Boon's Lick times. [volume] (Fayette, Mo.) 1840-1848, 1842-07-30
HAcKBBRRy GRovE, July 25th, 1912.


Messrs. Benson 8. Green:--The cause of
education has claims of superior order
upon our attention, here in the far west.
"When westward no the empire takes its
sway" here in our own bowers, the bound
less prairies, silvery cascades, bubbling
brooks and rolling streams. Yes, here the
standard of education has been reared,
and temple erected to science, towering
in majesty and grandeur up the battle
ments of heaven, standing out, in fearless
grandeur far above many other considera-
tons. These thoughts were suggested to
my mind whilst on visit to Monticello
Seminary, during its recent examination
and exhibition, through the politeness of
its worthy Principal, Rev. WIN. ii. LEWIS,
and here permit me to add passing re-
mark in reference to the exercises. The
classes of younger persons, in Spelling,
Reading, English Grammar, Arithmetic
and Geography, acquitted themselves with
in Chemistry, Natural Philosophy and Ply
siology evinced an acquaintance with their
respective branches. There was one Cir
cumstance connected with the examination
of class of young ladies in the science
of botany, which was very gratifying to
my mind and that was, to see the kindness
manifested toward their former Precep-
tress, Mrs. DIR. WATTS. have ever felt a
fondness for flowers, but never in my life
have | felt so strong an inclination, as
when following them and Mrs. WATTS, in
gathering up the fragrant rose. the beau
tiful lily, and the modest pink, and form
ing them into nosegay, and l could not
suppress a wish that the wreath they wore
and entwined around their brows might
continue to bloom in ever during verdure.
A number of interesting dialogues were
spoken, both by the ladies and gentlemen,
which elected the admiration of all. The
ancient mode which was practised by the
Philosophers, as they taught their pupils as
they walked through Arcadian bowers and
Academic shades, was introduced, which
gave a fine scope and development to the
young mind. The classes also in Greek
and Latin, did their part well. showing at
once the utility of the ancient languages;
and there was soul stirring music too, eniv-
ening the exercises; the Piano was touched
by mastery hand, accompanied by the
mellow tones of the flute, and the sweet
voices of the young and beautiful fell upon
the ear like the melody of the minstrelsy
of Heaven. We come now to speak Of
the compositions, by both sexes, which
were most excellent, also, the exercises in
defamation led me to hope that this spe-
cies of improving the mind would be
close y attended to. Then, to crown all,
came the valedictory, but how shall speak
of thatl Who that has ever been present
on such an occasion, bringing up the re-
miniscences of the past, scenes of other
days crowding and circlng in clusters
around the mind, has not felt indescribable
emotions thrill through the heart strings
in beholding the listening audience, the
anxious parent, the deep solicitude of the
eachers, the interesting group of young
minds, with the blooming cheek, sparkling
,ye and beaming countenance, hanging
With intense emotion upon the valedictory |
If one of their associates, who is about to |
lid them long farewell! They will no
onger tread the path of science and letters
ogether, no longer wander forth and gaze
lpon the Lowell y scenes of nature, no longer
lneel at the altar of prayer and offer up
incense to God, but must wander forth
lpon the cold pitiless world, to buffet its
'ude winds alone, but we aroused from
Ill this as the last dying cadence fell
nournfully upon the ear-FAREwELL!
| close these humble remarks thrown
hastily together, by ardently praying and
believing that Monticello Sem
nary may continue to meet and obtain
LIBERAL share of patronage from an inteli.
,ent and generous public.
Very Respectfully,