The weekly Floridian. [volume] (Tallahassee, Fla.) 1867-19??, 1882-05-16

Last wednesday, by invitation, We accom-
panied our worthy County Superintendent, Mr..
H. N. Felkel, on visit to some of the schools of
this city.
AS the seven-months term of Lincoln Acad-
envy was to close on that day, we called there
hnt Mr. John H. Shine, the Principal, presided
over this large colored school with the utmost
compoeure and dignity. The number of schol-
airs enrolled on the register was 200 and the av-
erage attendance about 200 There were four
grades in this academy, and as the pupils pro-
gressed they were advanced from lower to q
higher grade. Miss Mag. Brown was in charge
OF The fourth grade or primary department, Mrs
8. F. Huntress was at the head OF the third, and
Mrs. Alice Walker conducted the second grade.
The first and highest grade was under the imme-
diate supervision of Mr.. Shine, in the large Gen.
trail ball of the building, where all the studying
was done. The scholars of the three lower
grades reciled in separate rooms, and the whole
school was conducted with surprising good order
and regularity.
The instructors were all peculiarly competent
and well qualified for their respective charges,
and under their tutorship the pupils evinced
veEy fair progress in their studies
We next visited West Florida Seminary. of
which Prof. ]. N. Whilner is Principal, and per-
sOnally supervises the male academic depart
ment. The attendance was not large, but those
present were very attentive to their studies and
the rotations were highly complimented by
Mr.. Felkel. Prof Whitner j. diligent student
himself, and eminenily qualified ~ thorough
classic education and years of pracliral expert
ence for the responsible position he occupies, and
it is to be regretted that more OF the young men
of Middle and West Florida have not awaited
themselves OF the superior advantages offered by
tbjs Seminary under his efficient tutSrship.)
The male primary department of this institu-
ton is conducted by Mr. w. w. Woodward, who
labors hard and zealOusly, and is doing good
work and doing it well. The attendance here
averages about 35 and good order prevails at all
times.1 The black board exercises in common
fractions, by class of boys from 10 to IA years
old, were very interesting and generally accu-
rate A grammar class of about the same age
showed great proficiency, and class Of eight
year-old boys added up long rows of figures
with wonderful rapidity and accuracy.
In this department are a number of really
bright and promising youths, who are well adj
vsnced for their years and should they be 50 for
tunate as to secure thorough and complete ed
ucation, will some day become distinguished cit
liens men Of honor and preferment among their
fellowmen.
THE building for the female department is q
substantial two-story frame, situated on high
ground, at the corner of Call and Bronaugh
Streets in pleasant grove of magnificent oaks,
very attractive and beautiful.
Friday morning we called at this building, and
found the affable and courteous Superintendent,
Mrs. ]. B. Donelson, busily engaged in the good
work to which she is devoted, and for which she
is undoubtedly well qualified. She is perfectly
at home in The academic department, where she
mingles kindness and patience with perseverance,
three qualities very essential to successful teach
ing. During our visit Mr.. Felkel assisted in an
examination OF class of young ladies in chem
istry, which proved very creditable to them and
gratifying TO the superintendent. Fifty two
names appear upon the roll, the average attend
ance is about forty, and the present term has
been very beneficial to the pupils, and reflects
much credit upon their worthy instrucIress.
I'm the same building is primary department,
conducted by Miss Leila Shine who. by her gen.
tie manner and patient bearing, has. won the es-
TEEN and confidence OF her pupils Here COM
mendable proficiency was noticeable among girls
from II to IA years old in spelling, writing,
grammar and mathematics. An interesting and
pleasing feature in this department was a class
of particularly bright little girls, 6 and years
old, who manifested great interest in their stud
les. and were very proficient in spelling, reading
and arithmetic.
This is Miss Shines first term a teacher, and
the department of her pupils, their interest and
manifest progress, reflects much praise upon her
management, system of instruction and general
discipline.