the public, proper conception the flour
ishihg condition of these institutions Of
learning. The examination commenced
with The Female School under the drec-
ton of Miss Brown aud Miss Hart
Besides the Committee, numerous
company were assembled TO witness the
interesting exercises of the young ladies,
embracing classes in all rlIe branches of
instruction. which the good sense of the
age esteems essential for the proper cul-
ture of the female mind. Ii is not loo
much to say, that the prompt and accurate
answers TO a SCARF hing examination in
Geography, Chemistry, Moral and Nalu-
raj Philosophy. Geometry and Compost
ton. were throughout, moi only salis(acto-
rv 10 the Board. but demonstrated to their
minds the high qualifications and TACT for
teaching, of he heads of this department,
as well as The industry, application and
proficiency of The youe ladies'. The deep
attention Of The delighted and happy pa
rents and the undissuised satisfaction Of all
present, amply confirm tho proprie'y and
accuracy oftllese statements. The exam-
ination, it may be proper to state. was va
ried by spirited, original dialogue upon
fashions, aud conversation upon science.
The examination of the second day o.
pened with the English School, confded
to The management Of Mr.. Jas. Giles, who.
Judging from the data before lis. has an
swered well, the confidence of the Trus-
tees. That individual is but little versed
in tho important science of Education who
treats as mattel of slight consideration,
elementary instruction. Some of us have
Of teaching. and we do not hesitate 10 aC.
firm that in no subsequent stage, is the du.
ty of teaching more difficult and response
BILE. If the foundation he well and proper
ly laid, it is comparatively y an easy Task 10
carry our tho work of instruction. BUT
lei false step be made in The early stages.
of education. aud the subsequent career of
the student 'is only labour, and thai con-
tinnally." And il is well if he turn no,
away in disgust from race, in which no
finds himself ouslrippeh by Inferior incl
lects. This depression, We trust, will be-
pardoned, as il was prompted by the ex-
anlinalions of Mr.. Giles deparfment,w which
embraced classes in the common branches
of English instruction and elementary sci
ence. The exercises were satisfactory 10
the Board, credilabe to the students, and
highly honorable 70 their instructor.
The last TWO days ere devoted TO the
classical School taught by MIR. J. L. Les
Iy. commencing with well taught class
in Arithmetic. and continued hv examna-
rions in Algebra, Geomety. Latin, Greek;
French and Chemistry. In Mathematics,
the examination was conducted with tho
most thorough, minute. aud exact accura-
cy. [rwa impossible tn elude the convic-
ton, that no pains had been spared in the
recitation room;-illai The most lahoriOus
and particular attention had been paid 10
ilnparting knowledge principles. Par
licular propositions may be learned by
role. A knowledge of principles must bs
understood. This knowledge ofprincipIes
was tested in the most satisfactory man
ner by the questions Of The Board, who, at
the request of Mr. Lesly proposed 10 tho
class in Geometry, without collusion or pre-
vious understanding. every theorem, which
WINS promptly demonstrated, aud in one ia-
staure-to which We cannot refrain from
advertius-by q conclusive, original DEM
onstraliun. The same accuracy--tho
same profciency-lhe same elaborate at
renlion 10 principles, and the minute but
important points of instruction were obser-
vable in all The subsequent examinations
in LATIN. Greek. French and Chemisry-