DARTMOUTH,

{

(1) Population, 4,142. Valuation, $1,043,713 00. Number of Public Schools, 27.

(2) No. of Scholars of all ages in all the Schools-In Summer, 840-In Winter, 993. (3) Average attendance in the Schools-In Summer, 534-In Winter, 649.

(4) No. of persons between 4 and 16 years of age in the town, 1,202.-No. of persons under 4 years of age who attend School, 71.—No. over 16 years of age who attend School, 72. (5) Aggregate length of the Schools, 168 mths. 14 days.-In Summer, 96 21-In Winter, 71 21. (6) No. of Teachers in Summer-M. 1-F. 24.-No. of Teachers in Winter-M. 19—F. 7. (7) Average wages paid per month, including board-To Males, $25 58-To Females, $13 15. (8) Average value of board per month-Of Males, $8 21-Of Females, $500.

(9) Average wages per month, exclusive of board-Of Males, $17 37-Of Females, $8 15. (10) Amount of money raised by taxes for the support of Schools, including only the wages of Teachers, board and fuel, $1,517 34.

(11) Amount of board and fuel, if any, contributed for Public Schools, $1,447 25.

Aggre

(13) No. of unincorporated Academies, Private Schools, and Schools kept to prolong Common Schools, -Aggregate of months kept, 43.-Average No. of Scholars, gate paid for tuition, $794 75.

BOOKS USED.-Spelling-Webster's. Reading-Testament, English, Worcester's Series and Goodrich's History. Grammar-Brown's. Geography-Hall's and Smith's. Arithmetic -Smith's, Adams' and Emerson's. All others-Webster's and Walker's Dictionaries, Colburn's Algebra, Guinmere's Surveying.

REMARKS. The sum of $794 75, entered under the head of " aggregate paid for tuition," in unincorporated Academies, &c. was blended with the public money, and expended to lengthen the Public Schools. A proportionate part of the time, during which the Public Schools were said to be kept, is therefore deducted, and entered under the head of "aggregate of months kept,” in unincorporated Academies, &c.

NO SELECTION from Report.

SCHOOL COMMITTEE.—ISAAC R. Gifford, RICKETSON SLOCUM, GEO. W. FRANCIS.

(2) No. of Scholars of all ages in all the Schools-In Summer, 195-In Winter, 371. (3) Average attendance in the Schools-In Summer, 141-In Winter, 268.

(4) No. of persons between 4 and 16 years of age in the town, 344.-No. of persons under 4 years of age who attend School, 5.-No. over 16 years of age who attend School, 65. (5) Aggregate length of the Schools, 65 mths. 21 days.-In Summer, 31 7-In Winter, 34 14. (6) No. of Teachers in Summer-M. -F. 8.-No. of Teachers in Winter-M. 9-F. 2. (7) Average wages paid per month, including board-To Males, $26 55-To Females, $11 72. (8) Average value of board per month-Of Males, $8 00-Of Females, $500.

(9) Average wages per month, exclusive of board-Of Males, $18 55-Of Females, $6 72. (10) Amount of money raised by taxes for the support of Schools, including only the wages of Teachers, board and fuel, $550 00.

(11) Amount of board and fuel, if any, contributed for Public Schools, $146 00.

(13) No. of unincorporated Academies, Private Schools, and Schools kept to prolong Common Schools, 1.-Aggregate of months kept, -Average No. of Scholars, 24.-Aggregate paid for tuition, $19 50.

(15) Income of Surplus Revenue appropriated to Schools, $171 00.

BOOKS USED.-Spelling-National. Reading-Emerson's 1st and 2d Class, Pierpont's First Class Book, Angell's Series, Testament. Grammar-Murray's and Smith's. GeographySmith's. Arithmetic-Smith's and Daboll's. All others-Goodrich's History of the U. S., Blake's Philosophy, Blair's Rhetoric, Bailey's Algebra and Bowditch's Navigator.

SELECTION FROM REPORT. * In conclusion, we call on all concerned, and entreat them, by all they hold most dear, to cooperate with the friends of education. in giving the rising generation those advantages that shall enable them to become the strength and glory of our beloved country.

SCHOOL COMMITTEE.-JOHN P. PERRY, SAMUEL WALKER, CHARLES TALBOT.

EASTON,

{

(1) Population, 2,074. Valuation, $421,385 00. No. of Public Schools, 10.

