V. Biographical Sketches.

1. W. B. LINDSAY, ESQ.

Mr. Lind

He was the son of

but I walked away trying to analyze this young fellow's attraction, and why our young fellows do not have it. I came to a good many conclusions, none of which were satisfactory. Our self consciousness is partly in fault, and this might be helped, though it is not easily got rid of; but it is partly that we want the mellowing influence of venerable and beautiful surroundings; and the worm of It is with very deep regret that we announce the decease of Mr. envy gnawed amain. There is a class of men (I have seen too many W. B. Lindsay, Clerk to the House of Commons. The deceased not to believe that they belong to a class) on whom this influence gentleman had for some time been ailing, and expired at his resiof the university seems to rest like a halo all through after-life. dence yesterday afternoon about half past two o'clock. They are sometimes to be met in London, but more often in out-of-say was a man of far more than average ability and an accomplishthe-way country villages, generally in the parsonages. Whatever ed scholar. He spoke French as fluently as English, and was thortheir profession, or whether they have one or not, they love books, oughly conversant with Latin, Greek, and other languages of anbefit architecture, philology, Homer, Horace, archæology, heraldry, cient times. He was a man of genial and kindly disposition, ever or gardening. They are seldom rich, but always open-handed; ready to help a friend or to forgive an enemy. they are not men of rank, but there is not a stoop in their whole the late Mr. W. B. Lindsay, for many years Clerk of the Legislanature; they are pious, kind, hospitable, courteous, refined; apt tive Assembly of the late Province of Canada, and grandson of Mr. to be a little shy and pensive, yet ready to warm into cheerfulness W. Lindsay, who held the same office from 1809 to 1830, whilst and gentle geniality at the first spark of sympathy and kindred Lower Canada possessed a separate Government and Legislature. taste. Their intercourse has a rare charm, and they are quite un- Mr. Lindsay studied law with the Hon. Henry Black, C.B., the preconscious of it themselves. Unfortunately, these men have no in- sent admirable Judge of the Vice Admiralty Court of Quebec, of fluence that I could perceive though they belong to a class, their whom he was a favourite pupil, and evinced such marked ability both class has no solidity. They are not much interested in general before and after his admission to practice, that many leading memquestions, public measures and events of the day: they are seldom bers of the Bar predicted for him a most distinguished career as a called upon to speak or act upon such matters, and are more wont lawyer. Circumstances beyond his control, we believe, compelled to have prejudices than opinions: they constitute no society, they him to throw up prospects so brilliant, and in 1841 he entered the follow no leader, they make no school.-Lippincott's Magazine. public service as an extra clerk in the Legislative Assembly of Canada. In 1844 he was appointed Assistant Law Clerk and Translator. In 1855 he became Assistant Clerk ; in 1862 Clerk of the Legislative Assembly, and in 1867 he was appointed Clerk to the House of Com

4. EDUCATION IN FRANCE.

In the Militia service he held the rank of Major, and for some the seventh Military District of Lower Canada. During the exisyears he filled the position of Assistant Quarter-Master-General of tence of the late Civil Service Rifle Regiment, he held a captaincy in that well-known corps.-Ottawa Times.

2. TERENCE J. O'NEILL, ESQ.

"The Primary Schools give instruction in reading, writing, arithmetic, grammar, mathematics, drawing, needle work for girls, -natural history, geography, &c., &c. Morals and religion are to be inculcated in all Primary Schools. Parents and guardians have the right of selecting the schools, or teachers for their children. It is with unfeigned regret we have to announce the death of T. All who are unable to pay are to be educated free. The municipal J. O'Neill, Esq., which melancholy event occurred at Gaspé on the councils of villages and towns have the right to decide what children 21st ult., in the 67th year of his age. The deceased had been in are not able to pay. Every parish is bound to maintain a primary delicate health for some months past. Following the advice of his school, and if possible, also one for each sex. When the sexes are mixed-which is to be avoided as much as possible-the teacher must be a woman. The fathers of families in each parish are to decide whether the teachers of the Primary School are to be laymen or members of the teaching religious societies. Where a mother is at the head of a family she is to vote. If it be decided that the teacher is to be a layman, he must produce proper testimonials from the place at which he was educated; if the fathers of families have elected to have a congregational teacher, he must be approved of of by the Superior of his Order; if they desire a Protestant teacher, he must be approved by the "Consistoire," or Presbytery. No person can be a teacher in any school who is not twenty-one years of and age, who cannot produce proofs of capacity.

