Imágenes de páginas
PDF
EPUB

CORRESPONDENTS' ANSWERS TO INQUIRIES.

SIR,-In reply to your correspondent who asks what is to be done with old Bibles and Prayerbooks, I beg to offer the following.

It will generally be found that a considerable portion of such books is in a serviceable state, and hence the repugnance to destroying them; I would suggest that such parts should be separated from the worn-out portions. The gospels of St. Mark and St. Luke, or St. Paul's Epistles, or the books of Samuel and Kings, may then be covered separately, and form the Scripture lesson-books for a class. At least some one of the books may be thus extracted entire from almost any number of old Bibles or Testaments. Old Prayer-books will often have the Psalms still complete, and they may be taken out in like manner. It was thus that the writer once supplied a complete set of Scripture-books for a class in his Sunday-school. With the assistance of two or three voluntaries from the scholars, the parts selected were pasted up in thin mill-board and canvass, and the proceeds of a "rubbish-box" rendered useful, while by using these extracted parts the probable number of old Bibles in future was greatly diminished. Such portious as are valueless for this purpose may be burnt, but not as materials for fire-lighting.

I have seen, also, requests from missionary clergymen asking for such serviceable portions of Scripture. If first selected, as now recommended, they might be sent out with other books by our missionary societies at scarcely any additional expense, and I can quite conceive that they would be highly useful in lands where as yet complete copies of the Scriptures are comparatively rare.-I am, &c. M. A. "E. G." says that old Bibles and other old books will be very thankfully received by the Ladies' Female Emigrant Society, 25 Red Lion Square, for providing employment and instruction for emigrants and their children during the four months' voyage to Australia.

Several other correspondents recommend the old Bibles to be burnt.

"F. T." says that a small pamphlet, price 6., has been published on Decimal Coinage, by Mr. Calder, of Chesterfield, as an appendix to his work on Arithmetic.

"J. B. R." gives the following information respecting biographical works: Bellchambers' Biographical Dictionary, 4 pocket vols., often bound in 2, with portraits, about 8s. Watkins' Biographical Dictionary, 1 vol., thick 8vo, bound in sheep, may be had second-hand for about 6s. Maunder's Biographical Treasury, very complete, new, 10s. cloth, or 12s. roan. Distinguished Men of all Nations (S. P. C. K.), 4 vols., 8vo, cloth, about 12s. Old England's Worthies, by Knight, one large vol., with many plates, price about 12s. Many others might be mentioned, but any one of the above would perhaps be found sufficient. A young teacher might hear of a cheap book which, in the library of a longer established fellow-labourer, had been superseded by more complete and costly works.

"J. P. H." recommends the work on Book-keeping published at Dublin by the Commissioners of Education in Ireland.

INFORMATION WANTED.

INQUIRIES BY CORRESPONDENTS.

SIR, - -I have adopted the Book of 30 Chants, &c., which is on the S. P. C. K.'s Supplemental Catalogue. I have taught a few of my elder boys to take the tenor parts. This practice has given rise to a great deal of discussion; some consider it wrong, others right.

I am well aware that the tenor voice is the men's voice; but what I wish to know is, whether the tenor is, or can be, sung by boys? Do not women, in the absence of men, take the bass? If so, I cannot conceive why the same license could not be given to boys in taking the tenor.

If you will favour me with an answer to the above through the medium of your Paper, I shall take it as a great favour.-I am, &c. EDWARD TUCK.

"S. D. S." asks where the School Prayers distributed by the Bishop of St. Asaph to the Diocesan Inspectors can be procured? He also wishes to be referred to any work containing a good simple Form of Prayer for a Village School, or to any such forms, and whence they may be procured.

NOTICES OF BOOKS.

PUBLISHED BY THE NATIONAL SOCIETY.

Geography of North America and the West Indies. 32 pages, 16mo, paper cover, price, with 2 Maps, 1s. 4d. per dozen. Contents: North America-Physical features-Climate-InhabitantsAnimals-National divisions-Russian territory-Hudson's Bay territory-British North AmericaUnited States-Mexico-Yucatan-Central America. West Indies-Greater and Lesser Antilles. Geography of Africa and South America. 32 pages, 16mo, paper cover, price, with 2 Maps, 1s. 4d. per dozen. Contents: Africa-Physical features-Natives-Animals-National divisions-EgyptBarbary-Western Africa-Sahara-Eastern Africa-Cape Colony-Natal-Islands. South AmericaPhysical features-New Granada-Venezuela-Ecuador-Columbia-Guiana-Brazil-Peru-Bolivia -La Plata-Paraguay - Uruguay-Chili-Patagonia.

