Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1861-08-08
OBJ Uermont 4)senit.
GLENwoOD LADIES' sEMINARY-RE-
PORT OF EXAMINATION.

The und darsigned, having been invited to at
tend as a Committee of Examination, the clos
ing exercises of "Glenwood Ladies' Seminary"
submit the following report:
The Committee have been in attendance dur
ing the four days occupied in the examination.
They feel prepared to express decidedly their
convictions of its character and results As
this is the close of the first year of this Instim-
ton, they feel justified in speaking of ii some
what in detail.
The Principals of this Institution, Hiram
Orcutt, A. NJ, and his estimable lady, have
been known as successful educators. They
need no commendation from us. Most of their
associates have been educated under their SUI
pervision. and are intimately acquainted with
their plans and methods. Their ability, dill
gence and success have been tested also by sew
eral years experience. We have found, there
fore, Il well digested system of education, faith
fully and intelligcntly carried out in this Insti-
tuition.
The Principal is free from all restrictions by
the Trustees, who are only honorary and adj
vsary. He can hence adopt new and improved
| plans, and add to the convenience and accom-
I modations of the school at his pleasure. From
the appearance of the buildings and grounds,
his zeal and energy for such improvements are
manifest. The Seminary buildings are spacious,
neat and commodious. The rooms are large,
airy attractive. The apparatus and furniture
for the school rooms are good, serviceable, and
of the most approved kinds. The grounds, at
fording space for walks and recreation, are am
pie and elegantly laid out, adorned with large
and beautiful shade trees, and variegated with
lawns, flower gardens, and fountain playing in
large basin of sparkling water. Arising fro m
the same source as this fountain, water is carried
into all the halls of the buildings.
West Brattleboro is quiet, retired village,
but very accessible. The scenery of the neigh
borhood odisremarkably lyromantca and picturesque; ;
the climate is healthful and the roads often
shaded with empowering trees, and winding
among the hills and through valleys dotted with
farm houses, are inviting, and suitably retired
for walks and rides.
Among the peculiarities of the Institution is
well conducted and regularly attended Gym
nasium. 1t is found TO be both a pleasing and
important means of promotion Of health and
physical development.
One thing that has especially attracted the at
tention of the committee, is the home-like feel
ing manifested by the young ladies. They ex-
hibited quiet satisfaction in their position and
surroundings. Their intercourse with the Prin-
cipal and teachers is marked by respect and
affection. The committee cannot refrain from
saying, as a Just and deserved need of praise
to Mrs. Orcutt, the wife of the Principal and
her associate in the superintendency of the
families, that the "Ioung Ladies" find in them,
no, only kind and sympathizing friends, but
loving second mothers, who tenderiy care for
them both in sickness and in health, and whose
efforts to promote their real comfort and happi-
ness are unceasng Parents wishing to edu-
cate their daughters away from home, can no.
where find for them more desirable material
care than in "Glenwood Ladies' Seminary"
Special prominence, the committee fnd is
given to the solid branches of learning. A
glance at the schedule convinced them that
young ladies well instructed in the branches
named must have acquired great amount OF
useful information and vigorous discipline of
mind. Yet the ornamental branche, are in no
respect neglected. Observation here proves
that their cultivation is not inconsistent with
sound learning and thorough discipline. The
drawings, paintings, and crayonings are of a
high order, and in some instances denote a
high degree of artistic talent. Some of the
smaller pieces of landscape painting and of
penciling, and also larger piece, the Soldiers
Dream, especially attracted our attention.
There has been an almost constant echo OF
sweet voices many Of them showing high cul-
ture. Many difficult pieces have been rendered
on the piano in chaste and effective style
The advantages afforded in this department are
quite equal to many minaries in which the ex-
penses are much higher. The interest of the
exercises has been enhanced by the choruses
effectively performed under the direction of
Proof Wood On exhibition we have found a
formidable array of well-preserved flowers
| min IN ba
animation in which was highly creditabe.
The methods pursued in this Institution have
some peculiar exceencies. In the Latin and
French languages, the Grammars are thorough
ly mastered, as the basis of all real progress
The committee especially noticed the accurate
, pronunciation and scanning in the class in Vir-
gil and the unusual knowledge, of Syntax Of
,, , the class in Vri RomR. The examination Of
the younger misses in Latin Grammar, show ed
that good foundation was laid for future pro-
gress. The exercises in French in the iudg-
ment of the committee. one of whom has made
this language special study for years were
equally satisfactory.
In the mathematics, ranging from Arithmetic
up through Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry
and Comic Sections, the pupils, with the ex.
ception of one class, which had been but few
weeks under the instruction of the teacher
exhibited thorough comprehension of the
subjects. The examination in the two last
mentioned, lrigonometry and Comic Section,
we have never known surpassed if equalled.-
We can speak with commendaion also of the
: examination in Geography Intellectual Philoso
ply and Physiology, and especially in Butler,
n Analogy, whose mastery arguments were rem
e dered both simple and convincing in the ad,
mirable recitations of the Young ladies'. His
tory usually the dullest of all studies, is here
made one OF the most interesting. The method
: of instruction, originated and perfected by the
accomplished lady who presides over this de
! parlment, we regard as the very best in use.-
y The systematic knowledge of history exhibited
by the young ladies was in the highest degre,
q q creditable System and horoWghness indeec
seem to characterize er,y department of inst'uc
ton IN this Institution.
. The examination was eminently fair. Ther,
was no attempt to conceal the defects of pupil
who had been remiss in their studies. Th'
committee participated in the examination a
e far as they deemed it desirable. Perhaps tn
4 most interesting feature of the exercises wa
the exhibition of the graduating class. 1t con
u sists Of twenty-five members. Their compost
positions were without exception excellent, FREE
T. from undue ornament, chaste, terse, and vigor
r Gus in language and abounding in just and ma
. tured thoughts. The colloquy, or drama as i
might be called, representing the great mora
crisis in the history of a human soul was su