Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1864-12-09

for many years been doing good work for
the cause Of popular education. During the
present year it has had greater number Of
students than for many years before. Wheth-
er il deserves such favor or not may be iudg-
ed by the following report, made at the close
Of the term ending on Wednesday the 1eth
ultimo.
REPORT.
The undersigned, having attended the semi
! annual examination of Orange County Gram
mar Scool, would submit to its trustees. pa
irons, and friends the following report,
We have been in attendance during most
Of the three days spent in the examination.
We have mingled with the teachers and pu-
pills in their daily intercourse. and have come
in contact with the prevailing tone and spirit
of the school.
We have observed the working Of the
methods Of discipline and instruction adopt
ed here have seen the school thoroughly as
l. has been and as il is and hence are pre-
pared to speak Of it confidently.
The location and surroundings are emf
nently favorable for such school The pure
air and water, the absence Of all disturbing
and corrupting influences, the high toned
moral and religious character of the commu-
uity, the deep interest manifested by the Of
hcers of the institution and the citizens gen.
rally in the welfare Of the school. and the
liberal outfit in building, apparatus. globes,
maps, books of reference, sc. all conduce to
the health, safety, and improvement Of the
pupils, who resort here for instruction.
And allow us here TO suggest, that you
have been very fortunate In securing as yoar
principal man of eminent professional abili-
~, whose earnestness and fidelity are sure
guarantee for the success of the school, Such
principal will always have around him earn
est and efficient teachers. And a school, so
located, and so well cared for and managed,
will always have liberal patronage. Your
committee are not surprised, therefore, to
find this Academy in high state of prosper
ity.
And the community should feel special
interest IN the school in view Of its Normal
character. In the absence Of State Normal
School, and Of every provision for the public
education Of teachers, it is highly encour-
aging to find an institution like this, one Of
whose principal objects is to give profession
al instruction TO those young ladies and gen.
tlemen who are to manage and teach our pub
lie schools.
With shese general remarks your commit
tee will pass to notice briefly the exercises of
the examination.
In mathematics eight classes were present.
ed for examination, four in arithmetic, three
in geometry. All Of these classes appeared
well some of them exceedingly well. We
have looked, not so much for brilliancy in
reciting, as for accuracy and thoroughness.
and for evidence that the minds of the pupils
have been fairly dealt with that they have
not been allowed to go faster nor farther than
they could readily understand.
In the department OF the languages, class
es were examined in the Latin lessons, Caesar
and Cicero, and in the Greek grammar ana
lessons, and the Anabasis. All these classes
gave pleasing evidence that they had been
thoroughly instructed in the rudiments Of the
languages, and in the analysis Of words and
sentences, and have thus a safe foundation
laid for future study and advancement
In the English studies, we have examined
classes in reading, English grammar, geogra-
ply, United States history, natural philoso-
ply, and physiology. These classes, also, sp-
peared remarkably we'll. In all their instruc-
tion the teachers have evidently aimed at
practical results.
The ornamental branches also have atten-
ton in this Institution. The classes under
"rs' NVe'thS anu MISS 'ones, nave maue
commendable progress, as shown by their
sketches upon the black board, and drawings
hanging upon tie wall.
We have been highly pleased with the gen.
eral good order in the school-rooni, and with
the gentlemanly and ladylike department Of
the pupils in their intercourse with teachers,
and among themselves. The mutual conf
dence and respect manifested is pleasing in
dication. 'p
In conclusion we would commend Orange
County Grammar School to the continued
confidence and patronage Of the enlightened
public.
HIRAM ORoUTT. A. M.
Rev. A. B. DAsooMB,
Rev. Il. II. RANDALL,
Mr.. s. p. WILCOX,
NJ T. RoynvN Esn