physician, he went to the Lower St. Lawrence, a short time since, for change of air, and in the hope of being improved by the invigorating breezes of the Atlantic. But, alas! Providence otherwise ordained; and the kind husband, the fond father, and the steadfast friend breathed his last far from his home, and separated from some of the members of his family whom he loved so affectionately. Mr. O'Neill was well known and highly respected throughout the length and breadth of the Dominion. For the last forty-three years he has been a resident in Canada, having arrived here in 1829. He filled many positions of honour and trust. For many years he was a Justice of the Peace. He was also Captain of Miltia. In 1852 '53, he was President of the Catholic Institute. He was a member of the University Senate. In 1852 he was candidate for There are two kinds of schools noted: Parish Schools and Free Parliament for this city. In 1861, he was appointed Inspector of Schools; the former supported by the parish or commune with or Prisons, and in 1868, Director of Penitentiaries, being Chairman of without state aid; the latter founded and supported by individuals the Board at the time of his death. Our deceased friend was an or societies. A teacher of a Parish School must always be of the earnest and uncompromising Catholic, an ardent lover of his counsame religious denomination as the majority of the children. In try. He possessed a mind highly cultivated and well stored with every Department of France there is to be a Normal School under a fund of varied and useful knowledge. He was a gifted and inthe surveillance of a commission of five members, chosen by the teresting conversationalist, brimful of anecdotes, and bon mots, Council-General of the Department, and appointed for five years. which gave point and charm to the subjects he touched.—-Canadian These Ecoles Normales are destined for the education of lay school- Freeman.

masters.

VI. Miscellaneous.

The new law, besides the Parish and Free Schools, provides--(1) for Sunday Schools-les Ecoles du Dimanche-intended for the instruction of young men whose education has been neglected, and who have no other day on which they could attend classes; (2) 1. THE QUEEN AT THE PAPER MILL. schools in workshops and factories; (3) schools in hospitals and prisons; (4) classes for evening teaching in other places than those The Queen was riding out in her grand carriage, the horses tossdesignated under the general head of schools; (5) libraries in com- ing their plumes as if they felt themselves a little better than commune or parishes. All these institutions are to be under the Coun- mon horses, and the footmen all decked out in red, feeling that they cil-General of the Department, or the committee of education in had something royal about them. The Queen had always had everyparishes. The school board in every parish is to consist of the thing she wanted, and so was quite miserable because she could not mayor, the curé or rector, the Protestant minister or rabbi, when think of a want to supply or a new place to visit. children of those denominations are in the schools of the parish; At last she bethought her that they had just been building a new of five fathers of families when there are not more than 2000 inha-paper-mill a few miles out of the city. Now she had never seen a bitants in the parish; and of seven fathers of families when the paper-mill, and so she determined to stop a little way off, there number of inhabitants exceed that number. From these committees leave her carriage, and walk in, not as a Queen, but as an unknown members are to be chosen for the school board of the canton, and common lady. She went in alone, and told the owner she would from those of the various cantons members are to be selected for like to see his mill. He was in a great hurry, and did not know the school board of the Department. that she was the Queen. But he said to himself, "I can gratify the

curiosity of this lady and add to her knowledge; and though I am the whole class. The pledge and charge are in Latin, and to the terribly hurried, yet I will do this kindness." He then showed her following effect: I promise to render respect and obedience to the all the machinery; how they bleach the rags and make them white; how they grind them into pulp; how they make sheets, and smooth authorities of the University, to faithfully regard its statutes and laws, them, and dry them, and make them beautiful. The Queen was to assert its rights and privileges, to bring it into no disadvantage or astonished and delighted. She would now have something new to injury, and to bear myself kindly and honourably toward all my think about and talk about. associates. Then do you fear God, honor the king, cultivate virtue, and give due diligence to ensure good discipline in the University. The Address, which was in English, we shall give next week.

Just as she was about leaving the mill she came to a room filled with old, worn out, dirty, rags. At the door of this room was a great multitude of poor, dirty men, women and children, bringing old bags on their backs, filled with bits of rags and paper, parts of old newspapers and the like, all exceedingly filthy. These were rag-pickers, who had picked these old things out of the streets and gutters of the great city.

