EXAMINATION OF FRAMINGHAM STATE THIS institution occupies a charming location, not far from the geographical centre of the State, in a town remarkable for natural beauty, and greatly embellished by the good taste of its inhabitants. The school-house is a model structure, combining elegance and convenience for such a purpose, to a degree, probably, never surpassed. The school appears to have recovered entirely from the shock necessarily incident to its removal from West Newton, and the additional establishment of several similar institutions. This is the oldest of the Normal schools; and, as might be expected, it leads the others in the number of pupils under its instruction during the past year. Its examination was held on the 5th and 6th of February, and was conducted by the Board of Education. Ready knowledge and thorough mental discipline seemed to characterize every recitation. Vigorous thought, self-reliance, and good taste were every where manifest. Maps were drawn from memory, and difficult problems in Geometry were illustrated with a facility and exactness, truly surprising; while adequate reasons were given for every step in the process. Among many creditable performances, the examination in the "Theory and Art of Teaching," deserves especial notice. The modes of reasoning upon this subject, and the answers given by the pupils, would have done honor to teachers of large experience. Not only were just views expressed, but, without any compromise of feminine propriety, they were put forth with an individuality and assurance that did not hesitate to confront opinions even with the teacher or the Board of Education. The afternoon of the 6th was devoted to the graduating exercises of the senior class. Notwithstanding this was the coldest day of the season, spectators crowded the Hall to repletion. The occasion was one of deep interest. The semi-annual Report of the Principal, Rev. Eben S. Stearns, was full of good sense and valuable information. It clearly evinced the untiring energy which has placed the school in its present enviable position. The Poem, by Miss Mary W. Farr, of Leicester, and the valedictory Address, by Miss Anna W. Blasdel, of Salisbury, were excellent productions. The first was a beautiful specimen of thought and pure sentiment, adorned by refined imagination, and the latter, a vigorous and touching tribute of sisterly affection and grateful regard. The intervals Of between these performances were enlivened by songs composed for the occasion by members of the graduating class. these, the following "Parting Hymn" is a specimen : PARTING HYMN. (BY A MEMBER OF THE SENIOR CLASS.) There's a bird whose last sad notes are a song; To song our words of parting belong; Tears, not smiles, are our portion to-day, The love with which we have loved each other Will close with the setting of this day's sun, Will live when life on earth is done, For to-day, to-day must our parting be, The door of Life is opening now; FATHER IN HEAVEN! Thine aid we seek, Next came an affecting scene. The class (seventeen in number) gathered in a semicircle about their principal teacher, to receive from him a few words of parting counsel, and the diplomas which they had so fairly earned. The paternal interest manifested on the one part, and the affectionate reverence and tenderness on the other, were responded to by the audience with sympathetic emotion. The exercises being now concluded, Mr. George B. Emerson, of Boston, who has been, more than any other man, the FATHER of our System of Normal Schools, addressed the young ladies in behalf of the Board of Education. He expressed the great satisfaction experienced by the visitors in witnessing such remarkable evidences of success, signified the entire satisfaction of the Board with the management of the institution, and concluded with interesting remarks suited to the occasion. He then introduced Rev. Mr. Bodwell, of Framingham, who, in a very neat and complimentary speech alluded humorously to the distrust manifested by the people, on receiving among them so many strangers. He spoke of their wonderful surmises and forebodings, and of the remarkable manner in which their fears had been silenced, and the school established in their confidence and affection. The Town-schools had been greatly benefited by the services. of lady teachers from the Normal School. Some schools, regarded as almost ungovernable even by male teachers, had been reduced by their skill to perfect order. He alluded to the advantages which the Town had begun to derive from the model school, and expressed his belief that the Normal pupils and their teachers would henceforth find the place to be what its name indicates, "Fremling-hame," the stranger's home. Mr. Emerson then introduced Mr. Josiah A. Stearns, of Boston, President of Massachusetts Teachers' Association, who manifested his interest in words of encouragement and counsel. Also, Mr. William H. Wells, of Westfield Normal School, who spoke in terms of high encomium. Rev. Dr. Sears, Secretary of the Board, was then called