True Democrat. (Paulding, Miss.) 1845-18??, 1845-08-20
CIRCULAR
Spring Hill Academy.
NEAR MOBILE.

Viz SuOcIllDGl utiNIlR UNCh lOLS Sh
gagged in some of the best institutions
in the West and South, opened on the 10th
January last an Academy for boys. The
second session began Oh the 10Th July.
OF the health of Spring N but little
need be said: it is noted, not for compare
tive, but for absolute health, and is consl-
dered, in many respects, as place adml-
rabIy adapted for Literary Institutions.
The following branches will be taught:
Reading; Writing; Arithmetic; Geography
with projection Of Maps; English Gram
mer; Book Keeping; Natural History; Civ
il History, ancient and modern: Mytholo-
gy; Rhetoric, including composition and
defamation: Algebra; Geometry; Survey
ing; Navigation; Elements Of Astronomy;
Natural, Mental and Moral Philosophy:
Political Economy; the French, Spanish.
Latin, and Greek Languages; and Anato-
my, as taught in schools.
The undersigned would recommend
his Academy TO public patronage by an
organization Somewhat peculiar. 1t Twill
be his endeavor to combine in practice, all
that he has found by long experience, and
by attentive observation on the different
systems Of teaching best calculated to eX-
cite an ardor for study in the youthful!
mind, and TO facilitate its progress
A very common defect in schools, par
ticuIarly in those of higher grade, is the
undue time and attention paid by teachers
TO the more advanced pupils, to the great
neglect Of the younger ones. Parents are
therefore often obliged to withdraw their
children, after they have lost their time,
and what is FAR worse, contract bad habits,
and dislike for study, and to place them
in schools ofloss prelentlons, where indeed
more attention may be paid by the teacher;
but the danger is incurred ofplacing them
in inexperienced and incompetent hands.
Hence it is, that we see so few youths who
have attained TO the age Of II, possessed OF
more than a third of the requirements
which could have been made under proper
management. 1t is lamentable TO think
how many years Of childhood and early
youth are frequently lost at school. TO say
expense incurred in the meantime. Let
not be said that much must not be expect
ed from pupils from the age of orS 10 II
or b. Even the infant mind IS capable OF
wonderful progress, as must be admitted
by every one who will observe the readi-
ness with which an infant acquire lOnGu-
age from its nurse or little play Innate
But that the progress Of young pupils
may be propouionate TO their capacity, the
art of the teacher must be employed TO
make them love school; they must be kept
busy during school hours they must not
be set aside for hours at time TO prepare
lesson, but they must be frequently cal
led for recitation.
In order then TO give due time and at
tcntion TO all, TO awaken and keep mp a
spirit of emulation, and TO increase the adj
vantagcS, and facilitate many of the cxer-
cises ofthe Academy, none will be rcceiv-
cd who is above 10 years of age, or who
can not be conveniently classed. 1t east
~ foreseen that this regulation may retard
the increase ofpupils and render the school
less profitable, bat 1t will be attended with
less labor for the Teacher more justice to
the Pupils, and eventually with more
credit to the Academy.
As all knowledge is only desirable
so far as it can be made useful, great care
will be taken to give every branch that is
studied, HpracticaI turn, and 10 show lis
connection with the business Of life. The
Pupils will be frequently required 10 write
letters in the different languages they may
besludying, and TO compose on subjects
connected with their actual studies: and as
additional means of acquiring practical
knowledge Of foreign language the stu
dents will be restricted, at stated times, 10
the exclusive use clifton the playground,
aud in the family or social circle; they will
also frequently attend conversation clas-
ses ard perform dialogues or short plays
in the languages which they wish to learn
to speak.
Great care will be taken 10 inculcatc
habits Of cleanliness, propriety Of dress,
gcntilily of manners, aud correct moral de-
pertinent. Ii will be the constant endea-
vor Of the Principal and his Assistants, TO
make the children con6ded TO their care,
personally comiortably-to make them
feel, as far as possible, that they are living
in the house Of the friends OF their parents,
end not in public school; and that they
are with those who take an interest in all
that pertain 10 their present happiness, and
future success in after life.
: The year will be divided into 2 Sessions. !
The first Session commencing Except IN I
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