"What do you do with all these vile things?" said the Queen. "Why, madam, I make paper out of them. To be sure, they are not very profitable stock, but I can use them and it keeps these poor

creatures in bread."

"But these rags! Why, sir, they are of all colours, and how do you make them white?""

"Oh, I have the power of taking out all the dirt and the old colours. You see that scarlet' and 'crimson;' yet I can make even scarlet and crimson, the hardest colours, to remove and become white as snow.".

"Wonderful! wonderful!" said the Queen.

She then took her leave; but the polite owner of the mill insisted on walking and seeing her safe in her carriage. When she got in and bowed to him with a smile, and he saw all the grand establishment, he knew it was the Queen.

The Hon. A. Crooks, D.C. L., in a very neat and appropriate speech, presented Mr. Titus to the Chancellor to receive the Macdonald Bursary. This, it will be remembered, was established at the Convocation of 1870, by the late Hon. J. S. Macdonald. The Hon. Attorney General paid a graceful compliment to the political worth of the departed Canadian patriot and statesman, and warmly congratulated Mr. Titus on his success. The Rev. I. B. Aylsworth, M.A., then presented Mr. W. P. Dyer, for the Second Proficiency Prize at matriculation; and J. J. B. Flint, Esq., Mayor of Belleville, again presented Mr. Titus, for the Holden Prize in English.

The Proficiency Prize was offered by the Senate, and the Holden Prize by Thos. Holden, Esq., ex-Mayor of Belleville. Next followed the presentation of Matriculant Honour Men. These are gentlemen that reach or pass a certain per-centage at their examinations, and take certain additional subjects in any department in which they may be "Well, well!" said he "she has learned something, at any rate. competitors for Honours. Prizes are given for such subjects as the I wish it may be a lesson in true religion." A few days after, the Queen found lying upon her writing donors or the Senate may designate, and may be for either Pass or desk a pile of the most beautiful polished paper she had ever seen. Honour Work, or both. But Honour Men must have taken an addition On each sheet were the letters of her own name, and her own like- to the Pass Work in one or several departments. Thus it will be seen How she did admire it. She found, also, a note within, that one young man, Mr. Titus, took both Pass and Honour Course which she read. It ran thus: "Will my Queen be pleased to accept a specimen of my paper, throughout. W. Kerr, Esq., M.A., presented the Honour Men in with the assurance that every sheet was manufactured out of the Mathematics, viz., Dyer, Titus, Perkins. and Wilbur. Dr. Nichol, of contents of those dirty bags which she saw on the backs of the poor Montreal, presented Titus for Honour in Classics; A. L. Morden, Esq., rag-pickers? All the filth and the colours are washed out, and I trust the result is such as even a Queen may admire. Will the Mayor of Napanee, presented Titus, Colter, and Dyer for Honours in Queen also allow me to say that I have had many a good sermon Classics, and Thos. Holden, Esq., presented Titus and Wilbur in preached to me in my mill I can understand how our Jesus Christ English. For Second Class Honours, Certificates only are given, the can take the poor heathen, the low, sinful creatures everywhere,

ness.

viler than the rags, and wash them and make them clean; and how, candidates not being presented in Convocation.

2. KEEP THE GOOD TEACHER

Mr. Titus delivered

' though their sins be as scarlet, he can make them whiter than the Latin Salutatory, and Mr. Dyer the English Oration; both rendered snow; and though they be red, like crimson, he can make them as in fine style and well received. The College Anthem, Dr. Crozier's wool.' And I can see that He can write His own name upon their Domine Salvum Fac, was performed with spirit and effect. After this, foreheads, as the Queen will find her name on each sheet of paper; and I can see how, as those filthy rags may go into the palace and the candidates for B. A. delivered their Theses as follows: Mr. J. A. even be admired, some poor vile sinner may be washed in the blood Carman on Free Trade; Mr. G. R. Cook on the Political Tendencies of of the Lamb, and be received into the palace of the great King of the Age; Mr. C. A. Kingston on the Drama; Mr. D. C. Macintyre on Heaven."-Rev. John Todd, in Sunday-School Times. the Open Polar Sea ; Mr. J. P. Wilson on the Landmarks of Philosophy; and Mr. E. McMahon on Man the Architect of His Own Fortune, and the Valedictory. These gentlemen were then admitted to the Degree Term after term if money will retain him. The loss by frequent changes are great, and yet this, in rural towns, is the rule and not of Bachelor in Arts; Mr. S. B. Burdett to the Degree of Bachelor in the exception. A new teacher every term, and precious time is lost Laws; and the Rev. E. I. Badgley, B. A., and E. S. Wiggins, Esq., B.A., before an understanding of want and supply, of past attainments Principal of the Ontario Institute for the Blind, at Brantford, to that of and future expectations, of capacity, habit, and disposition is arMaster in Arts in due course. The presentations and admissions were rived at, from which the teacher can work advantageously. A good teacher is worth one half more the second term in the same school, in the usual Latin formulas, and these successful gentlemen were, on than a new one of equal ability. He works not only from present their laureation, greeted with due applause. The Theses were bold in attainments, but past experiences. He wastes no time on ground thought, of correct, and some, of finished style, and were well delivered. already mastered, or points already gained. He knows where, when, and how; his methods, style, and words are familiar and easier comprehended than those of a stranger. It pays to keep the good teacher and vice versa. Too frequent change of teachers is one of the evils under which our common schools labour.

