Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1853-10-19
Report
0fthe Committee Of examination the Clouc-
an Female Collegiate Institute, Nurfrees-
borough, North Carolina.


borough, North Carolina
The committee appointed to attend the anniversa-
ry of the Chowan Female Collegiate Institute, and
supervise the examination of the pupils have per-
formed that duty, and beg permission to report to
its friends as follows -
Tbs exercises IeHmRenGGa pn A 1UutI Heo6nfT
tee found in the classes, about one hundred and
thirty young ladies' very large comparative por-
ton of whom seemed to be of unusual maturity
With the appearance, manners and department Of
them ALL we were highly gratifed. They were
subjected to the strctest scrutiny, and throughout
manifested self possession, readiness and correct
ness in their answers, which indication
of the skill and fidelity Of their teachers and of
their clear comprehension of the several topics
upon which they had been instructed. 1t was con-
stantly apparent that g thoroughness had been re-
garded at the Institute, of primary importance.
The student had been allowed to prosecute only
few studies at a time, and to advance no farther
than she could advance intelligently at every step
evolving principles, and aiming at the cultivation
Of her reasoning powers.
| All the classes, in the Judgment of the commit
tee, acquitted themselves admirably.
Only one, Miss Ann J. Ward of Hertford coun-
ty, n. c., graduated. She had completed the full
prescribed by the Institute, and received in
the most graceful and dignifed manner, from the
hands of the President, Rev. Mr.. Fory, after
celent address, diploma, bearing the college seal.
The ceremony was truly imposing.
In all the departments of learning, which require
the of apparatus this school has unusual facili
ties. Its instruments, Astronomical Chemical. and
Philosophical, very numerous and complete
They have been obtained at great pains and cost
With their in the various experiments, the
young ladies showed themselves perfectly familiar.
Some of the most difficult, such burning iron in
oxygen gas and lighting candle with iciele,
they performed without any assistance, with very
great facility. The meteorological and Geological
cabinets very fine and give ample illustrations
in these sciences. superior Achromatic Telescope
Is in the observatory Of the building, and is freely
used in their astronomical Investigations A fine
library, and also a reading room supplied with
merous periodicals. open to the young ladies Of
the Institution. They have literary society which
Is well conducted, and also themselves edit and pub
lish bi-montbly periodical In which are manifes-
ted superior talents and learning. The class in
French under the instruction especially Of Mrs.
Fory, IS very large, numbering about seventy, and
acquitted themselves remarkably WELL The speci-
mems OF drawing, and flower, and shell work, at
tracted great attention. They were certainly very
superior. In the Musical department the school IS
equally well provided. 1t has ten splendid pianos
and magnificent organ, and all the exercises were
interspersed with delightful performances upon
these instruments, in which the pupils manifested
much skill and science. The Chapel Of the Insti-
tuition, which contains the organ referred to- is the
handsomest We have ever seen in any edifee of the
kind. 1t is in the charge of Mr.. Babcock, one Of
the teachers Of music, who also instruct the young
ladies in vocal music, among whom College choir
of all the doctrinal exercises Of the Institu-
ton. The examinations were throughout conduc-
ted in the chapel and in the presence Of crowds Of
delighted visitors from all parts of the country.
The Board of Instruction composed during
the year Of three gentlemen and eight ladies, who
abored faithfully and successfully We need 10;
say that the location is beautiful; that it is as
healthy as any in Eastern Carolina that il is in
the midst of a community distinguished for morali-
ty and excellence. The building Is large, airy
well arranged, and elegant and imposing struc-
ture. The grounds ample, the Campus enclo-
sing twenty Gig acres now being in various ways
improved and beautiied. Here the young ladieI
take daily, tho physical exercise conducive u
their health, a part of which is equestrian. The
fare of the Institution Is good, and tho expenses
remarkably low, compared with other similar
schools. The government of the school is parental
and strictly RELIGIOUS The heart is cultivated no
less assiduously than the intellect. The students
are required to attend divine services every Sabbath
at such places, and with such denomination, as
their parents or guardians may prefer The daily
duties OF the Institute are commenced and closed
with appropriate religious exercises.
The great success of this school thus far has in
duced the Trustees enlarge their plans for futur,
action. Two wings viii be Immediately added Il
the present building, capable Of accommodating !
greatly increased number of pupils, and severa
members have been added to the faculty Tn,
Board Of instruction for the next session is com
posed Of five gentlemen, and eight ladies, all o
whom are well known as able ins.ructesses.
We confidently anticipate for the Cnowan Femal
Collegiate Institute, with Gods continued blessing
a successful and brilliant career OF usefulness
THE COMMITTEE.