NEWS EXERCISE.-Many years ago we adopted the practice of devoting a few minutes at the close of school each day, to what may be called a news exercise. The pupils one by one rose, and in concise language gave such items of intelligence as they had been able to gather from papers and other sources. The exercise was exceedingly interesting and profitable. The pupils gained a knowledge of historic events, discoveries, and received much other valuable information. The exercise also afforded them an excellent drill in the ready use of good language, and a spirit of inquiry and a taste for reading were cultivated. We notice that a teacher in Charlestown, Mass., has adopted a similar exercise, and with excellent results.

CINCINNATI NORMAL SCHOOL.-At a meeting of the School Board of Cincinnati, held Nov. 18th, a special committee to whom the subject had been referred, submitted a report recommending the establishment of a city normal and training school. In this report the committee assert that "the necessity of training teachers before their formal admission to the profession is acknowledged by all progressive educational men —a fact which Ohio is slow to recognize, being, in this respect, behind even the younger States. The excellent system of supervision adopted in Cincinnati has, to a certain extent, counteracted the want of normal training, but, as the committee urge, it does not remove the necessity of such training, since it fails to combine theory with practice. "The time of the teachers is taken up in teaching; there is no time for theory, no time for the discussion of pedagogical principles, no time for criticism." Besides the principals are recruited from the ranks of the first assistants who, as a general rule, have had little experience in primary instruction where improved methods are most needed. The plan of organization recommended is the connection of the normal school with one of the district schools, the classes to be taught by the pupil-teachers under the supervision and criticism of competent training teachers. This plan, which has been eminently successful in Oswego and Boston, combines theory and practice, and, besides, makes the normal school nearly self-sustaining. We hope to record the early establishment of this school, and we trust that the State may soon follow in the good work of providing her teachers with muchneeded professional training. We learn from several of our exchange that Mrs. Smith, of the Oswego Training School, has been appointed principal of the proposed normal school in Cincinnati at a salary of $2,000. We think this announcement must be premature, as we have no such information.

FALL INSTITUTES.-We have reports from ten institutes held in the State in the months of October and November. It will be noticed that these institutes were generally well attended and successful. Several of them were the largest ever held in Ohio. We rejoice in the progress of the good work. It is possible that institutes of which we have no information, may have been held. If so, we shall be greatly obliged if friends will send us brief reports. The institute at Kent, Portage county, is postponed to next spring: Institutes will be held during holiday week at Cambridge, and at New Lexington or Somerset.

DEFIANCE COUNTY.-Hon. E. E. White-Dear Sir: We have just closed the first annual session of the Defiance County Teachers' Institute, which, we are happy to say, was a decided success. The number of teachers in attendance-forty-four-was not as great as might have been expected, but what we lacked in numbers was amply compensated for in interest and enthusiasm. Prof. Aaron Schuyler, of Baldwin University, conducted the exercises with his usual ability and with great acceptance. It was resolved to hold a session of two weeks in 1868, commencing on the first Monday in August. Resolutions were passed recommending the creation of the office of county superintendent of common schools; and the increase of the maximum school tax

from three to five mills-the present levy being insufficient to sustain schools six months each year. Specimen copies of the Ohio Educational Monthly were exhibited, and I enclose the names of nine subscribers.

Defiance, Oct. 17, 1867.

S. H. WALLACE, Pres. Inst.

[We learn from another source that much of the success of the institute was due to Mr. Wallace's indefatigable efforts.-ED.]

CUYAHOGA COUNTY.-Dear Sir: I have the pleasure of submitting the following report of the Cuyahoga County Teachers' Institute, which convened at Chagrin Falls October 14, 1867, and held five days. Number of teachers in attendance-male, 40; female, 110: total, 150. The following gentlemen were present, and gave instruction during the session: Prof. Thomas W. Harvey, Painesville; Col. D. F. DeWolf, Toledo; Mr. P. M. Ozanne, Cleveland; Prof. N. Coe Stewart (in music, assisted by Mrs. Stewart), Cleveland; and Mr. O. W. Kendall, Olmsted. Lectures were delivered by Rev. Isaac Errett, Rev. B. A. Hinsdale, Prof. Thos. W. Harvey, Col. Anderson, of Cleveland, and "Deacon" N. A. Gray. The session was one of the most profitable and interesting ever held in this county. The lectures drew crowded houses each night, and the day sessions were largely attended by citizens of the place and vicinity. JAMES P. MILLS, Sec'y.