(2) No. of Scholars of all ages in all the Schools-In Summer, 543-In Winter, 423. (3) Average attendance in the Schools-In Summer, 348—In Winter, 331. (4) No. of persons between 4 and 16 years of age in the town, 455.-No. of persons under 4 years of age who attend School, 47.—No. over 16 years of age who attend School, 41. (5) Aggregate length of the Schools, 51 mths. 14 days.-In Summer, 34 21-In Winter, 16 21. (6) No. of Teachers in Summer-M. -F. 9.-No. of Teachers in Winter-M. 7—F. . (7) Average wages paid per month, including board-To Males, $26 27-To Females, $12 02. (8) Average value of board per month-Of Males, $7 13—Of Females, $5 07.

(9) Average wages per month, exclusive of board—Of Males, $19 14-Of Females, $6 95. (10) Amount of money raised by taxes for the support of Schools, including only the wages of Teachers, board and fuel, $1,000 00.

-Aggie

(13) No. of unincorporated Academies, Private Schools, and Schools kept to prolong Common Schools, Aggregate of months kept, 7.-Average No. of Scholars, gate paid for tuition, $150 00.

BOOKS USED.- -Spelling-National. Reading-First Class Book, National and Introduction and Young. Grammar-Smith's. Geography-Olney's and Parley's. Arithmetic-Adams', Smith's, Enerson's and Colburn's First Lessons. All others-Blake's Philosophy, Worcester's Elements and Goodrich's Histories.

REMARK-Neither the number of Private Schools nor the number of scholars attending them is given.

SELECTIONS FROM REPORT. * * In entering upon the duties of our office, the first subject that came up for our consideration, was the examination of candidates for school teaching And in discharging these duties, we have had subsequent occasion to be fully satisfied, that we made too much allowance for the bashfulness and embarrassment of young candidates, in not giving satisfactory answers to such questions as all teachers of our Common Schools should fully understand. * *

*

All the apology your committee have to offer, for having giving certificates of approbation to unqualified teachers, in addition to the above, may be found in the circumstance that they were presented for examination but a day or two before they were expected to commence their schools; as though it were a mere form to be gone through with, as a preliminary step to entering upon the discharge of their duties. To guard against evils of this kind, in future, it would be well for school agents to make early engagements of well-recom mended teachers, and have them examined, in season to supply their places in case they should fail in getting certificates of approbation. * * *

* *

In this connection your committee would suggest to the town the expediency of uniting some three or four districts, in different sections of the town, so as to form union districts, for the exclusive benefit of the larger and more advanced scholars. By this arrangement, our district schools would be exclusively set apart for the benefit of the smaller scholars, and these would be better managed, and at less than half the expense, by female teachers. And by an equal division of the school money belonging to said districts, one half for the union school, and the remaining one half for the district schools, a first-rate school may be kept in the union district for six months in the year, without materially lessening the duration of our district schools. * * *

In some of our schools, teachers do not pay that attention to the morals and

manners of scholars, which, in the judgment of your committee, they ought. This dereliction of duty, on their part, would not be likely to escape the observation of those parents who make themselves familiar with the inside of the schoolhouse; and some timely intimations to the teacher, for a more careful supervision on his part, in prescribing some general rules of good breeding and moral conduct, would gratify the wishes of all who feel an interest in the character, and tendency of the first impressions made upon the minds, of our youth.

** *

All who will take the trouble of making themselves acquainted with the subject, and will reason understandingly thereon, must, we think, inevitably come to the conclusion, that in order to improve the condition of our schools and extend the facilities of learning, we must elevate the standard of the fitness and qualifications of teachers. To do this effectually, such wages should be offered as will induce accomplished females, and talented young men, to devote their attention to the business. *

*

As a means of supplying the wants of the community, in its search for better teachers, our Normal Schools are looked forward to with confiding anticipations, by the friends of early instruction, as a prolific source of much good to the rising generation.

In conclusion, we would call the attention of the town to one other provision of the statute, whereby school districts may do good service to the cause of education, with but little individual expense. And that is, furnishing needful apparatus for schools, such as black-boards, globes, and school libraries. * * *

SCHOOL COMMITTEE.-SAMUEL DEANS, GEO. W. HAYWARD, TISDALE HARLOW.

FAIRHAVEN,

{

(1) Population, 3,952. Valuation, $1,547,771 30. Number of Public Schools, 17.

(2) No. of Scholars of all ages in all the Schools-In Summer, 678-In Winter, 649. (3) Average attendance in the Schools-In Summer, 456-In Winter, 435.

(4) No. of persons between 4 and 16 years of age in the town, 1,083.-No. of persons under 4 years of age who attend School, 26 —No. over 16 years of age who attend School, 54. (5) Aggregate length of the Schools, 140 mths. 7 days.-In Summer, 76 7—In Winter, 64. (6) No. of Teachers in Summer-M. 1—F. 18.—No. of Teachers in Winter-M. 12—F. 5. (7) Average wages paid per month, including board-To Males, $29 38-To Females, $12 40. (8) Average value of board per month-Of Males, $9 92-Of Females, $5 35.