ALBERT UNIVERSITY.-Not the least interesting and successful of our University Convocations was held in Ontario Hall, Belleville, on Wednesday, 19th. inst.

When the officers of Convocation had taken their places, the Chancellor, in a Latin formula, declared that all things were in readiness for the conferring of the Degrees, Honours, and Scholarships, as required in the University. After prayer by Bishop Richardson, the Matriculating Class was duly admitted. The ceremony of admission consists of the administration of an obligation to the candidate, the delivery of a oharge by the Chancellor, and subsequently an address to

We may be able to give some of these to our readers. We were especially favourably impressed with the style and delivery of Mr. Kingston's, the vigour of Mr. Macintyre's thought, the scholarly and philosophic sweep of Mr. Wilson's, and the fine rendering of Mr. McMahon's. All the gentlemen that have passed to B.A. gave ample proof that they need but diligence and energy to achieve for themselves the highest positions as writers and speakers.

Hon. A. McKellar, in a forcible and happy speech, then presented the following class of Undergraduate Prizemen: Mr. C. A. Kingston for three prizes, one in General Proficiency, one in Modern Languages, and one in Greek verse; Mr. J. P. Wilson for prize in Metaphysics; Mr. D. C. McIntyre for the Sills' Prize in English Prose, and the Wills Prize in the same subject; Mr. P. L. Palmer for the Bull Prize in English Prose and Mr. E. McMahon in French Prose. The Hon.

gentleman expressed his great satisfaction at finding in the class a man from his own county, Mr. Macintyre, whose parents he well knew as worthy pioneers, and whom himself, he had always watched with interest. He also spoke very highly of Albert College, and of the firm devotion of the people that sustained it to the best interests of the country, particularly in their consistent and practical advocacy of the voluntary principle.