MEDINA COUNTY.-The institute held at Medina in 1866 was, we believe, the largest held in the State for several years previous. This year the committee expected a much smaller attendance, inasmuch as they were unable to announce positively the free entertainment of lady teachers. Moreover, Monday, Oct. 28, brought a cold, drizzling rain, Tuesday's skies were but little more propitious, and Wednesday covered the ground with from three to four inches of snow. But, notwithstanding these drawbacks and discouragements, the teachers came until the number enrolled was 160. The court-room was crowded day and evening. Wm. P. Clark, Esq., gave a thorough course of instruction in English grammar, and Judge Barnard, the efficient superintendent of the Medina schools, gave an excellent lesson each day in arithmetic. Primary instruction, geography, reading, theory and practice, and school government were assigned to the writer. Rev. Mr. Pond, of Medina, gave a very acceptable lecture on "Patriotism in the Schools," in which he urged the duty of instruction in American history and the principles of government. We received twenty subscribers.

FULTON COUNTY.-The third session was held in Wauseon during the last week of October. Col. DeWolf, of Toledo, gave great satisfaction in the discharge of his duties as principal. Evening lectures were delivered by Prof. Mykranz, of Bryan, Rev. Mr. Bacon, of Toledo, and Rev. Mr. Cook, of Morey's Corners. These were all good, but that of Mr. Bacon is deserving of special notice, and is worthy of repetition. It would be well for other institutes in this region to call for it. Over one hundred teachers were in attendance. Сом.

ASHLAND COUNTY.-We learn from Capt. Barber, superintendent of the Ashland schools, that the institute held at Ashland, October 21-26, was a decided success. Seventy teachers were in attendance, and they manifested a deep interest in the exercises. Capt. Mitchell, of this city, and Professors Boyd and Fraunfelter, of the Savannah Academy, took part in the work of instruction, and severally performed their duties ably and acceptably. The "Superintendent's Bill" was discussed, but no action was taken on the question. A resolution, asking the board of examiners to raise the standard of qualifications and pledging the support of the teachers in carry

ing out the measure, was fully discussed and unanimously passed. It was decided to hold another institute next spring, time and place to be fixed by the executive committee.

COLUMBIANA COUNTY.-The institute, held at Columbiana, Nov. 4-8, was not largely attended-we can not give the number present-but it was favored with an excellent corps of instructors and lecturers, viz: W. D. Henkle, M. C. Stevens, and J. B. Strawn, of the Salem Schools, and Andrew Burtt, of Pittsburg. Mr. Henkle gave two evening lectures, one on the "Teacher" and the other on "School Punishments." Mr. Burtt gave two lectures, one on the "Teacher and his Work," and Rev. Mr. Gilmore gave a lecture on "Dreams." Every teacher in the Salem schools was present.

WASHINGTON COUNTY.-The largest institute of the year, and probably the largest institute held in the State for many years, convened at Marietta, Nov. 15th, for a four days' session. The number of teachers actually enrolled, not counting others, was 218 gentlemen 85, ladies 133-and we have never, with possibly one exception, instructed a body of teachers more earnest, attentive, and intelligent. The day sessions were first held in the court-room, but this was soon found too small, and the Centenary Methodist Chapel was procured and filled. The evening sessions, except one, were held in the Congregational Church, the largest in the city, which was well filled with teachers and citizens. Mr. J. D. Phillips was the silent regulator; Prof. Robert Kidd, the well-known elocutionist, presented, in his own inimitable manner, his specialty, with an "entertainment on Thursday evening. President Andrews gave instruction in arithmetic, and also favored the institute with three able lectures on the Constitution of the United States. Auditor Bundy gave a capital lesson each day in elementary arithmetic. Our instruction was similar to that given by us at Medina. Several important topics, including the prize system and moral instruction, were called up through the "budget," and discussed. Last, but not least, we brought away the names of sixty-three subscribers—the largest number yet given us by any institute. The teachers of Washington county have gone up to the head!

