The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1868-03-31
The Normal school mt Farmiur,a..
FARMINGToN, March 2s. 1868

| hdfcn 70. 1868.
TO the Editor Of tke Press:
:. The name of the Normal School occurring
no" and then in the legislative proceedings
"horuS no satisfactory idea of an Institution,
WINCH Z" 10 prove great and enduring bless
ing ID our State. 1t is necessary TO 90
and see and hear what is doing there. TO gain
the conviction one needs in order TO sneak IN
others of its excellence.
The spring term has already commenced
under the care of Mr.. Gage, Principal. and
MIR. Woodbury., with Misses Coffin, Sears aud
Earle, assistants. A very able corps, Is the
least We can say of them-aU.
But it is schOoLtime and the nupils are
vending their way, bright and vigorous with
the inspiration of these fine frosty mornings.
to the editice standing on an eminenca IN
the centre Of the village; attractive and i'm
posing for its beautiful architectural
proportions and its fine classic air. The
premises are quiet. OF rowdysm, sometimes
'he pest OF higher institutions of learning
no sign Is seen. Young ladies and gentle
men, mere gathered from reputable families.
intend by their correct demeanor to ,endar
the establishment as noted for a school of
good morals and manners as il is for i,s ,oro
educational privileges.
You are honored with seat upon the plat.
form With the teachers. You can look
around the spacious and convenient loom.
where are seated 125 scholars, the lar, er
number being young women. 1t Is an inspir-
Ing view, as you cast your eyes upon this
mass OF vitalized intellect-beaming, here
with chastened beauty, and there with ex-
pressive manliness, from these varied counte.
nances. An impressive scene, while reflect.
ing on the future of these sons and daughters
who are to be scattered over our State as in
structors of our youth
You will witness the adroitness and tact of
the teachers in the skilful appliances OF their
methods of instruction, and the facility of the
pupils in receiving lessons at their Hps, and
especially the thoroughness of the whole sys-
tenn. 1t is teach and learn give and receive;
not an idle moment not lazy laceard face
do you see; the whole is a scene OF concen-
trated earnestness on the part of the teacher
and the taught.
inquired the number of pupils, already
obtained. Ninety-ntne, was the answer. I
should like to make the one hundredth myelG
As to government, it would be presumed
that the scholars are of sufficient age and dis
cretion to govern themselves; yet the wise
and efficient administration of wholesome
discipline is perceptible and felt and acknowl-
edged by the school. Nor Is knowledge Of
this safe and easy control of governors over
the governed, the least important illustration
OF the theory OF teaching, which the pupils
obta n.
Here they bring, each his own sack of
grain to the MILL; or call it geld or silver ore;
here it is to be run over again-recast and
moulded, polished and stamped, while the
hope and prayer is, from many hearts that
when each scholar shall go forth with his
diploma, well-deserved, there shall be also
sealing upon il Of the Great Spirit, even by
Him who hath said,-
Behold make all things new"