MONITORIAL SCHOOLS IN EUROPE. The following details relative to the progress of education, chiefly of a scriptural kind, and by means of the system of mutual instruction, on the continent of Europe, are given in the last report of the British and Foreign School Society. On the continent of Europe, France first claims attention. The committee deeply regret that their report must again be unfavorable. The Executive Government has withdrawn its assistance. The schools in France are not so numerous as before it is thought that there may be still from 600 to 800. The schools in Paris, which are 22 in number, and are supported by the city, contain 5000 scholars they are reported to be going on well. : : The accounts from the Netherlands are very encouraging. Two large model schools are now in preparation at Brussels, with suitable residences for the master and mistress. Several cities and towns have been supplied with masters who have been regularly trained in the system; and the Scripture Lessons, in French, are permitted to be used. His Excellency the Baron de Falck, the minister of public instruction, zealously promotes education among the poor. His Majesty the king of the Netherlands, and the Prince of Orange, patronise the object; under whose auspices the system of mutual instruction will undoubtedly prosper. The British system has been introduced into Denmark, in the villages of which country education has been long enjoyed, while the inhabitants of the large towns were surprisingly neglected. In several of the old schools the plan of mutual instruction had been adopted. The expense of preparing the writing lessons was defrayed by a donation from the King, who, with the Queen, is represented as highly pleased with the system. Mr. Gerelius is prosecuting his labors in Sweden, if not with splendid success, yet not without beneficial results. There are several schools in Stockholm; some of which are so crowded, that many children are waiting for admission: these schools contain about 500 scholars. There are upward of 80 schools in different parts of Sweden; and the British system is said to be encouraged by all branches of the community. By the persevering exertions of the Russian Bible Societies, great progress is made in the design of supplying all the nations and tribes of that immense empire with the sacred scriptures. The general establishment of schools will be a necessary appendage to these efforts: the committee trust that the importance of this measure will not be overlooked. Application has been made to Mr. Heard, by Gen. Ballashif, to organise a model school at Riazan; with a view to the introduction of the British system into the five provinces of which he is the governor, and which are situated in the centre of the Russian dominions. The School for Foreigners has been eminently successful: the numbers thronging for admission were so great, that a larger building was found requisite, and a fine hall, capable of accommodating 600 children, has been engaged: the former school-room is to be appropriated to the instruction of 150 girls. Some striking anecdotes have been communicated to the committee, showing the happy effects of scriptural education both on the pupils and on their parents. Though no direct information has reached the committee from Tuscany, the schools there, upward of thirty in number, superintended by the active friends who form the Education Society at Florence, continue to thrive and bear fruit. At Naples, one of the large schools which had been suppressed has been re-opened, with promising indications of efforts being made for the opening of others. Very little intelligence has been received from Spain. That the progress of education has been, in some instances at least, checked by recent occurrences, it seems impossible to question. The flourishing schools at Seville were suppressed on the approach of the French army: it is not improbable that a similar disaster has occurred in some other places. But when it is considered that the British system was introduced into Spain before the late disturbances, and under the royal sanction, it may be hoped that it will not be suffered to wither and die: VOL. I. 16 this hope is further justified by the fact, that the central schools in Madrid are prospering, assisted by the direct patronage and personal superintendence of the Duke del Infantados. Christ. Observ. Sept. 1825. CITY OF LONDON INFANT SCHOOLS. At a meeting held at the Rectory-house, Bishopsgate, the Lord Bishop of Chester, Rector of St. Botolph's, Bishopsgate, in the chair, an institution was formed for establishing Infant Schools in the city of London, for the reception of the children of the poor, from two to six years of age. The Lord Mayor and the Bishop of London are patrons, Mr. Peel vice-patron, and the Bishop of Chester president, with a highly respectable list of vice-presidents and other officers. The object of this institution,' the conductors state, will be, to provide for the care of the children during that portion of the day when, by the necessary avocations of the parents, they are unavoidably separated from each other; to form the children to habits of obedience, good order, and attention; and to give them such elementary instruction as may prepare them for entering with advantage into those schools where they may acquire useful knowledge, and be taught the great truths and duties of religion. Great inconvenience,' it is added, 'is at present experienced in the National Schools from the number of children under the age of six years pressing for admission; who, having been taught no habits of discipline or good order, greatly embarrass and impede the process of instruction in the schools. For this evil an effectual remedy will be furnished by an infant school, out of which a regular supply of well trained children, imbued with the rudiments of knowledge, will be from time to time furnished to the National Schools. It is no unimportant recommendation,' the committee add, of such establishments, that, by promoting cleanliness and regular exercise on the part of the children, they tend greatly to secure the health of the rising generation. Those who are accustomed to visit the children of the poor best know how many cases of disease, deformity, and