GEAUGA COUNTY.-A teachers' institute was held at Chardon, Nov. 19th, 20th, 21st, and 22d, J. O. Worallo being President, and John Nichols, Secretary. The instructors were M. F. Cowdery, of Sandusky; Prof. A. Schuyler, of Baldwin University, in arithmetic; Rev. J. B. Davison, in grammar; and E. F. Adams, of Newburgh, in geography. Mr. Cowdery gave instruction in theory and practice, map-drawing, moral instruction, and primary grammar and reading. Our correspondent in speaking of the institute, says that "it opened a store-house of practical instruction which we trust was appreciated and appropriated." Judge M. C. Canfield gave a lecture on "Corporal Punishment," presenting the legal aspects of the question in a very conclusive and admirable manner. A copy was by vote requested for publication. The number of teachers in attendance, not including those present only a part of the time, was 70. We received sixteen subscribers. The educational fires are well kindled in old Geauga!

SENECA COUNTY.-A day's institute was held at Tiffin on Saturday, November 23. Between fifty and sixty teachers were present. The instructors were W. E. Crosby, of Lima, and S. J. Kirkwood, of Tiffin, and a good day's work was done. Arrangements were made for holding similar meetings in the future. A resolution urging the adoption of the county superintendent system, was adopted. We received a small list of subscribers with the pleasing information that "a goodly proportion of those in attendance were already readers of the MONTHLY." Mr. Kirkwood has sent us many subscribers, and, of course, they were found at the institute.

STARK COUNTY.-The institute held at Canton the first week in November, was better attended than the two previously held. Between ninety and one hundred teachers were out, including those from Canton and Massillon. Instruction was given by Messrs. Clark, of Mt. Uniou College, Worley and Smith, of Canton, E. N. Johnson, of Alliance, and T. W. Harvey, of Painesville. The evenings were spent in discussing practical educational questions and in general lectures, one of which was an able lecture on geology by Josiah Kimball, of Massillon. We received twelve subscribers.We have only a partial report of the institute held at Willoughby, Lake county, Nov. 12–16.

RICHLAND COUNTY.-The teachers' institute held at Plymouth, Nov. 11-16, was attended by upwards of sixty teachers who were highly pleased with the exercises. The instructors were Capt. Wm. Mitchell, of Columbus; M. F. Cowdery (two days), and J. P. Thompson, of Sandusky; and P. N. Schuyler, of Norwalk. Evening lectures were delivered by Messrs. Mitchell and Cowdery, and Rev. Mr. Hough, of Plymouth.

WARREN COUNTY.-The teachers' institute held a two days' session at Lebanon, Nov. 16th and 17th. There was a good attendance as usual. Lectures were delivered by Thos. W. Harvey, of Painesville, John Hancock, Prof. Kidd, and others. The manner in which the teachers of Warren county sustain their institute, fully attests their professional spirit.

HAMILTON COUNTY.-The county teachers' association is holding a day's session on the second Saturday of each month at Rickoff's Academy. The meetings so far have been very interesting to both city and country teachers.

LIMA. There are few towns in Ohio growing more rapidly than Lima. It is situated in a rich farming district, has excellent railroad facilities, a prosperous trade, and rapidly increasing manufacturing interests. The present population is nearly 5000, and, being comparatively a new town, the inhabitants are young and enterprising. The rapid increase in population is evinced by the school returns. In 1866 the enumeration was 1410; this year it is 1679—an increase of nearly 20 per cent. in a single year. The public school building, worth $30,000, is inadequate to meet the demand for school room, and the people are contemplating the erection of another building about the same size as the present one. The citizens of Lima are now taking a lively interest in their public schools, and are determined to make them second to no other schools in the country. They have manifested this interest and determination in placing their schools in the hands of a superintendent competent to manage them efficiently. Mr. Crosby achieved high success in the Cincinnati schools both as teacher and principal, and when he went to Lima, we knew that its schools would soon be put in complete working order. This result he is skillfully accomplishing, and the people are already boasting of their schools. We need not add that the schools are under the direction of an excellent board of education.

