faculties, but only for the eye and the memory. Of these, the former received no definite ideas, and the latter being burdened with a heterogeneous mass of disconnected details, not distinguishing the valuable from the worthless, and being unable to retain the whole, hastened to unburthen itself at the recitation, and when called on subsequently to furnish any information, was wholly guiltless of possessing what was regarded as the property of the teacher and the book.

We do not apply these remarks to all teachers or all pupils. Probably most, permanent teachers have a method of teaching Topography in spite of deficiencies in text books. But even

teachers have until recently been destitute of the means of informing themselves with regard to Geography. The delivery and publication of Guyot's Lectures on comparative physical Geography, ushered in a new era in the cause of Geographical Science. We know of no book whose influence upon the teacher, and through him eventually upon the whole mass of the people, is so quickening and suggestive. For it comes to him in a form in which he can re-present it at once to his pupils, in the most acceptable manner; it astonishes him by the variety, novelty, and beauty of the truths which it presents upon a theme which he had thought exhausted; it delights him by the eloquence, "the vivid and picturesque earnestness of their utterance; and it elevates what had been a most tedious and improfitable study, a mere dry memorizing of isolated facts, of little or no value, to a rank among the most interesting, valuable and attractive sciences. It relieves him of a most annoying task, and substitutes for it a treasury of interest and instruction for himself and his pupils.

It is to be hoped that no unnecessary delay will intervene before the publication of the series of elementary books, which is promised us.

Whether Professor Guyot has that familiarity with the workings and wants of our common schools, which will enable him to prepare works the best adapted to them, time will decide. But whatever he offers, it cannot but be a great improvement upon the text books which now unteach this science of the earth.

C.

A man should never be ashamed to own that he has been in the wrong which is but saying, in other words, that he is wiser today than he was yesterday. - Pope.

NORFOLK COUNTY TEACHERS' ASSOCIATION.

THIS Association held its fourth semi-annual meeting in Quincy, the 26th and 27th of December. Wednesday morning, the Association was called to order by the President, Mr. Reed, of Roxbury, and was opened with prayer by Rev. Mr. Clark, of Quincy. After singing and the reading of the Report of the last meeting, and also the Constitution of the Association, Messrs. Alden, of Roxbury, and Newcomb, of Quincy, were appointed to receive the names of new members.

On motion, it was voted that all persons present be invited to take part in the deliberations of the meeting. John Kneeland, Esq., of Dorchester, then delivered a lecture upon "The Duty of Teachers to perfect themselves." The lecturer dwelt upon the necessity incumbent on the teacher, of studying the character of his pupils, to ascertain their deficiencies, and furnish the best means of supplying them: he should labor to counteract those pernicious influences to which his pupils are exposed out of the school-room, and he should strive to make up for that lack of parental influence which too often exists. Above all, the teacher should study to perfect himself; and the model of a perfect character should ever be in his mind. He closed by exhorting teachers to labor for others' good, rather than for their own reputation. The Association then adjourned to two o'clock, P. M.

Afternoon Session.-The report of the Treasurer was read and accepted. Gideon F. Thayer, Esq., Delegate to the National Convention, then reported in regard to the doings of that Convention. Mr. Newcomb, of Quincy, also made a report on the Convention at Worcester.

Mr. Thayer then delivered a lecture on subjects appertaining to the daily exercises of the school. The lecturer dwelt on the importance of attending to the personal habits of youth, in the school-room, and gave many valuable hints and suggestions on neatness and order, for the guidance of teachers, not only as regards their pupils, but also themselves. His hints to teachers on these points, were well timed, and were listened to with much interest. In closing, he paid a beautiful tribute to the influence and worth of female teachers, and, referring to the inadequate compensation which they received, assured them of reaping a rich reward in the respect and esteem which their young pupils would ever cherish for them. Mr. Thayer's lecture elicited much earnest discussion, which was sustained by Messrs. Newcomb, of Quincy, Tuck, of Cohasset, and Woodbury, of Dorchester, until 4 1-2 o'clock, when it was voted to adjourn to 6 1-2, P. M.

Evening Session. The subjects discussed during the af ternoon, were resumed, and remarks were made by Messrs.

Thayer, Hunt, of Plymouth, and Barrows, of Dorchester.

A lecture was then delivered by Wm. D. Swan, Esq., of Boston, on "The Duties of Teachers." The lecturer passed a beautiful eulogium upon the character of the early settlers of New England, dwelling particularly on their intelligence and their love of learning, and upon the early and strenuous efforts which they made to establish colleges and schools for the education of youth; thereby laying the foundation of that system which is the glory of New England. He referred, in feeling terms, to the teachers of past times, and paid a fit tribute to their worth. After mentioning the fact that an Association of Teachers was formed in Norfolk County, eighteen years ago, he spoke of the duties of teachers of the present day; he mentioned the importance to the teacher of a knowledge of the human mind, of its faculties, and their proper development, in order that he might approach his work understandingly. The lecturer dwelt, at some length, on the practice of prohibiting whispering in schools; also of keeping scholars confined to set forms and positions; and he denounced them, in strong terms. He believed that scholars were confined to their books too many hours in the day, and thought that the time would come, when there would be only one, instead of two, sessions a day. This portion of the lecture was warmly discussed by Messrs, Barrows, Hunt, Reed, Swan, Thayer and Cummings.

