Year: 1862

Mr.. Edtor:-Supposing few items of
news from this 'neck of woods would
prove acceptable to you, hasten to report


You have doubtless heard Of tho ancient
borough of Birmingham-no that one
across the ocean, though it might well ri
val that in antiquity, but town three
miles southeast of this city, and within
two hours ride of your editorial sanctum.
Its name would very naturally cause an
impression to be made upon the mind that
1t was place of much Importance and of
great extent; but unless we reckon the big
hearts of the people and their proverbial
hospitality, it narrows down to a village
of few hundred inhabitants, whose chief
employment is to live comfortably and
pleasantly upon the interest Of property
and wealth accrued in the past. Former
ly this was a point of considerable interest.
Before the building of the Penna. Rail
Road the business of all that section of
country between Huntingdon and Holli-
daysburg, and also that of Clearfeld coun-
ty centered here, but since their innoya-
tions and as some might say, improvements
have been made, Tyrone, Altoona and 8
multitude of little villages have sprung up,
thus drawing the tide of trade in other d.
rectiOns.


The situation of B. is very peculiar
one. 1t is built on hill, on the side Of o
hill, and yet in hollow. 1t is quite i'm
possible to get into or out of it without
going up or down some hills. Indeed it is
amusing to hear some of our city friends
lamenting, when getting out of the pleas
ant railcar they see before them steep
hill to climb, which their fertile minds at
once construe into mountain.


The principal object of interest in the
village is the Mountain Female Seminary
a chartered institution under the supervis-
ion of Prof. J.. g. Grier.


This is undoubtedly one of the best To-
Gated, best conducted and most successful
of any of the educational enterprises Of
the day. Its location is at once healthy,
picturesqe and attractive. The buildings
are large and convenient, and are surround
ed by beautiful lawn, while few hum
dred feet below, sweeps swiftly along the
beautiful blue Juniata' On every side
are beautiful hills and mountain slopes, af-
fording fine walks during the greater por-
ton of the year.


The Academical year just ended has
been one of much prosperity. About sew
enty young ladies from different parts of
the State have been in attendance, quite
number Of them being from your town
and county. The yearly examination which
was held during the past few days, and
which we were privileged to attend, mani
tested very clearly the character of the
institution and the manner and aims of the
instructions given. More attention is here
given to the mathematics and the other
solid branches Of study, than in very many
of our female seminaries. And though
ample opportunities are afforded for engag-
ing and pursuing the ornamental branches,
yet especial efforts are made, and it is the
principal aim of the instructors, to strength
en- the intellect and train and school its
powers.


At the request of one of the teachers,
we proposed some questions for explana-
ton and solution to the class of the SEQ
ond year, and SO prompt, ready and clear
were they in their answers to the most DIFF
fcult ones, that it made us feel as though
we naO petter scour up the rusty hinges OF
our knowledge box, before we attend an
other examination here.


The closing exercises were held in one
Of the village churches. The annual ad-
dress was delivered by the Rev. Geo. D.
Chenowith of the M. E. Church. After
few remarks from the Principal, the Di-
plomas were conferred upon the graduating
class, seven in number.


This institution is not exclusively SEQ
tartan, and every parent or guardian can
place their children or wards under such
pastoral supervision as they may desire.


We could say much more concerning
Birmingham, its Seminary and other at
fractions, but we desist, having occupied
much more of your space and time than
we desired L.