NEWARK.-Some three years since we assisted in conducting a teachers' institute in Newark, and were pained to learn, from different sources, that the public schools were failing to command the full confidence of the people, and especially of those who were formerly their most active friends. We had also the evidence of this fact in the small degree of interest which the citizens manifested in the exercises of the institute. A lively public interest in schools always shows itself on such an occasion. For several months past there has been a revival of public school interest in the city, and the board of education is determined to bring the schools up to a higher state of efficiency and success. A good beginning has been made in the selection of George

sented by a pleasing contrast of colors, which gives a sharpness and distinctness of outline rarely equaled. The boundaries of countrics, the rivers, mountains, etc., are represented with great accuracy and clearness, and the lettering is distinct and tasteful. In short, these political maps, whether tested by distinctness of outline or accuracy of detail, by softness and general harmony of coloring or sharpness of features, stand approved. They are "No. One."

The text has undergone a careful revision, but we notice no radical changes. The most marked change is the reduction in the number of map questions-a change in the right direction—and the addition of an excellent "Summary of Physical Geography." We have always liked the exercises in this book denominated "Map Studies," possibly because we presented the same method of memorizing a map in our little "Class Book" which we published some three years before the appearance of the Cornell Series. We have only space to add that those who adhere to the old system of teaching geography, will find this revised "Intermediate " one of the best works of its kind extant.

WEBSTER'S NATIONAL PICTORIAL DICTIONARY. A Dictionary of the English Language, Explanatory, Pronouncing, Etymological, Synonymous, with a copious Appendix. Illustrated with more than Six Hundred Engravings. 1040 pp. 8vo. Springfield: G. & C. Merriam. 1867.

This volume is in the main made up of materials taken from the latest edition of Webster's New Unabridged Dictionary, and is characterized by the same accuracy and general excellence. It, of course, lacks the fullness and completeness of the larger work, and can not take its place, but by the omission of obsolete and rare words and self-explaining compounds, the Vocabulary has been made to comprise the words which make up the main body of our English tongue, including most of the terms in Science and Art. We are specially pleased with the definitions which present the various shades of meaning in the admirable manner of the larger work. The pronunciation is the same in the two works-being the standard both in England and America. The Appendix contains an abridgement of the various useful vocabularies found in the Unabridged edition, with two entirely new tables, viz: "Vocabulary of Perfect and Allowable Rhymes," and a "Glossary of Scottish Words and Phrases." In behalf of that large class of persons who desire a more condensed and less expensive work than the Royal Quarto, we thank the publishers for this excellent treatise. We shall place our copy by the side of the larger work, and, in nine cases out of ten, shall, for convenience, refer to it.

LITTELL'S LIVING AGE.—This long-established magazine is a reprint of the best articles found in current English literature, whether literary, political, or scientific. It presents the very cream of the foreign periodicals. It is published weekly, making each year four octavo volumes of about eight hundred pages each. In no other form can a man of literary taste obtain, for the same money, so great an amount and variety of the choicest reading. See the publishers' advertisement in this number.

AMERICAN JOURNAL OF EDUCATION.-Our notice of the last issue of this massive Quarterly, now edited by Prof. D. N. Camp, Hartford, Conn., is crowded out this month. We have only space to say that the subscription price is $4.00 a year, and that we have made an arrangement with the publisher whereby we can send both the Journal and the OHIO EDUCATIONAL MONTHLY one year for $4.50.

NEW ADVERTISEMENTS.-Read all of them, including our Prospectus.Our next number will be issued about the 10th of January.

1936