Mr. Thayer offered the following resolutions, which were unanimously adopted:

Resolved, That we heartily approve of the measures adopted by the National Educational Convention, held in the city of Philadelphia, in the month of October last; and especially the appointment of a Committee to memorialize Congress to establish a bureau in the Home Department of the Government, for the introduction of a system of National public education; and earnestly hope that it will secure the favorable notice of our National Legislature.

Resolved, That our Representative in Congress be requested to use his best efforts to promote the object adverted to in the foregoing resolution.

Resolved, That these resolutions, signed by the President and Secretary of the Association, be transmitted to the Honorable Horace Mann, without delay.

After some further discussion on subjects suggested by Mr. Swan's lecture, it was voted to adjourn to 9 o'clock, Thursday morning.

Thursday. The Association met, according to adjournment, and was called to order by the President. Prayer was offered by Rev. Dr. Sears. After singing, Mr. Capen, of Dedham, made some remarks upon the character of the late Mr. Seth Littlefield, and offered resolutions upon his death, which, after

remarks by Mr. Alden, upon the character of the deceased, on motion of Mr. Newcomb, of Quincy, were adopted.

The subject of School Discipline was then taken up, and, after an essay from Mr. Newcomb, of Quincy, a long and spirited discussion ensued. Mr. Reed, of Roxbury, opened the debate, and explained fully his views upon the subject. He spoke of its vast importance; as, in its widest sense, it comprehends all things which come under the supervision of the teacher. Men differ in their ideas of what constitutes ideal perfection. Without, however, assuming to decide this point, the speaker adverted to many particulars which go to constitute a good system of discipline. He spoke of the importance of punctuality on the part of the teacher, and of his being active and energetic in whatever he does; he should keep perfectly cool and collected under the most trying circumstances; he should never allow himself to get into a passion; and he should never fret and scold. In cases of disobedience, treat it as a thing to be expected, and for which you are prepared. Notice the first beginnings of mischief, and check them before they assume a formidable character. Have every scholar under your eye, as often as once a minute, if possible. Never let a scholar know that his conduct vexes you, and ever insist upon the most exact obedience. Never tell a scholar he is a very bad pupil, for nothing will do more to make him so. Inspire him with confidence in himself, and with the idea that you have an eye for his merits, as well as for his failings. If you have been obliged to resort to punishment, do not continue to upbraid him, but treat him as though you were willing to overlook his fault; and take the first opportunity to encourage him, by some little favor bestowed upon, or kind word spoken to him. Mr. Reed's suggestions were the fruit of long experience, and he was listened to with profound attention. Questions on several points in discipline were referred to him, which were fully answered. The discussion was continued by Messrs. Capen, of Dedham, Woodbury, of Dorchester, Cummings, of Quincy, Barrows and Kneeland, of Dorchester, Loomis, of Bridgewater, and Fiske, of Lowell, and was ably sustained during the whole of the forenoon session: nearly every item of importance received its share of attention. The merits of corporal punishment were fully discussed; as was also the subject of whispering in schools. The subject of the jurisdiction of Committees being touched upon, Rev. Mr. Burrill, of Quincy, expressed his regret at the tone of feeling manifested by one or two speakers of the previous evening, during the debate on this subject; the remark having been dropped, that Committees were not to be feared by teachers, Mr. Barrows explained, and closed by saying that a good Committee need not be feared. Mr. Fiske, of Lowell, denounced the custom of obliging teach

ers to give an account of every blow they struck, on the ground that teachers would withhold the use of the rod injudiciously, for the sake of presenting a favorable report to their Committees, and thus insubordination would sometimes creep in.

The Association adjourned to half past two P. M.
The afternoon session was opened with singing.

On motion, it was voted that the teachers of Plymouth County be invited to coöperate with those of Norfolk, in sustaining the Association.

Remarks were made by Messrs. Kneeland, Cummings, and Newcomb, on the subject of discipline. The subject of Arithmetic was then introduced, and remarks were made thereon by Messrs. Capen, of Dedham, Fiske, of Lowell, Loomis, of Bridgewater, and Reed, of Roxbury. The discussion turned chiefly upon the importance of Mental Arithmetic as a study, and the necessity of requiring scholars to be exact in their statements in explanation.

Mr. Newcomb, of Quincy, then introduced the following Resolution, which was unanimously adopted:

Resolved, That we heartily approve of the Resolution passed at the Massachusetts Teachers' Convention, held at Worcester, in the month of November last, whereby a Committee was appointed to memorialize the Legislature to enact a law for the prevention of Truancy.

Also the following Resolution, which passed unanimously.

Resolved, That the thanks of this Association be presented to Messrs. John Kneeland, of Dorchester, Wm. D. Swan, of Boston, and Gideon F. Thayer, of Quincy, for the instruction they have afforded us, by their useful, interesting, and valuable lectures.

A nearly unanimous vote was passed in favor of the prohibition of whispering in schools.

After singing "Old Hundred," the Association adjourned, to meet again at the time and place designated by the board of Directors.

This meeting was by far the most interesting of those which the Association has held. The lectures were highly instructive and useful, the debates were earnestly and ably sustained; and the ideas of a large number of experienced teachers, on many subjects of importance, were freely and fully expressed.

Dr. Sears, Secretary of the Board of Education, was present, ready, as he ever is, to cheer and encourage the teacher in his arduous and responsible duties; and the usefulness of the meeting was not a little enhanced by the presence of teachers from Plymouth County. We trust that the two Counties will ever