of the first graduates of the University, took as his text Daniel xii, 3,— They that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament, and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars forever and ever." MR. WOODS' RETIREMENT.—Mr. Woods, the efficient Inspector of the Kingston Schools, in his remarks before the Board of Trustees on his retirement, said: Any person having his experience (Mr. Woods') was well aware of the large amount of work it entailed-the labours of an Rev. Dr. Wild then presented E. McMahon for Pi Sigma and the inspector under the new regulations being increased fully ten-fold; it was Mayor's Prizes in Oratory. Messrs. W. W. Dean, M.A., Master in one report after another, continuously, to the Education Department, Chancery; A. F. Wood, Warden, and Rev. James Gardiner, of C. C. Toronto, and unless they were prepared with care, and devoid of inaccuAdvocate, in effective speeches, respectively presented E. G. Ponton for racies, they would be returned for amendment. Before taking his leave the "Harry Nichol" Memorial Prize in General Proficiency, second he wished to heartily return thanks for the kindness and respect with year; J. B. Barton for the Gould Prize in Mathematics; and E. L. which he had been received and treated by the Board in the capacity of Chamberlain for the Scott Proficiency Prize. The first was instituted superintendent during the past five years, the resignation of which by Dr. Nichol, of Montreal; the second by C. M. Gould, Esq., ex- would sever every tie existing between himself and the trustees, except Warden Co. Northumberland; and the third by C. J. Scott, of that of good feeling and warm friendship; but in retiring, it was his Strathroy. Mr. Dean. in his presentation, took occasion to call the ardent desire to see the interests of the public schools promoted. He attention of the Honourable gentleman present to the work accomplished had occupied the chairmanship of the Board of Examiners-that position by the out-lying colleges. Dr. Palmer, Principal of Deaf and Dumb will also be vacated by him, and the seat assumed by Prof. Dupuis, and Institute, presented J. W. Wright for General Proficiency. The he sincerely hoped and trusted that the same cordiality would continue Undergraduate Honour Men in Modern Languages, Kingston, McMahon between that gentleman and the teachers and employees of the Board, and Ponton, were presented by J. Bell, Q. C.; and in Mathematics, as when he had the office. Within the past five years, in all his interBarton and Chamberlain by A. Diamond, Esq. Convocation closed with course and dealings with the Public Schools, he had had no occasion to the National Anthem. utter a complaint against any teacher or subordinate official; and now he Convocation Dinner in the evening at the Dafoe House was a decided thought, instead of murmurings, there were expressions of regret. The success. Dr. Hope filled the chair, and A. L. Morden, Esq., of Napanee, Chairman said he was sure that all deeply regretted the severance which the vice-chair. The usual loyal and University toasts were given, and had taken place between Mr. Woods and the Board. Had the duties of heartily responded to.-Bishop Richardson, in his response to the that gentleman as Principal of the Collegiate Institute not made it obli"navy," gave several interesting reminiscences of the war of 1812, in gatory for him to resign the position of Inspector, there were none, he which he served, and took occasion to vindicate the character of his was certain, who could discharge the labours pertaining to that office to Admiral, Sir James Yew, against the aspersions of cowardice, because better advantage and meet the approbation of the public more than Mr. he did not more readily come to an engagement. The Bishop showed Woods. He had devoted many years to the profession of teacher of a that his conduct was attributable to caution, as the land forces and prominent institution, was possessed of extensive experience, and was the army in the west depended on him for supplies. In response to the therefore better qualified for inspector than any university graduate or "Lieutenant-Governor and the Parliament of Ontario," Hon. Mr. Crooks professor of a College.-Chronicle and News. showed the excellency of our constitution, and the necessity of fidelity to its principles in order to enjoy the fullness of its provisions. Hon. Mr. McKellar spoke of the lack of educational advantages in his youth, and of the service his backwood's diploma had rendered him through life in the energy and vigour it had given him. He also spoke of this young and growing country with satisfaction, and counselled the young men to be true to the heritage of their fathers. Speaking of our developing resources, he said, had there been a road like the Grand Trunk through the country in its early settlement it would have paid for itself in the wood and timber it would have saved from the pioneers' log-heaps. He also showed that the new roads of our own times will soon pay for themselves in the increase of population, and the consequent increased annual payments from the Dominion Government under the Confederation Act. The speeches of the honourable gentleman were timely. effective and well received. Mayor Kerr, in reply to "sister Universities," gave a fervid and eloquent address, rejoicing in the prosperity of all the Universities. He spoke well of all, and stood up manfully for his own. The policy of the late Government in withdraw. ing special grants he now approved of, though it had cost them much money and labour. Warden Wood argued that there should be a general University law, just as there is a general Public School and High

School law. All active Universities might be aided under its provisions; or the Government might do as did the County of Hastings, aid Universities by endowing special chairs. The whole thing could be put under proper supervision, and the public interest secured. All the speeches were lively and to the point, and after a very pleasant evening, the large company separated about twelve o'clock.

BISHOP STRACHAN SCHOOL.-At the annual distribution of prizes at Wykeham Hall, His Honour Judge Boyd was requested to preside. The rooms were well filled with the pupils and their friends, the teaching staff, the members of the school council and other friends of the institution. In addition to the prize list, the presentation of a beautiful gold medal, kindly offered by Dr. Hodder, physician to the school, to be annually given to the most proficient pupil, was given to Miss Kate Denison, the daughter of Col. Robert Denison. The Chairman, Alderman Harman and others happily addressed the pupils, and expressed their congratulations to the Lady Principal, the Chaplain, and the other teachers, on the success achieved by the school.

VII. Departmental Notices.

GOLD MEDAL FOR TEACHERS IN 1873. Teachers competing for first class certificates in 1873, will please refer to the letters on page 115, of this number of the Journal of Education, from which they will see that Mr. McCabe (a former successful teacher) offers for competition a Gold Medal, to the most successful candidate for a first class certificate in July, 1873. A medal will (D.V.) be given every year by Mr. McCabe as indicated.

