The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1878-09-06

parse with, and believes that it should be made
a prominent study in the schools, Hon. Mont
gomery Blair to the contrary, Notwithstanding.
AFTERNOON SESSION.
The usefulness of District Libraries and Liter
airy societies was brought prominently before
the Institute by j. L. Smith, who believes it is the
duty of every teacher TO aid in their establish.
ment as means of improvement, and of incu-
eating taste for literature among the masses;
and was ably supported in his views by Miss
Welsh and Miss Guyton. G. w Nichols thought
the selection of books for the libraries vested in
the trustees was out ofplacc for various reasons;
and in purchasing books would not purchase
new ones. j. w. Carter, who has been associa-
ted with literary societies for 35 years, made an
able speech in their favor, urging the establish
ment of libraries and literary societies every
where. Prof. jackson thought it the duty of
the teacher to elevate the tone of literary sOcie-
lies. Robert Henry always endcavors to encour.
| age said societies and believes in teachers estab-
fishing, il possible, under the liberal provision
OF the law, one in every district, j. F. Gal
breath gave an account of the benefit of the
library in his own district, which was very en-
conragins
The utility of Teachers Associations coming
up for discussion, reports were had from all the
districts; some of which were encouraging,
Others unsatisfactory
After remarks upon the subject by n number
of members, Mr.. Harlan made an address so
fraught with instruction and information Us to
the duty of teachers in the matter of Associa-
lions, that we regret space forbds its insertion in
full, stating that the success and salvation of
Free Public School System depended entirely
upon the elevation and improvement of teachers;
which could only be attained by q manifested
zeal and unity in support of the District Assu-
Citations; that unless they did not take more in
tercst in these societies and work with greater
| unanmity of purpose, they would never secure
| the "better salaries" which awaited them on ar
| irving at said status.
IL. 5. Hun presented resolution that the
chair appoint Messrs. j. b. Scarborough, &. W.
| Nichols, j. W. Carter and J. .. f. Wethcrill II
| committee to await upon the Board of School
| Commissioners, then in session, and cndeavor to
| secure the introduction of limited number of
| copies of the History of Maryland and Reed ~
Kelloggs English Grammar into all the schools,
which motion unanimously prevailed
Adjourned to meet next day.
WEDNESDAY.
The subject for consideration being Gcogri-
| ply, Mapdrawing, class exercises of highly in
| tcresting and valuable character were conducted
! by Miss Smith and Mrs. NJ. l.. Chase
| The discussion was begun by &. L. Dalam,
| who makes geography interesting by teaching
mostly orally, familiar facts; terming geography
'the funny study" Teaching by This method,
| he explains in connection the simple and familiar
principles of astronomy, philosophy and gcoo-
| gy. Miss Chamberlain prefers II great deal of
oral teaching in this branch. w. s. Lavender
does not believe in pursuing rigdIy the study MS
| laid down by the Textbook. Miss Hcndon asked
| tnt bcH' why VI cNpiuinS 10 pUpllS llc division
Of the earth into hcmispheres. Was vari0usly
answered by Messrs. Dallam, Nichols aud Bur
khs. Why the meridian 20 degrees West of
Greenwich was chosen was explained by G. W.
| Nichols and Il. w. Eubank.
| Prof. Baird thought the teaching of Map. draw
ing by the modern system of no practicable use
Exception was taken and the system defended
| lay Mrs. Chase and Messrs Harlan and Stokes.
The question of grading was taken up, Prof
Jackson urging The teachers to grade more by
f.,,,I Z ,n,, ID,
upon the subject, urging greater syslcmaizrd
| action IN this respect among teachers. Does not
believe the present system perfect, hut believes
in carrying out the law of the School Board
! Thinks the Introduction of botany and chemistry
| in place of geometry and algebra would he more
useful. President llnrnn.--Thc schools have
vastly improved with regard to grading the past
year and hoped for continued improvement
Leave hcing given toask any question relative
Ia the subject of Education, j. w. McNabh ask.
ed if ii was II correct rumOr that The Board of
School Commissioners had published pcrcmp.
tory order forbidding any teacher from enrolling
pupils until they had paid the usual "bo0k fee u
Being answered in the affirmative, n lively dis
cnssion took place as TO the policy of the order,
which was shared ill., pro and con, with great
vim by many members and was brought to a
close by timely speech by j. w. Carter, who
believes that if teachers would use their utmost
cndcavors 10 carry out the order, no difficulty OF
| importance would be experienced.
AFTERNOON SESSION.
&. W. Nichols read the reply of the Board of
! School Commissioners TO the appointed com
mttce, granting the History of Maryland A
class exercise in arithmetic was given by N o.
Stokes, after which Prof Baird explained several
simple and familiar methods of teaching various
principles. lie was followed by j. f. Galbrcatl
upon the same subject, who concluded by ask
| ing the best method TO explain why we invcrt
the dlyisor in division of fractions. j. w. Bur
| kins would cndCavOr to teach principles in pre-
| ference tinnl