ments for the future prosperity of the school, and when, after much delay, they chose Prof. C. S. FARRAR, of Vassar College, to be her successor, she labored faithfully to make all ready for him.

He required, and the friends of the institution felt it necessary, that a fund should be raised to pay off the old debt of $3,000 and to renovate the buildings. Miss M. was one of the most active and successful agents in securing pledges for $1,000, and in July, 1874, she left, and Prof. FARRAR took charge of the institution.

This period seems to form such a crisis in the progress of the Milwaukee College as makes it fitting to gather up what has been valuable in its past, beside, the Woman's Centennial Committee demand it.

During the quarter of a century this institution has been struggling through many, and, often very depressing difficulties, to elevate the standard of female education, at the same time to aid in the work of educating the girls of Milwaukee and Wisconsin, it has had under its instruction, not less, it is confidently believed, than 1,500 pupils, of whom 120 completed its course of study. It has been a civilizing influence of no mean importance in this city and state.

In closing this sketch, it is desired to call attention to the features more or less peculiar and original in the work accomplished:

1. Though the men of Milwaukee, especially Hon. O. H.

WALDO, who deserves, above all others, honorable mention for thoughtful, faithful and persistent effort, did much, the enterprise has been eminently designed and carried on by and for wo

man.

2. It has sought to develop the broadest and best education for its pupils. Its course of study recognized the three fold nature of the human mind-scientific, æsthetic and moral, and, from the first, made earnest endeavors for a symmetrical development of all the bodily and mental powers. That some success has been attained in physical culture is evidenced in the fact that, up to the time of the close of this sketch, only two of its graduates, the first of whom completed their course in 1850, so far as known, had died, and for the remaining 118, the writer feels safe in claiming more than the average health of women. Many of these are now filling positions of great influence and importance to the best interests of this and other states.

3. This institution, through all its history, has maintained its unsectarian character, no religious denominations, as such, having had any control over it, yet it has been decidedly Christian. The bible, as a book of history, morals and religion, has been carefully and systematically taught, and an original course of lessons, including the history of the other principal religions of the world and closing with the moral and historical evidences of Christianity, has been given to the senior classes.

4. Careful regard has been had to the life before the pupil after leaving school. For this, even at the sacrifice of some

higher mathematics and Latin for those whose time in school was limited, a fuller and more carefully arranged course in History and Literature than was or is usual in American schools of any grade, has been taught, and the effort has been persistently made to bridge over the chasm between the sciences studied in school and their application in life. Weekly classes have been arranged for all the school, in which life, its duties, its trials, and the qualifications necessary to meet these were considered and discussed, and the dignity of labor and the obligations of all to be industrious, economical, and sincere were urged. Domestic economy as a science and art, was in some small degree taught, the tyranny of fashion was resisted, and excellence, rather than popularity or material reward, was taught.

5. Earnest efforts were made to extend the educating influence of the institution beyond its immediate pupils. For this, the mothers of these and other ladies were gathered together to consider questions pertaining to education in general, and especially to discuss questions relating to the interests of the college, classes in history and æsthetics were formed which these ladies were invited to join, and many availed themselves of the opportunity.

MILWAUKEE, March 15, 1876.

LOUISE MANNING HODGKINS,

Preceptress and Instructress in French and History in Lawrence University.

THIS LADY, one of the most successful and efficient teachers which Wisconsin has ever had, was born in the town of Ipswich, Mass., August 5, 1846. Her home training was of the very best, and after a few years in the public schools, she became a pupil in the Ipswich Female Seminary, then as now under the management of MRS. COWLES, and then as now among the prominent schools of New England. She subsequently spent some time at the seminary in Pennington, N. J., pursuing some special studies, and finally entered the Wesleyan Academy at Wilbraham, Mass. There she graduated in 1870, being one of the very best scholars in her class. In addition to the usual curriculum, she had given much extra attention to the French language, and had become proficient in music.

Immediately after her graduation she accepted the position of second lady teacher in Lawrence University. She began her labor in the fall term of 1870, giving instruction in English branches in addition to French and Botany. She early evinced remarkable aptitude and skill as an instructor by readiness of invention, the freshness imparted to whatever subject she might have in hand, and the constant enthusiasm inspired in her pupils in respect to their studies. Teaching with her is clearly a matter of agreeable choice, and not merely the necessity of having nothing to do.

After four years in this position, she was, in 1874, on the resignation of MISS EVANS, elected Preceptress. With a somewhat higher range of work and large responsibilities in the way of government, she gave evidence of increasing competence and skill. Few teachers have ever been connected with the institution who have made a reputation so brilliant, or achieved a success so complete. As a governess, both in her classes and over the ladies in general, she has few superiors. It is that sort of government in which obedience and respect are almost spontaneously exercised without being felt as unpleasantly obligatory. There is in it both the natural familiarity which elicits the confidence and affection of the pupils, and the equally natural dignity which makes all rudeness and unseemliness of behavior nearly impossible.

MISS HODGKINS' scholarship is varied, thorough, and somewhat extensive, and it is kept fresh by constant culture and acquisition. A woman of excellent and sensible tastes, of great refinement, of a vivacious temperament and ready conversational powers, she is fitted to be a valuable member of society. Her religious character is decided and clear, rational, and at the same time spiritual, involving a conscientious regard for duty, seeking and using opportunities for good, and recognizing her responsibility in respect to any influence she may be able to exert, her action and example are most salutary and effective, both in the institution and in the community.