bodily incapacity, are to be met with, arising from confinement in crowded rooms with an impure atmosphere, from other dangerous exposures, and particularly from those distressing accidents by fire which are of such frequent occurrence.' It is with the greatest pleasure we observe the extension of these highly useful establishments in various parts of the kingdom; and we strongly urge our read. ers to consider the practicability of forming them in their respective neighborhoods. Christ. Observ. Aug. 1825. EDUCATION IN BUENOS AYRES. Mr. Parvin in the month of July, 1823, sailed from Boston, in company with Mr. Brigham, for the purpose of obtaining information, particularly that of a religious character, relative to South America in general. On landing at Buenos Ayres, it was found expedient to direct his first efforts to acquiring a knowledge of the Spanish language. While engaged in this pursuit, it was proposed by several gentlemen from foreign countries, that he should open a school for the instruction of their children, and of any others who might desire to attend. The mea sure, however, was considered as merely an experiment, and it was presumed that none but the children of foreigners would apply for admission. Mr. Parvin commenced his instructions in the month of March, 1824. On the first day, five only attended; second day, six; third day, seven; and so on, to the number of 20. Here the school seemed, for a time, to be nearly stationary; and it was still considered uncertain whether it would eventually succeed. The undertaking, however, was persevered in; and soon the number of scholars increased to 25then to 30-and afterwards to 40. The labor had now become too great for an individual, and it was found necessary to employ an assistant. Providentially a young gentleman was obtained for this station, of excellent qualifications, and in all respects a suitable person. When Mr. Parvin left Buenos Ayres, the school contained 60 day scholars and 10 evening scholars-making a total of 70, all of them above the age of 10 years, and many arrived at the age of manhood. Applications were often made for the admission of children under 10; but it was deemed inexpedient, on the ground that a sufficient number could be obtained who were advanced to years of greater intelligence, and of course would be more likely to profit by the instructions they received.-The branches of knowlege pursued at this Academy, differ but little from those of similar institutions in the United States. The Bible, or at least some part of it, is read by almost every individual. Geography is an important branch of study in this Academy; and since the same or similar text-books are used as in this country, speaking often of different and various denominations of Christians, an opportunity is afforded of free conversation on this topic, which has been repeatedly improved, with great apparent interest to the scholars. Mr. Parvin has also conversed with them at times on the evidences of Christianity; and it is hoped, that before long, some book of this character will be introduced into the Academy.-Several children have been placed by their parents in the family of Mr. Parvin, and submitted entirely to his care and counsel. When he left Buenos Ayres, there were six of this description, between the ages of 10 and 18 years. Miss. Herald." Mr. Parvin has made a short visit to his friends in this country, and is now on his return to the field of his valuable labors. It is pleasing to learn that he returns with increased means of benefiting the population of Buenos Ayres. He carries out a printing-press &c., with a view to the publication of school-books, and other works used in instruction, and particularly of a periodical work, designed, chiefly or exclusively, for the improvement of education in South America. : This undertaking is one to which every friend of human happiness will wish well it is highly honorable to its author, and reflects credit on the national character. It is precisely such a step as it was to be wished might be taken by an enlightened and philanthropic citizen of the United States, valuing the intellectual and moral privileges of his own country, and desirous of extending them to others. On the subject of education, it is not enough that we set before the rising republics of the South, our example merely we owe them a more direct and efficient assistance,--the personal exertions of our citizens. Mr. Parvin will live, we hope, to see many noble results of his efforts in the cause of education, and to be regarded as a distinguished benefactor of the country to whose improvement he has devoted himself. UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA. Extracts from the last Report of the Rector and Visiters of the University of Vir ginia. The comencement on the 7th of March was with about 40 students. Others continued to arrive from day to day at first, and from week to week since; and the whole number matriculated, on the last day of the last month of September, was 116; and the state of the schools, on the same day, was as follows: From the information received from different quarters we have reason to expect a large accession to our numbers. The Dormitories now provided, can accommodate 218 students. The neighboring town of Charlottesville perhaps 50 more. A printed copy of the statutes and regulations enacted by the Board of Visiters for the government of the University is now communicated. We have thought it peculiarly requisite to leave to the civil magistrate the restraint and punishment of all offences which come within the ordinary cognisance of the laws. At the age of sixteen, the earliest period of admission into the University, habits of obedience to the laws become a proper part of education and practice. The minor provisions and irregularities alone (unnoticed by the laws of the land) are the peculiar subjects of academic authority. No system of these provisions has ever yet prevented all disorder. Those first provided by this Board were founded on the principles of avoiding too much government, of not multiplying occasions of coercion by erecting indifferent actions into things of offence, and of leaving room to the student for habitually exercising his own