PLANS FOR SCHOOL HOUSES, ETC.

Parties preparing these plans wlll please observe that their plans, to be admitted to competition, must be drawn to the scales indicated, and must be prepared either on separate sheets of paper or with a space of two or three inches between them. The specification should be written on one side of the sheet

only.

The first of the series of public University exercises was the sermon by Rev. I. B. Aylsworth, M. A., before the Senate and University, in the M. E. Church, on Sabbath, 16th. inst. The Rev. Senator, one Printed by HUNTER, ROSE & Co., 86 and 88 King Street, West, Toronto.

open, whether the work was done or not. It has also induced the Page trustees to keep the school open one or two months longer in the year than formerly. Then, as to the basis of apportionment itself, the subjects of teaching in a Grammar School were designed to differ from those in a Common School. Grammar Schools are intended to be intermediate between Common Schools and Universities. The Common School law amply provides for giving the best kind of a superior English education in Central Schools, in the cities, towns, and villages, with primary ward schools as feeders (as in Hamilton); while to allow Grammar Schools to do Common School work is a misapplication of Grammar School Funds to Common School purposes; Common Schools are already adequately provided for. By the law of 1807, and subsequently, the number of classical pupils was fixed at 20, and afterwards at 10. In our regulations we take the latter number."

130

new Act submitted to the Legislature for its adoption in 1870-71, the amount of the Government grants to the different High embodied the new principle in the 37th Section as thus explained Schools dependent not on numbers alone, but on results likewise. in his report for that year :

“THE NEW PRINCIPLE OF PAYMENT BY RESULTS.' "Our School Law of 1871 has introduced a new principle into the mode of payments to High Schools. Formerly the system adopted was (as in the case of Public Schools,) to distribute the High School Fund on the basis of average attendance of the pupils at the school. This was found to work injuriously to the best class of schools. For instance, a very inferior school with an average attendance, say, of fifty, would be entitled to receive precisely the same apportionment as another school with the same attendance, but which might be greatly superior,-if not the very best school in the Province. To remedy this defect and remove this injustice, a new principle of payment was introduced into the Act-viz: the payment (as it is technically termed in England)" by results," or, as in the words of the Act itself, according to " proficiency in the various branches of study." This principle has been for years strictly applied to Elementary Schools in England, and it is now extended to other classes of schools. The thoroughness of the system of inspection adopted there has enabled the school authorities to do so. We shall not be able at present to go further than the High Schools with the application of this principle; but we trust that by and by, if it be found to work well in the High Schools, we shall be able to apply it to the Public Schools as well.

66

To speak mathematically, what each school shall receive out of the
public treasury should be a function of the two variable quantities,
the number of pupils in attendance, and the character of the
instruction imparted; but, in order that results might be taken
into account, more than one inspector is indispensable.
As it was clearly impossible to apply the new principle of "Pay-
ment by Results" to the High Schools until a classification of them
had been made, the Council of Public Instruction requested the
High School Inspectors to make such a classification, and report
the result to the Chief Superintendent. This was done some time
since, and a plan has been devised for carrying the new system into
full effect, if possible, in 1873.

It is a question, however, whether any system of classification of the High Schools will be entirely satisfactory, or at best, anything more than (probably a just) approximation to the relative The only really satisfactory standing of the several High Schools. method of determining the relative standing and excellence of these schools, for the purposes of correct classification, would be to subject the whole of the pupils in them to a uniform test examination on questions prepared and printed for that purpose. The result of such an examination would be to determine, with an almost exact certainty, the relative position which every school should occupy in an official preliminary classification of them. It would also furnish an undisputable starting-point, from which In Victoria, (Australia,) payment by results,' to the schools, future progress or retrogression could be easily ascertained by the is the system adopted. In the last report of the Board of Educa-half-yearly examination of the High School Inspectors on their tion for that country published this year, the Board says:-The visits to the schools. system of payment by results,' now in use, appears to be working well, and to give general satisfaction. The fact, that at each examination, each school's force is recorded as having gained a certain percentage of a possible maximum, affords a means of comparison between different schools which, if not conclusive as to their relacause considerable emulation tive merits, is sufficiently so to amongst teachers. Indeed, the wish to obtain a high percentage, materially increases the stimulus afforded by the result pay"The three-fold principle upon which High Schools are hereafter to be aided, is declared by the new law to be as follows:— "Each High School conducted according to law [and the regulations] shall be entitled to an apportionment ing

ments."""

