presence of two of the Visiters, who divided their attendance between two of the days, during which the examination continued. The results afforded great satisfaction in regard to the mental discipline and varied attainments of the pupils. Fortyeight pupils were connected with the school at the close of the

term.

The regulation, requiring all who attend to continue one year, has doubtless operated to diminish somewhat the number of attendants, yet it cannot be questioned that a most important advantage is thus gained in reference to the more thorough discipline, and more perfect qualification, of the pupils for the work of instruction.

The Visiters are gratified in publicly recognizing the munificence of individuals in various valuable donations to the Institution. Among these, are specially to be noticed a valuable Outline Map of England, a Series of Astronomical Maps, valued at fifteen dollars, and a set of the very beautiful and valuable Anatomical and Physiological Maps of Dr. Cutter, valued at twenty dollars, the expression of his own kind regard for the Institution.

The Visiters unite in the expression of the most decided conviction, that this school is still sustaining well its previous high reputation, and, by sending out thoroughly trained teachers of Common Schools, is operating with great and happy effect on the best interests of education.

The Visiters of the Normal School, at Westfield, for the current year, have attended the examinations at the close of each term, and have the pleasure of reporting to the Board:

That, under the able and indefatigable instruction of the Principal, Mr. D. S. Rowe, and Miss R. M. Pennell, Assistant Teacher, the school is highly prosperous, and promises still wider popularity and usefulness;

That the number of pupils has been much larger than in any preceding year: in the winter term, 48; in the spring term, 47; in the fall term, 76;-average, 59. Total, 171; average age of the scholars, 20;

That these were from eight counties, and fifty-two towns in the State;

That all the examinations in the departments were highly creditable, both to the teachers and scholars, evincing thorough instruction and diligent application;

That the studies in this school embrace all the branches of popular education, in its present advanced state, in our highly favored Commonwealth, and that the instruction is, as it ought to be, eminently elementary and analytical. The pupils are taught, not to recite by rote, or to answer leading questions, but to master rules and principles; that, having learned how to acquire knowledge most successfully and thoroughly themselves, they may be able, in their turn, to impart it most successfully to others.

In conclusion, the Visiters of the Normal School in Westfield, cordially recommend it to the Board, and to all the friends of popular education throughout the State, as highly worthy of public confidence and increased patronage.

H. HUMPHREY,
E. DAVIS.

2

At a meeting of the Board of Education, held December 13, 1848, the following Resolutions were unanimously passed, viz:

Resolved, That, in reviewing the official course of the late Secretary of the Board, we are led to contemplate extraordinary proofs of the devotion of talents of the highest order, under the influence of the purest motives, to a work of usefulness, which, in respect alike to the magnitude and permanence of its results, and the nature and extent of the labor involved in it, may be deemed as unsurpassed in the annals of the Commonwealth.

Resolved, That, in yielding to the necessity of dissolving the connection, which has so long subsisted between the Board and its late Secretary, we desire to place on record, and to tender to Mr. MANN, the most unqualified assurance of our official approbation of his services, and of our warmest personal regard, and best wishes for his future usefulness, honor, and happiness.

Resolved, That his excellency the Governor, as Chairman of the Board, be requested to communicate to the Hon. HORACE MANN, an attested copy of the foregoing Resolutions, and that the Secretary be instructed to annex a copy to the annual Report of the Board which is to be submitted to the Legislature.

A true copy,

Attest,

BARNAS SEARS,

Secretary of the Board of Education.

Dr.

MASSACHUSETTS BOARD OF EDUCATION, in account with CHARLES H. MILLS, Treasurer.

Cr.

amount paid C. Pierce's bill, salary to April 1, 1848, and sundry expenses for school at do.,

By amount received of Treasurer of the Com-
monwealth,

$2146 22

June 6," amount paid D. S. Rowe's bill, salary to May 31, 1848, and sundry expenses for school at do.,