Rutland weekly herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1859-1877, 1870-03-17

during the past year, may as we'll begin
to make their answers ready, as the Asses
sors will begin during the present month,
and will prosecute their duty with vigor.
| TWIN EGGs.--Jas. o. Merrill of this
place, brought into our sanctum yesterday,
two eggs that were laid by Bramah pull
let, owned by him, in one day. Some
may be inclined to disbelieve the state
ment of hen laying two eggs in day,
but unless one doubts his own eyes he
must believe this when he sees them, for
they are grown together, Siamese twins
style Mr.. Merrill did intend to sell off
his poultry, but that chicken must be
kept, she is too profitable.
Vermont State Teachers Associa-
ton.
| The few teachers and friends of eduea-
ton who wisely chose to attend the State
Association at Springfield, were struck
with sadness at the evidences of the
Flood" last October, and felt some mis-
giVings about asking entertainment of a
people who had suffered 50 heavy losses.
But when we reached the thriving village
and met the pleasant and smiling faces of
the citizens, we forgot that Springfield
had ever suffered misfortune, but that in
stead they had always basked in the sun
shine of prosperity. In the evening the
people met at the Good Templar's Halr'
and enjoyed brief senson of welcome.
WEDNESDAY,, MARCH 9TH.
The Association opened by singing
Coronation" reading of the Scriptures
and prayer by the Rev Mr. Cobb of
Springfield. Welcome Address by Rev.
Mr.. Farnsworth. Reply to the Welcome
Address by DR.. Kitchel of Middlebury.
The President then appointed the follow
ing committee:
rich of Burlington, Rev L H. Cobb of
Springfield, and Mr. Gorham of Mont
pelier.
Committee on Nominations Messrs.
Cilley of Brandon, Clark of Rutland, and
Shaw OF Sprinfeld.
Committee on Place -Messrs. Conant of
Randolph, Wy Of ST. Jobnsbury, and
Pierce of Springfield.
The President excused himself from
taking the time of the Association in de-
livering an address.
DISCUSSION OF THE LENGTH OF SCHOOL
Mr.. Dana being absent, Mr.. Ferris of
Windsor opened the debate. Mr.. Ferris
thought the length of time spent by
smaller scholars in the school room should
be shortened. The charge against teach
ers that they let small pupils go home be-
cause they wanted "to get rid of them, ~
was without foundation. The pupils can
make as much progress in their studies
if the time was shortened, and in his
opinion more progress would be made.
Mr.. Shaw of Springfield thought the
length of the school should be varied in
the different grades of school. In the
higher grades of school the day was none
too long to perform the work designed for
them; but in the primary schools the
length of day is none too long. Pupils
should be early taught correctness of po-
sition in sitting and standing. Leaning
on elbows and standing first on one foot
and then on the other, should never be
allowed. Physical development must be
considered as well as mental In primary
schools more can be done in three hours
| than is now done in six. Text books are
not the only things to instruct One
thing is to commit, and another to recite
correctly. The speaker then illustrated
his idea of teaching small children by
giving his manner of teaching geography,
first giving representation Of the State
where the pupil lives Cur books should
give correct representation of the boun-
daries of the State, its mountain chains.
rivers, where they were and where they
empty, and the location of its principal
towns.
Idleness is habit acquired by keeping
pupils in the school room SO long each day.
During the long days in summer the pupils
must have something to amuse themselves;
and they often turn their attention to mis-
chief. .Es 81. a..a ..-....f
Rev. MIR. Farnsworth of Springfield,
thought that three hours day was
enough. When the child is at home at
play you never see it with STOPPING
shoulders. He thought keeping children
in school six hours day was wicked and
violation of Gods law. The speaker
had become satisfied that our schools NAV
be kept too still. In the German schools
there is always more or less of a hustle
Teachers and parents should carry ont so
far as they can the divine law. Often we
find before the close of school time soue
pupils willing. These are usually tho
most studious ones.
Rev. Mr.. Cobb Of Springfield, said tho
length Of school days should yarv accord
! ing to the locality and size Of room. saI q