(9) Average wages per month, exclusive of board-Of Males, $19 46-Of Females, $7 05. (10) Amount of money raised by taxes for the support of Schools, including only the wages of Teachers, board and fuel, $2,500 00.

(11) Amount of board and fuel, if any, contributed for Public Schools, $586 00.

(13) No. of unincorporated Academies, Private Schools, and Schools kept to prolong Common Schools, 3.-Aggregate of months kept, 24.—Average No. of Scholars, 150.—Aggregate paid for tuition, $1,125 00.

BOOKS USED.- -Spelling-National. Reading-Emerson's. Grammar-Smith's. Geography-Blake's and Smith's. Arithmetic—North American. All others—Colburn's and Bailey's Algebras, Parley's and Goodrich's Histories of the U. S., Webster's Dictionary and Bible.

SELECTION FROM REPORT. * * And the committee would here take occasion to say that it is their unanimous opinion, as well as that of all former committees, at least for four or five years past, that the practice of putting upon the prudential committees the duties of selecting and contracting with the teachers, while it may be of some possible advantage to one or two districts, is extremely prejudicial to the interests of the schools in general; and it is to be hoped the town will not again adopt this plan, at least until it has fairly examined its advantages and disadvantages.

*

SCHOOL COMMITTEE.-SAMUEL SAWYER, R. W. DEXTER, WM. PAYEON, JOSEPH TRIPP.

FALL RIVER,.

{{

(1) Population, 6,738. Valuation, $2,552,121 00. Number of Public Schools, 14.

(2) No. of Scholars of all ages in all the Schools-In Summer, 1,718-—In Winter, 1,759. (3) Average attendance in the Schools-In Summer, 791-In Winter, 719.

(4) No. of persons between 4 and 16 years of age in the town, 1,817 -No. of persons under 4 years of age who attend School, 175.-No. over 16 years of age who attend School, 60. (5) Aggregate length of the Schools, 103 mths. 14 days.-In Summer, 48-In Winter, 55 14. (6) No. of Teachers in Summer-M. 4—F. 19.—No. of Teachers in Winter-M. 11—F. 13. (7) Average wages paid per month, including board-To Males, $33 00-To Females, $13 60. (8) Average value of board per month-Of Males, $9 73-Of Females, $5 75.

(9) Average wages per month, exclusive of board-Of Males, $23 27—Of Females, $7 85. (10) Amount of money raised by taxes for the support of Schools, including only the wages of Teachers, board and fuel, $4,500 00.

(13) No. of unincorporated Academies, Private Schools, and Schools kept to prolong Common Schools, 6.-Aggregate of months kept, 46.-Average number of Scholars, 159.-Aggregate paid for tuition, $1,000 00.

BOOKS USED.-Spelling-Webster's and Emerson's. Reading-Bible, Angell's Series, Whelpley's Compend, Porter's Rhetorical. Grammar-Murray's and Smith's. GeographySmith's, Brinsmade's and Parley's. Arithmetic-Smith's, Emerson's and Colburn's. All others-Hall's and Baker's History of the U. S., Comstock's Philosophy, Colburn's and Day's Algebras, Davies' and Grund's Geometries, Comstock's Physiology, Wilbur's Astronomy and Hale's Constitution of the U. S.

SELECTIONS FROM REPORT. * * One of the first things to which the committee direct their attention, in visiting a school, is its discipline. It is utterly in vain, to hope for intellectual improvement amidst confusion. Where there is constant diversion of mind, all efforts to develop and strengthen its powers will be futile. Again; the teacher has a given amount of time, talent and energy, to be employed for the instruction of his pupils. Now, if the regulations of his school be such that he is obliged to employ three fourths of his talent, nine tenths of his time, and all his energy, in order to keep his pupils in subjection, it follows, of course, that but a small portion of his ability will be left for the purposes of instruction. True, some have not the art of governing children which others possess; yet it is the business of the schoolmaster to have this faculty, and if nature has not bestowed it upon him as fully as is desirable, he should assiduously cultivate it. If a teacher has not the power of good government, and cannot attain it by practice, he ought to abandon, at once and for ever, the profession of school-keeping, and turn his attention to some useful employment for which he has taste and talent. System, in all the regulations of the school, is absolutely necessary to successful government. Decision of character with mildness of disposition, firmness of purpose with kindness of expression, are some of the essential elements in the character of a good disciplinarian. The teacher's influence should arise from reverence for his character, rather than from fear of his authority. His bearing toward his pupils should ever be marked with the dignity of a superior, who knows his place, modified by the courteous familiarity of a friend, who loves those whom he instructs. ** The committee, during the past year, have been quite as particular in their examinations as at any former period. In several cases, they have been under the necessity of withholding certificates; and, in some instances where certificates have been granted, the committee have not been unanimous. This fact is stated for a twofold purpose:-first, that prudential committees may exercise a judicious care in the selection of teachers; and secondly, that candidates may not present themselves unless prepared to stand a thorough examination, and thus save themselves the mortification of a failure, and the committee the pain of withholding a certificate. * **

