St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1881-11-04

! for the teaching of history. He
thought history was as essential a
branch of study MS reading, arithmetic,
etc. Teachers should prepare them
selves to teach this branch. There is
a special educational value in it. Sin
gle facts of history are not so important
IN themselves, but we must gather and
combine such facts as will attract and
interest pupils. We can't leave these
single facts out of the mind and have a
mind perfectly developed. Don't de-
spise these single facts, but use discre-
ton in picking out and associating
them. Let the facts chosen present
some distinct point which the pupil
can seize and retain. Mr.. Conant
thought dates could be left out to ad-
vantage.with the exception of IA few
most important ones which it was easy
for the average pupil to remember.
He agreed with Herbert Spencer, who
held that dates were comparatively
useless.
Following this came short address
on Physical Geography, by j. p. Otis
of West Burke. This speaker also de-
voted his time to illustrating how this
branch should be taught. He thought
it was easily learned, and should he
taught with other geography. Teach
erS must understand it themselves, in
order to teach it successfully. There
is much ignorance on the subject, even
among teachers. They should try to
create in the children's minds intelli-
gent ideas in this direction.
Prof. {. +. Putney, of the academy,
spoke to the teachers in regard to the
metric System" He thought it desir-
able to have IL uniform system of
weights and measures used in the
world, and that the metric system,
from being the most easily learned,
and more simple than any other, would
be the best. He showed by examples
how much more simple it is than the
common system, and expressed desire
that 1t might be adopted by the United
States government.
THE EVENING LECTURE.
The meeting at the town hall in the
evening was attended by about as
many people as could he seated, ant
tanned and instructed had that desire
fulfilled. w. p. Stafford of this place
gave a humorous recitation entitled,
GLOW the old horse won the bet" by
Holmes, which was rendered in good
style and proved very acceptable to
the audience. Following this came
the lecture by Prof. Perkins, of Bur
lingtOn, on "The Structure and Habits
of Birds" The lecturer is pretty thor
oughly posted on this subject, and he
held the attention of the audience for
over an hour, giving them delightful
insight into the makeup and habits of
the birds. We shall not attempt an
extensive report of the lecture; it
should have been heard to be appreci-
ated. With reference to the peculiarly
appropriate structure of the bird. Prof.
Perkins thought no one could make it
IL study without being led into II deeper
reverence and love for the Creator of
all things. He spoke interestingly of
the nesting habits of birds, their migra-
tions, etc. and, in speaking of birds
of prey, drew AN entertaining picture of
the eagle wrestling from the osprey the
fish caught for the latter's own meal.
In regard to robins, the lecturer thought
they did more good really than harm;
and we could afford to forgive them
their depredations among fruits on the
ground that they more than made
amends by destroying insects and
worms. In conclusion, Prof. Perkins
suggested to the teachers that they
might with good results lead their
pupils into the study of nature to
learn by observation the many delight
ful things which nature teaches. BY
thus doing we are brought into near
ness with the Creator, and learn to
love all his works.
Saturdays Sessions.
Under the head of "Branches to he
taught in public schools" Edward Co
nant advocated instruction in reading,
literature, arithmetic and drawing. In
the line of nature he suggested the
study ofanimals, plants, minerals, ply
steal geography, physics, hygiene and
gymnastics. Concerning man, he
would teach political geography, histO-
ry, law or constitution, and morals.
Miss Guernsey spoke briefly on the
"First elements in composition and
language lessons. She said the chill
dren should copy and learn choice Sc
lectiOns in poetry and prose. Then
they should write from dictation.
Later on they should have oral compo-
sitions, then written ones, and some
subjects were proposed. They should
also he trained to use correct language,
and when incorrect language is used
they should be corrected by the teacher
and thus taught what good language
is, as well as pronunciation. In rela-
ton to physiology and botany, Miss
Guernsey illustrated by diagram how
the general plan of the human system
may he shown to pupils, and she also
showed what the influence is of alcohol
upon the brain. She also showed the
plan on which seeds are formed in the
flower.
In the afternoon Prof. Putney con-
Quoted a very interesting class exercise
in grammar and Miss Guernsey spoke
on the subject of Geography, Map
Drawing, and Drawing in general, sug
gesting plans for the teaching of these
necessary branches of study. In clos
ing the Institute, Superintendent Dart
gave the teachers few words of coun
sci. He told them that they must not
go to their respective schools with the
idea of following to the letter what