upon, but much to the regret of every one, he was cut short by the announcement that the cars were about to start for Boston. Hon. Isaac Davis, of Worcester, and other distinguished gentlemen were upon the platform, but the company were obliged to forego the pleasure of hearing them. A hymn was sung, and the crowd separated, more than ever rejoicing that Legislative wisdom had so successfully undertaken to elevate the standard of public instruction. A LOOKER-ON. MR. EDITOR:-Permit me, as a teacher, to object to one or two statements made by "A Father," in the March number of "The Teacher." Speaking of "A Scheming Master," he says, "He held his pupils to a close rule of discipline in school hours, but, in play, was as much a boy as any of his school, to keep their good-will. His pupils obeyed in school, because they were pleased with their teacher; and not because the line of duty demanded was right." "A true teacher should not play ball, &c." If he held his pupils to a close rule of discipline in school, what harm was there in his playing ball at intermission? If his playing with them made them more attached to him, did he not do right to play? The more love pupils have for a teacher, the better they will learn, other things being equal. It is not right for a teacher to engage in improper sports with his flock, such as "games of chance, &c.; " but, in all innocent sports, if he is a true teacher, one who is governed by good principles, his presence will have an influence upon them for good. Conscience and judgment may be exercised, even in sports. And where is there a better or broader field for the exercise of these qualities than on the play-ground of our schools? The teacher cannot read the character of a pupil so well in the school-room, where his actions succumb to the restraints there imposed, as during the play hours, when these restraints are thrown aside for the time being. There, if he has a fresh, warm heart, ready to appreciate the heart of his pupil, he can lead him gently, kindly, but successfully, to right deeds, and right motives. There he can check the bad impulses which at times will spring up in all minds. CLEMMA. Adams, March 12th, 1855. EN. II. 604. A PRAYER FOR LIGHT. 66 quæ nunc obducta tuenti Mortales hebetat visus. tibi, et humida circum Caligat," YET I dream of a brighter, a glorious day, Of a clear and a radiant sun, When the mists of the night shall have vanished away, There are things I would know that no mortal can see, O when shall the shadow be lifted from me, I would read what Thy hand hath recorded of old, Ere the waters were back from their barriers rolled, When rocks were on rocks high like battlements piled, Or rose like the sepulchre, gloomy and wild, I would hear what Thy word utters deep to my soul Of the Future, whose mystical scenes shall unroll, I would hear the sweet voices that come to me when And, drinking the murmur again and again, 'Tis in vain! I am weak; Father, pity thy child, I listen, but hear fragments broken and wild, I long to know more, ever more, of thy ways, Of myself, of creation, of Thee; Rend away the thick clouds that would hinder my gaze, Hinsdale, Mass. J. K. L. PAYSON AND DUNTON'S REVISED SERIES OF WRITING BOOKS. THE books belonging to this series, five in number, are intended to be a compromise between the old-fashioned round hand, and the more modern, angular, and open style of writing. The former, though it often leads to the acquisition of a strong, rapid, and graceful style of penmanship, is justly objected to as being, in general, too formal and labored for practical use. Its highest claim to be retained as a standard is the distinctness and great legibility which are sure to characterize the style of those penmen who have been thoroughly trained upon this system. On the other hand, the modern angular system, with scarcely any shade lines, with many unnecessary turns and sweeps of the pen, which deform the letters, and impair the legibility of the writing, together with the habit which it induces of spreading out words, is even more objectionable, though it unquestionably allows the pupil greater freedom of movement. From an experience of many years we are satisfied that there is no short and easy method of acquiring a rapid and graceful style of penmanship; and that those who profess to teach the art of writing in twelve, twenty-four, or double that number of lessons, may be justly regarded as empirics. Learning to write well must always be a work of much time and effort; since it involves a careful training of the eye and hand, and a gradual development of the judgment and taste. Great natural obstacles are sometimes to be overcome, but by careful and well-directed efforts, with a good system, any one may learn to write well, and most persons may learn to write elegantly. Good writing is characterized by legibility, rapidity and beauty. We value legibility the most, and, for this reason, we would always inculcate, in teaching, a severe and simple style of writing, free from all unmeaning additions which |