The benevolent design of the late statute of the State, making it penal to employ children under fifteen years of age, unless they have attended school at least three months in the course of the year, is unhappily frustrated, through the negligence of parents, the indifference of the employer, and the want of interest in the people to enforce the provisions of the law. It is to be hoped that, if

the evil be not soon remedied, public opinion may become so changed and strengthened with respect to Common School education as to effect that, by enforcing the law, which ought to be accomplished by the promptings of love and patriotism.

SCHOOL COMMITTEE.-ORIN Fowler, ASA BRONSON, GEORGE MAXWELL RANDALL, JAMES FORD, J. F. LINDSEY, ELIAB WILLIAMS.

FREETOWN,

{

(1) Population, 1,772. Valuation, $387,783 50. Number of Public Schools, 10.

(2) No. of Scholars of all ages in all the Schools-In Summer, 117-In Winter, 434. (3) Average attendance in the Schools-In Summer, 85-In Winter, 286.

(4) No. of persons between 4 and 16 years of age in the town, 523.-No. of persons under 4 years of age who attend School, 11.-No. over 16 years of age who attend School, 54. (5) Aggregate length of the Schools, 35 mths.-In Summer, 8 11-In Winter, 26 17. (6) No. of Teachers in Summer-M. -F. 2.-No. of Teachers in Winter-M. 8—F. 1. (7) Average wages paid per month, including board-To Males, $26 70-To Females, $17 33. (8) Average value of board per month-Of Males, $7 38-Of Females, $6 66.

(9) Average wages per month, exclusive of board-Of Males, $19 32-Of Females, $10 67. (10) Amount of money raised by taxes for the support of Schools, including only the wages of Teachers, board and fuel, $800 00.

(11) Amount of board and fuel, if any, contributed for Public Schools, $58 00.

(13) No. of unincorporated Academies, Private Schools, and Schools kept to prolong Common Schools, 12.-Aggregate of months kept, 49 -Average No. of Scholars, 242.-Aggregate paid for tuition, $488 69.

BOOKS USED-Spelling-Webster's and Emerson's. Reading-Worcester's and Angell's Series, English, Bible. Grammar-Ingersoll's. Geography-Smith's and Parley's. Arithmetic-Colburn's and Adams'. All others-Goodrich's History of the U. S., Watts on the Mind, Blake's Philosophy, Webster's Dictionary, &c.

SELECTIONS FROM REPORT. * *By means of such a report, [the annual report,] well and faithfully prepared by a cominittee deeply interested in the cause of education, the inhabitants of each town are annually informed of the state of their schools; and their attention called to existing defects, and the best method for their improvement. This is a plan to promote the good of schools, which has as yet been adopted by no other State in the Union. But it must be obvious, that this is one of the most effectual means for their improvement that could be devised. If, in addition to this plan, all the teachers should be required to present to the school committee, a similar "detailed report" of their respective schools, at the close of each term or year,-which your committee have requested of a part of the teachers the year past,—the plan would be complete. Then we should have the practical suggestions of those on whom the practical part of improvement must ever depend. Then we should be let into the secrets of the defects, difficulties, and need of improvement that there are in our schools. Let teachers also lay open their hearts before us, as they often are,―full of emotion, doubt, discouragement, or satisfaction,—and, together with the suggestions of committees, we shall reach the fountain-head of deficiency. But each town is not alone benefited by the report of its own committee; abstracts of all the reports for the State are prepared by the Secretary of the Board of Education, and published for the benefit of every other town in the State. Two such volumes have been published,-which may be perused by any individual at the town clerk's office, or be obtained of the school committee,—and it is safe to say, that in no two volumes of equal size, can so many valuable suggestions, so much useful instruction on the subject of schools, any where else be found. If the inhabitants of the town would be informed on the subject, learn from the experience of others, have their interest in the cause stirred up and increased, and have our own schools improved, it is recommended to them to wear out these volumes by reading them. * *

*