The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1890-07-29
SUMMER SCHOOLS.

in the summer school. 1t is not good
thing for all persons or, TO be more accu-
rate, no one particular kind OF summer
school is. In some Of them, at least,
severe and energetic study is the rule.
To the boy or girl, man or woman, who
thus secures an intellectual respite from
the routine of physical toll, no harm will
accrue. Such course might even con-
stitute an invlgorating change to the
brainworker who took up an entirely
new line Of study. But much of the
advantage to be derived hinges on the
physical health and habits, constitution
and temperament of the individual.
The last few years have seen wide
development Of this particular means of
education. We have summer schools of
language and Of theology, of science and
Of philosophy, of business methods and
Of faith-healing. Many teacher, worn
!, out by the labors of the trustees school
year, removes to another place to renew
the strain and deems herself lucky if
she can continue her earnings and her
owork, while she is supposed to be enjoy
ling q vacation. Many an anxious stu
dent devotes his time of recreation to
Eoverhauling his mental deficiencies or
providing the sinews of war for the
, renewal of the fall campaign.
:a. From the broad point of view we ques-
sition the advisability of summer schools
Tor the study of books. As pure matter
OF fact the majority in attendance are
those who spend the rest of their year
/ II much the same way. If they we're
Ghildren without other educational op-
sifortunities, farmers or mechanics, clerks
Or statesmen, all would be we'll. But
L these people are the very ones who have
y no vacation at all or only brief breath
ing spell. If the pupils we're of the idle
+ fashionable sets in our cities, whose chief
r Occupation at other times is dress and
scandal, the summer school would fill a
Felt want; but these again are the very
b people who have the utmost contempt
p for study and mental effort.
w. -. Summer is the time of physical growth
], md developement, the time for recreat
ing the nervous energy, not for ex
haueting it. Physical IMMIGRATION is g
], good thing, great thing, for it reacts
Z On the mental powers with the best Of
] effect. The true summer school is not
/ in the classroom. Nature is the best OF
hsummer teachers She teaches not by
cramming and tedious recitstions, but
hy demonstration and experience. Hell
snnlass room is the streamlet side where
4 Gcreened from the languorous heat of the
Aoontide sun by the shadows of the
gently murmuring trees, the patient
smokes the pipe of peace ant
= y plies his rod over and over some must
i GAL ripple or watches with intent eye tn,
cool and silent pool that is famous a
Y the haunt of some wary giant of thu
4 Anny tribe. Or she leads her devotee
knee deep among the sagebrush on tn,
sNa lert for the startling whirr of tn
grouse. When the musical click of tn,
vsfeel begins and speckled beauty lie
ION the grass, or when the bang of tn,
- gun 10 followed by "two-bagger,' sucl
moro to the body and the brain thar
hours and days spent in the close con
,finement Of echool-room. 1t brighten
Al the eye, it steadies the hand, it quick
= ems the step, it reddens the cheek, i
renews the mental power. These ar
the objects of a summer vacation, tha
cannot be secured by the individual VIII,
sacrifices that precious time. "witl
blinded eyesight, porting over miserable
books"