Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1845-02-21

Mr.. Editor congratulate the friends of ltera.
ture, and my fellow citizens in general, on the
prospect of great and speedy reform in the "Peo-
pies Colleges" Of Windham County. In these
seminaries of learning, the "bones and snews' Of
our country must feel the deepest interest, as
ninety nine probably, graduate thereirom, where
one takes his degree from any other university
Hence perceive how great and lasting is the
debt of gratitude which owe TO those who were
instrumental in establishing the 'Common School
Association But what, it may be asked are the
contemplated reforms or rather, what are the
prominent defects in our district schools The an
swer may be summed up in very few words, viz
poor school houses go0r teachers, poor books, and
a multiplicity of books With regard to the first
two defects, there can scarcely be but one opinion
in an enlightened community We all know that
school houses, in general, TOO small, very in
convenient, and not properly ventilated; and we all
know that good teacher is cheaper at $50 month,
than poor one nt $40. But with regard TO books,
there may be diversity of opinions. While the
humane, Judicous, and discerning (who think that
"time is money! would be for introducing those
systems, the best calculated TO "abridge toll aud
save cost" the superficial and pedantic would
probably prefer those of character exactly the re-
verse. Away with all labor sa1ing systems, say the
enemies Of inprovements-lhe more complex and
unintelligible book is the better we like it be-
cause il will have greater tendency 10 discipline
and strengthen the mind of the learner than others
less intricate and obsiruse we despse those quick
NHN eNSJ '"e'''NN' ~ -. -
more hurt than good-"quickly learned, quickly
forgotten away with them
Now, Mr.. Editor, what can be more cruel than
TO place children under the care Of so stupid and
hard hearted taskmasters? If any poor creatures
be pited they surely those whose lot it is
TO be taught by such bock-heads, from their iavor
ite books Hear the opinion Of the learned Pres-
dent Mason, on the subject Speaking Of English
Grammar, he says-''lt has unfortunately hap
pened, that almost every of obtuse intellect
and strong powers Of drudgery, thinks himself quail
flied TO write Grammar which, of course, he
contrives to make as unntelgible possible and
hence Grammar, instead OF being an inviting, be-
comes an intoleraby irksome task. Children have
to labor year after year, without much progress,
through literary stcamp, and when they grow
weary their steps often qnickened by the birch
while the blame is wholly and solely TO be attribu-
ted 10 the stupid method of instruction In the
name Of mercy, humanity, and common sense, /
trust committee on books will have ndepen-
dence and philanthropy enough TO recommend the
use of those books which are the most concise and
comprehensive, and the best calculated in their
opinion, TO render the study in the department of
knowledge of which they treat, short, easy and in
feroSting as possible Let this be done, and they
will doubtless receive the united blessings of the
rising generation OF Wndham County.
AN EXPERIENCED TEACHER.