BY LONGMAN AND CO.

Elements of Geometry and Mensuration. Part II. Geometry as an Art, by the Rev. Thomas Lund, B.D. 192 pages, 12mo, with numerous Diagrams, paper cover, price 28. Contents: Explanation of terms-Tools or instruments-Constructions, straight lines, triangles, &c.-T square and drawingboard-Constructions, circle-Inscribed and circumscribed figures-Constructions, polygons-Proportional lines and areas-Proportional compasses-Pantagraph-Proportional areas-Architectural mouldings-Arches-Ovals-Tesselated pavement and inlaid work-Questions and exercises.

BY THOMAS ALLMAN AND SON.

A School Compendium of Natural and Experimental Philosophy, by Richard Green Parker. 12mo,

cloth boards. This treatise is stated in the preface to be extracted from a work with a similar title adopted by the Board of Education at New York, and most of the public schools in America. It embraces the elementary principles of mechanics, hydrostatics, hydraulics, pneumatics, acoustics, pyronomics, optics, electricity, galvanism, magnetism, electro-magnetism, magneto-electricity, and astronomy. It contains also a a description of the electro-magnetic telegraph."

Books, &c. received.

Five Sermons preached during the Autumn of 1854 on behalf of the National Society, by the Rev. Charles Warren, M.A., Vicar of Over, Diocese of Ely. Rivingtons.

Three Plain Answers to the Question, "Why are you a Member of the Church of England?" by the Rev. Thomas Fenton, B. A., Perpetual Curate of Ness, near Kendal.

The Government Regulations for the Examination of Candidates for Appointments to the Civil Service of the East India Company. Edward Stanford, 6 Charing Cross.

British Workman. No. 2. Partridge, Oakey, and Co.

Helps towards the Physical, Intellectual, and Meral Elevation of all Classes of Society. J. Churchill, 11 New Burlington Street.

Schoolmasters' and Schoolmistresses' Associations.

ASHBY-DE-LA-ZOUCH ASSOCIATION.-This society held its annual meeting on the 20th February at the Royal Hotel, Ashby. The members were honoured with the presence of nine of the neighbouring clergy. After the usual social dinner, several patriotic toasts were drunk; the report of the past year was read; and a report of the second annual meeting of the General Associated Body of Church Schoolmasters in England and Wales, to which the Secretary was deputed, was also read. This report was listened to with the deepest attention; and the entire proceedings of the General Body were heartily appreciated and approved o by every one present. The following lectures were given during the past year: "History of the Bible"-"Comparative philology, and the provincial dialects of England"England in the time of Edward I."-" Application of the triangle to land-surveying"-"Thoroughbass" England under the Saxons"-" Theory of heat"-" Pilate's question, What is truth?' and Episcopacy amongst the providential helps towards its solution"-" England under the Romans." A cycle of lectures for the ensuing year was agreed on. One honorary and two ordinary members were

[ocr errors]

elected.

[ocr errors]

The members were gratified to find that their brethren in the neighbourhood of Leicester had formed themselves into a body for mutual improvement; but they did not deem it practicable for them to attend their quarterly meetings held at Leicester.

NOTTS AND WEST LINCOLNSHIRE ASSOCIATION.-The usual quarterly meeting of this Association was held at Newark March 10th. A paper was read by Mr. Golling, the subject of which was "Government." It showed that a state of government is natural to man, whether in a civilised or barbarous condition. The various forms of government as at the present existing were dwelt upon; and lastly, the government of a school, which was described as a miniature state, whose rule was despotic, but the laws of which should be imbued with love. A lesson on the "Human eye" was given to a class in the afternoon by Mr. Pegg.

It was arranged that the members in the neighbourhood of Newark should form themselves into a branch, as those dwelling in the neighbourhood of Grantham had already done; and that each Association should be represented at the meetings of the other by a deputy, whose expenses are to be defrayed by those sending him.

