Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1880-06-25
EDUCATIONAL.
The Windham County Teacher natl
tute at Wilmington.

tute at wilmington.
The Teachers Institute for Windham coun-
ty was held at Wilmington last week, June
14th to 10th. Edward Conant of Randolph,
State superintendent of education, opened the
exercises of the Institute Monday evening at
the town hall with an interesting address en-
titled "The Relation Of the State to the Sec
ondary School" Captain A. E. Leavenworth
of Randolph, late principal of the State Nor
NAL school, then read n scholarly and inter
esting paper entitled, Duties and Lessons Of
the Hour"
Tuesday morning, after devotional e1er-
cises the superintendent gave highly inter-
esting talk, with illustrations, upon geometri-
cal forms, followed by Prof. G. G. Boynton,
principal of Townshend academy, upon the
subject of arithmetic, with illustrations upon
the blackboard. Captain Leavenworth fol.
lowed with an interesting and valuable dis
course upon the constitution of the United
States, urging the need and Importance of a
a better understanding of this great subject,
by pupils, teachers and by all The morn
ing exercises were closed by the superntend-
ent who spoke upon the subject of grammar.
dress on Attention" followed by the super
intendent upon "Our Aim" and by Captain
Leavenworth upon reading. The Question
box" yielded the usual number of interrogato-
ries, which were answered by the gentlemen
named, Prof. Butterfed, G. +. Blake. prin-
cipal of West Brattleboro academy, and 9th
ers. In the evening the superintendent gave
a scholarly and instructive lecture entitled,
''The Method of Elementary Education"
Mrs. L. A. Butterfeld then rend "The Rising
in l77G" by T. b. Read, which was listened
to with close attention.
Wednesday morning. after devotional ex-
ercses, Prof. Boynton continued upon the
subject of arithmetic, followed by Captain
Leavenworth upon The History of the
United States, imparting much valuable in
formation and instruction. Rev. A. G. Field
superintendent of schools in Dover, then oc-
cuped about one-half hour upon "Sugges-
tions to Teachers" giving many pertinent
hints in that direction. The morning exer-
cises were closed by Prof L. A. Butterfeld
of Boston. Mr. Butterfeld is a Wilmington
boy and brother of Hon. o. f. Butterfeld
He is one of the pioneers in the science Of
visible speech and phonetic culture, and just
ly ranks to-day as one of the best, if not the
best teacher in that branch of education in
this country. He gave an interesting account
of the science as developed to the present
time, illustrating by diagram and symbols
1t is claimed that upon very short instruction
one can become versed in any language or d-
alect so as to be able to converse correctly
As a test Mrs. Butterfeld retired from the
hall while sentences were given to Mr.. b. in
Latin, Greek and German, which he wrote
upon the board. Mrs. b. was recalled who
readily gave correct rendering, she being ig-
norant comparatively of the languages named.
In the afternoon, Miss Hattie Barnard, who
is graduate of the State Normal school at
Randolph and present teacher of the upper
department in the village school, gave class
exercise in arithmetic The class numbered
ten, and with two exceptions commenced
Greenleats Practical arithmetic the present
term. The explanations and answers given
by the class showed that they understand
what they pass over in the text book, and re-
fiected much credit to class and teacher
Training the Memory formed the subject
of Prof Boynton's address, which was highly
interesting. Mrs. Butterfeld then favored
the audience by reading Bryants beautiful
poem, Waiting by the Gate" Captain Leav-
enworth then gave some more good solid
practical remarks upon Political Economy"
The question box" next received attention,
which being satisfactorily disposed of, Mrs.
Butterfield by special request read Longfel-
lows Launch of the Ship" The genial su-
perintendent then took opportunity to thank
the people Of Wilmington for their kindness
and hospitality during the session Of the in
stitute, and specially that they had kept the
mountain in such good order. thereby keep
ing the grass and bushes from getting wet.
He complimented Mr.. +. J. Temple, town
superintendent of schools upon his efficiency,
to whose labor and efforts and harmony of
arrangements the success of the institute was
in a large measure due. Thanks are due to
Mrs. c. d. Spencer, Mrs. ]. II. Kidder, Miss
Perry, Mrs. Mann, Mr.. and Miss Corbett,
Mrs. Russell and others, for excellent music
furnished during the session. Over one hun
dred teachers-those teaching at present and
those who have taught in the past-were pres
ent Citizens were present in good numbers,
and all seemed to enjoy and value the oppor-
tunity of getting revived and invigorated in
the great and glorious cause of education.
Teachers who availed themselves of this priv
ilege can go back to the school room with re-
newed vigor and encouragement to go for
ward in the noble work in which they are on
gagged. @. M. RUSSELL, Secy.