The Portland daily press., 1886-10-18
TEACHERS IN COUNCIL.
close of the Meeting Of the cumber-
land Educational Association.

The second day of the Cumberland County
Educational Society began with Vice Presi-
dent Chas Fish in the chair.
After prayer by Rev. Mr.. Bragdon, and
singing by the Association, Hon. N. A. Luce
presented in detail the matter of forming
reading circles for professional work.
Next came the adoption of resolutions in
favor of the town system instead of the dis
trict system; of temperance instruction In
the schools; of regret that the Association
has lain dormant for two years; of thanks
for favors received from the various rail
roads; of thanks to the people OF Gorham Tor
their hospitality
The next subject on the programme was
'Scientifc Temperance Instruction., by ii.
NJ. Estabrooke, who treated the subject from
the experimental side Of the question:,
The discussion was continued by MI. ".
E. Aver of Cumberland Mills. who agreed In
the main with the presentation OF the sub
iect He would defer teaching effects OF al
coholics till the child is pretty well advenced
both in age and development, and would
make much use of reading in class upon the
subject
Mr.. Davis of Gorham thought we ought
not to wait till the subject of physiology IS
first studied. He thought that experiment
would be of small value.
Prof f. G. Robinson thought there was
much danger in experimenting because we
should have to explain so much. He dld not
believe in charts representing diseased Or
gans. .nu,.
The query box was next opened What
degree of order is necessary In primary
schools" was answered by MIR. Corthell:
Such degree as will enable the work OF
the school to go on successfully, and VIII
cultivate a habit of order.
"Is it expedient to teach Greek in the Tree
high schools?" was answered by Prof. Chap
man. 1t depends on circumstances.
''How can we teach grammar i'll country
school?" Answer by Prof. Chapman; 1t is I'M
possible to lay down an absolute RUE cover, YER
ing the case. Put thought and study into
your preparation. Try to present the study
in a new and fresh light
"Would You abolish written examinations
in abolishing the ranking system. Answer
by Mr. Fish. No, written examinations are
often of value, but no rank should be at
'Would you require pupils to learn rules
in arithmetic?" Answered by Mrs. o. r:
Cook. No. only such rules as the pupil
Next came the opening of the discussion
on 'sScience Teaching by Prof. f. G. Rob-
inson of Brunswick. The subject was
chiefly treated as being in the high school
grade. He thought the world was wa getting saaa,
large enough to contain this class and plain
wood tables and simple apparatus. Have
the tables low enough so that students can
| sit. Furnish each student Wltn ldHP'
platinum wire and bottle of muriatie, aclo.
| Teacher explains the main idea of the SCI
| ence of chemistry, that most Of the changes
| going on around us are due TO chemistry.
| Teacher should perform most OF the expert
| ments but the chief work should be done Dy
| the class Provide various substances CIV
| ing various eolored flames. Let students ex-
| pertinent and observe the color of the flames.
| fell students the name of the element but
| not at first what colors should be produced; ;
| let them find out for themselves. Next sive
| compound substances, and let them detect
| the elements by their colors. Next teach
| the use of the blow-pipe. With the simple
| apparatus indicated, at least twenty-five Of
| the substances can be detected. This work
| can also be done in the higher classes OF the
| grammar schools.
1t was directed that the executive commit
| tee consider Deering as the place Of the
next meeting, and the full moon OF October
| as the time.
The following are the officers for the next
| year:
| President-Charles Fish, Brunswick.
Vice President--F. w. Davis, Gorham.
| Treasurer and Secretary-O X; COOK, FTeeport.
| Executive Committee-H NJ EstaDrooke, Cor
| ham; Carrie N. Potter, Brunswick; and Kate ).
| Foy, Bridgton. ,,, =, VI, NJ.
ton, Saccarappa.