HUDDERSFIELD ASSOCIATION. At the February meeting of this Association a very instructiveand interesting paper, on "The different methods of teaching music" was read by Mr. King, of Armitage Bridge. The lecturer having glanced at the importance of music as a branch of education, and the desirability of its being more generally taught in National schools, proceeded to discuss the merits of the several systems adopted by the most approved teachers for conveying a knowledge of the science. noticing their chief distinguishing characteristics, and pointing out their excellences and defects. The tone which pervaded the remarks was very pleasing, and the criticisms on the whole just. In the discussion which followed the paper, much additional information was communicated. A new member was elected. For several months past the members have been actively engaged in forming a library in connection with the Association; and so far their efforts have been crowned with abundant success, nearly 300 specimens of the books best adapted for elementary schools and teachers' libraries having been already secured. Most of the works are the contribution of the National Society, the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge, Messrs. Longman and Co., Messrs. Oliver and Boyd, and other enterprising publishers.

VALE OF AYLESBURY ASSOCIATION.-The members of this Association held their monthly meeting in the Aylesbury National School on the 10th instant. The Ven. Archdeacon Bickersteth presided; and after announcing in suitable terms the death of Mr. Grill, of Eddlesborough, one of the members of the Society, suggested that the time allotted for the reading of a paper which was unavoidably not forthcoming, should be spent in considering "The best means by which a master may keep up a connection with his scholars after they leave school, so as to enable him to maintain as far as possible his influence over his late pupils, and to exercise that influence for their good, and also for the good of society."

Among the many hints thrown out on this important question, the following are particularly deserving of attention: That as the pupils leave school to enter upon various daily employments, the master be enabled to offer them in the evening rational, intellectual, and desirable amusement and recreation; that ex-scholars be induced to pursue some regular and prescribed course of private study, and to undergo periodical examinations in the same at the school, and that prizes be awarded to the most deserving, provided the clergyman has reason to be satisfied with their moral and religious conduct; that the master keep a list of all scholars as they leave him, with their destination, and that he avail himself of all opportunities to converse with them and with their employers, and to make it appear to all that he is most deeply concerned in so training those committed to his care, that they

may become faithful and valuable servants and employés; and also that those thus trained should obtain kind and suitable employers.

Mr. Walter, of Weston Turville National School, next read a paper on "Temper." The proceedings were then terminated, as they had begun, with prayer.

HALIFAX ASSOCIATION.-On Saturday, January 20th, the first annual meeting of this Association was held in the Parish Church National School, Church Street. In the absence of the Rev. J. H. Gooch, president, who was from home; and of the Rev. R. Allen, vice-president, who was unable to attend from ill-health, the Rev. S. Danby, B.D., was called to the chair. After the preliminary business, the following report was read by Mr. W. Brown, secretary, and adopted:

This (as has been remarked by our worthy president in his inaugural address) is essentially an age of combination; and perhaps among no other class of society has this tendency more strongly manifested itself lately than among that of public schoolmasters. They have at length begun to feel something of the dignity of their calling; the importance of their office as instructors of the vast masses of the population; their need of mutual assistance and consolation in their arduous and laborious duties; and their necessity to stand as a recognised body before the public. Associations have been formed, extending on every side to the limits of the land, and others of local extent in almost every town and district in the country, till they have become the rule, and not, as only a short time since, the exception. They have also been recognised by public authority, and have undoubtedly been productive of much good to all parties concerned. In presenting the first annual report of the proceedings of this Association, we, the members of the committee, see much cause for congratulation in the rise and progress of an Association in this town and neighbourhood, and would first direct your attention to the circumstances of its e-tablishment. On the 22d of October, 1853, a meeting was held in this schoolroom, at which nine Church schoolmasters of this district were present, who were met by a deputation, actuated by a missionary spirit, from the Huddersfield Church Schoolmasters' Association, who laid before them the claims of general combination and the advantages of local associations, when it was resolved unanimously to form an association for Halifax and its neighbourhood, for which officers were appointed. Subsequently meetings were held for the formation of rules and other preliminary business, until the Association assumed the form which it now presents; and the inaugural meeting was held on March 18th, 1854, when an address was delivered by the Rev. J. H. Gooch, head-master of the Grammar School at Heath, Halifax. The number of members during the year has amounted to 39, 11 clergy and 28 teachers. Of the nine subsequent meetings, eight have been occupied by papers delivered by schoolmasters, which were followed by discussion, and one entirely by discussion. The papers have been carefully prepared and well received, and mostly of a highly practical character. The discussions also have elicited much useful and practical information, and have been doubtless most beneficial in their effects. The attendance has been generally good. Another of the great objects of the Association has been the formation of a library of specimen school-books, and books and periodicals for circulation. Through the kindness of the publisher, a grant from the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge, and the funds of the Association, the library contains 387 volumes, amounting in value to 471. 2s. 94d. The committee feel that this is a feature of our Association which cannot be too highly appreciated by its members, as it is calculated, if carried out, to confer a benefit on the district not limited to the present members, and which will add greatly to its stability. The treasurer's accounts will enter fully into the subjects of income and expenditure; we would, however, remark, that the establishment of any thing of this kind is necessarily attended with considerable expense; and when the smallness of the annual subscriptions and the limited nature of our resources are considered, you will be glad to find that about one-seventh of our whole income remains on hand. And now we would urge the members to renewed exertions in the ensuing year. Our individual efforts may seem to some of us weak and worthless, and useless to our fellow-teachers; but we must remember, that as each grain in the largest mountain cannot boast of its own size, neither will our individual effort seem of much importance except as a part of the great work of national education. We have begun a good work; we have shown that the teachers of Halifax are alive to their own interests, the interests of their brethren around them, and the welfare of education generally; and doubtless many among us could, even now, tell of fresh zest and renewed exertions as the results of our assemblies. In conclusion, we would suggest, that it might be desirable to establish classes in mathematics, natural history, chemistry, &c., and also, if the funds can be raised, to purchase apparatus for the study of such subjects.