* * * accord

First "To the average attendance of pupils.
Second- "Their proficiency in the various branches of study.
Third-"The length of time each such High School is kept
open as compared with other High Schools."

With the aid of the additional Inspector of High Schools, the Department will be enabled to obtain the information required, which will enable it to give effect to the new and equitable system of apportionment.'

In the month of August, after the passing of the New School Act, embodying the principle of "payment by results, the Rev. Mr. Young thus referred to the subject of the new Act in his address before the Ontario Teachers' Association :

I have chosen, as the subject of my address, the Act' recently passed regarding Public and High Schools, with the regulations made, under the Act, by the Council of Public Instruction."

*

*

*

*

* * INSPECTION OF THE HIGH SCHOOLS-CLASSIFICATION OF THE HIGH SCHOOLS APPORTIONMENT OF THE HIGH SCHOOL GRANT.

I. Papers on Practical Education.

1. TEACHING FROM REAL OBJECTS. Much has been written within the past few years on the best methods of teaching the younger class of scholars, and nothing has contributed more to improve those methods than the introduction into the school-room of material objects, to be carefully examined and subsequently described. This exercise has been carried to a greater extent in the juvenile schools called Kindergarten than in any others, though it has been by no means confined to them, nor The writer well was the idea first suggested by the Germans. remembers exercises of this kind in a school of which he was a member over thirty-five years ago, and which redounded greatly to his own benefit, as they no doubt did to that of all who participated in them. The objects selected were nearly always natural, and he vividly recalls a very close examination which he then made of an expanded chestnut-burr which was to be the theme of his little essay on one occasion. Ever after, if not before, he too could, with the

poet,

"in the ragged burr a beauty see."

This exercise is better than any other calculated to cultivate habits of close attention, at a period when such habits are most easily acquired and to do away forever with all possibility of those loose and superficial ones which characterize most people throughout life, leading to continual inaccuracy and consequent misapprehension of the facts of nature and of life.

On

Many years after the little exercises alluded to above, the writer was teaching in a country school in Pennsylvania, which was situated in the midst of a pleasant grove--just the kind of situation, by-theway, for a school-house. Sometimes the interest of the younger "I now pass to the subject of High School Inspection. scholars in their column of the multiplication table or the spelling "Increased provision for the inspection of the High Schools is lesson would flag. On such occasions he found no other means of undoubtedly required to be made. The task of visiting, twice a year, stimulating them so successful as the promise of half an hour in the more than a hundred schools scattered over the Province, is too woods, where they could collect wild flowers and acorn cups, and, in heavy to be laid on the shoulders of any one man; and (what is of the fall, the beautifully tinted autumn leaves. This promise almost more consequence) the Council of Public Instruction was unable, universally insured perfect lessons from the whole class, who were so long as there was but one inspector, to frame suitable regulations generally ready for recitation before the hour for it arrived. for the apportionment of the High School Fund among the different their return they were allowed to lay down a scalloped maple-leaf or schools. In the last two reports which I had the honour, as a sinuous oak-leaf on their slates, carefully to draw the outline, and Grammar School Inspector, of giving in to the Chief Superinten- then delineate the larger veins and the stem. This exercise was to dent, I showed that the effect of apportioning the Government them a source of never-failing pleasure; and while, instead of ingrant, according to attendance merely, was to empty into the terfering with the other lessons, it secured a better performance of Grammar Schools all the upper classes of the Common Schools. them, it also cultivated admirably the organs of form and color, thus This was the case particularly in Union Schools. Of course nobody training the imagination and developing aesthetic tastes as no other used any undue influence to bring such a result about; nevertheexercise could. I suggest it to teachers, in the hope that some of less, somehow, it came about. The Common Schools were degraded them may test its efficacy.-Z. Pennsylvania School Journal. by having almost all their pupils, male and female, drained off as soon as the children were able to parse an easy English sentence; and the Grammar Schools were crowded with boys and girls for whom a Grammar School course of study was not adapted. For The primary use of toys to children is to keep them occupied. these evils, the only remedy possible, as far as I can see, is to make A mother thinks what her infant, even when only a few months

2. TOYS AS TEACHERS.