discretion. But, experience has already proved, that stricter provisions are necessary for the preservation of order: that coercion must be resorted to where confidence has been disappointed. We have accordingly, at the present session, considerably amended and enlarged the scope of our former system of regulations; and we shall proceed in the duties of tightening or ralaxing the reins of government, as experience shall instruct us in the progress of the institution. The last report stated that, in addition to the sum of $19,370 4 1-2 which had been paid or provided towards the building called the Rotunda, there were still remaining of the general funds, a sum of about $21,000 applicable to that building; that this sum, although not sufficient to finish it, would put it into a state of safety, and of some uses, until other and more pressing objects should have been accomplished. It has been indispensable to finish the circular room, destined for the reception of the books; because, once deposited in their places, the removing them for any finishing which might be left to be done hereafter, would be inadmissible. That has therefore, been carried on actively, and we trust will be ready in time for the reception of the books. The other apartments of indispensable use were, two for a chemical laboratory, one for a museum of natural history, and one for examinations, for accessory schools, and other associated purposes. An additional building too, for anatomical dissections, and other kindred uses, was become necessary. We are endeavoring to put them into a bare state for use, although with some jeopardy as to the competence of the funds. On representations to the general government of the interest which the legislature of Virginia had given to their university in certain claims then depending between them, of the great disadvantages under which this institution must labor, without the books and apparatus which this donation was to supply, that government did not hesitate to aid us with an advance, on account of such a sum as might cover that given to the university. A catalogue of books for the library was thereupon prepared, an agent employed to purchase them wherever they could be obtained cheapest and best, and a sum of $18,000, for this purpose, was placed at his disposal. A previous sum of $7677,81 had been advanced by the general fund, for the purchase of books, and apparatus of immediate necessity: and a sum of $6000 appropriated, on loan, towards preparing the room in the Rotunda destined for a library, making together $31,677 81. For the purchase of a Philosophical apparatus, a sum of $6000 was deposited in London; a list of the proper articles, and their selection and purchase, were committed to a character there highly qualified for the execution of the charge; and another sum of $3000 was deposited in London for the acquisition of articles necessary for the anatomical school. A good proportion of these articles we are in hopes to receive this autumn, and the residue in the ensuing spring.-Some donations of mineral collections have already been received; others, destined for the university, are known of; and it is believed we shall, in this way, be supplied sufficiently for all the purposes of education. NOTICES. WORKS IN THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION. A Spelling-Book, containing the Rudiments of the English Language, with Appropriate Reading Lessons. By Thomas J. Lee Esq. Boston, 1825. 18mo. pp. 180. The progressive improvement of instruction is nowhere more conspicuous than in spelling-books; and the one before us may be mentioned as a favorable in stance. It is highly gratifying to observe men of ability contenting themselves with a station at the threshold of learning. It is in vain that we expect a highly improved state of education, without a thorough attention to its humblest elements. The remark will acquire peculiar force, if we apply it to the lessons which children receive on their own language. It gives us much pleasure, therefore, to observe in this, and other works of the kind, a minute attention to the first principles of pronunciation. The time we think is fast going by, when a slovenly neglect of this branch of education will be tolerated in either young or old. In the accuracy of its tables of sounds, and columus of accent, Mr. Lee's spelling-book is superior to most hitherto published. The reading lessons are simple in style, and progressive in arrangement: they contain none of the common violations of taste; and their moral influence is likely to be excellent, in the highest degree. In the other departments of instruction usually embraced in spellingbooks, this little volume is remarkable for accuracy and fullness. The dictionary with which the book closes, is a valuable addition to the common matter of such manuals. Reading Lessons for Primary Schools. Boston, 1825. 18mo. pp. 126. 'The leading object, in the selection of these lessons,' says the compiler, 'has been to choose those which are adapted, both in the language and the matter, to the capacity of children. An attempt has also been made to select such as are suited to excite the curiosity of the young reader, to afford a harmless and rational entertainment, to impart some valuable information, or to impress on the mind a useful moral lesson." The selection comprised in this neat little volume, is excellently adapted to the above purposes. Every lesson seems intelligible and pleasing to very young children; and the pure morality, and the refined taste, which characterise the pieces, make this book a valuable assistant to parents and teachers who are desirous of cultivating the imagination and the heart, as well as the understanding and the memory. Historical Pocket Library, comprising Heathen Mythology, Ancient History, Grecian History, Roman History, History of England. The whole forming a new, moral, and comprehensive System of Historical Information, for the amusement and instruction of the Young. Boston, 1818. 18mo. 5 vols. in 3. This historical selection is made with great care and judgement: strict attention has been paid to its adaptation for the young. Mythology, the first subject, is one to which it is extremely difficult to do justice, without entering into im |