The officers of the past year were then re-elected, consisting of Messrs. Gibson, Stevens, and Norris, committee; Mr. Crossley, treasurer; and Mr. W. Brown, secretary. Mr. Turner, of Queenshead, was chosen librarian. A vote of thanks was warmly accorded to the secretary and committee, for their labours in the establishment of the Association. A tea was provided on Friday, February 2d, 1855, at the Schoolroom, Victoria Street, Halifax, for the members and friends of the Association, which was well attended.

DERBY AND DERBYSHIRE ASSOCIATION.-At a meeting of the members of this Association held in the Curzon Street Schoolroom, on Saturday the 3d instant, the Rev. G. Smith, of Osmaston, near Ashbourne, gave a most pleasing and instructive lecture "On natural theology as a branch of a Christian education." The lecture was well delivered, and excited great interest. It was illustrated with several beautiful diagrams prepared expressly for the occasion by Mrs. Smith, and many interesting specimens of minerals, &c. Mr. Smith kindly invited the members, either individually or as a body, to see his collections at Osmaston, an opportunity they will probably embrace in the summer. A vote of thanks was given to the lecturer, and the members separated.

TESTIMONIALS.-To Mr. G. A. CHAPMAN, a Silver Pencil-case and Gold Pen, by three of the Boys attending Curzon School, May Fair.

To Miss E. S. CONNER, a Gold Pencil-case, by the Pupil-Teachers and Girls of the Boston National School.

Mr. J. B. WHITE, on leaving St. Jude's School, Southwark, a Carved Walnut-tree Inkstand, and a Silver Case with Gold Pen, &c., from the Clergyman, Pupil-teachers, Scholars, and a few inhabitants of the street in which the School is situated.

To Mr. EVERARD LACEY, a Purse containing a small Collection, by the Managers and Children of the Alfreton School, wrongly printed in our last the Hemsley School.

APPOINTMENTS.-Mr. EDWIN SIMPSON, from St. Helier, Jersey, to St. Anne's National School,

Limehouse.

Mr. F. H. WALKER, from Bollington Cross, Macclesfield, to Quernmore, Caton, Lancaster.

Mr. W. GONINAN, from the Royal Caledonian Asylum, to Raye's Grammar School, Cheveley, Newmarket.

Miss M. A. PRESTON, from the Home and Colonial, to be Assistant Mistress in the St. John's School, Oulton.

Mr. W. HARRIS, from Frome, to the Reformatory Farm School, Bamford Speke, Exeter.
Mr. A. T. MACFARLAND, from Liss, to the National School, Andover.

From Battersea Training College.

Hewitt, Robert, Military School, Blackheath, Assistant Master.

Sanders, Charles Henry, Free Grammar School, Newbury, Assistant Master.

ERRATUM.-We have been requested by the Rev. John G. Cromwell to correct an error in the figures in his note printed last month at p. 50. Instead of "500 or 600 schools under Government Inspection," it should have been " 5000 or 6000 schools," &c.

OBITUARY.-On 31st January, Mr. CHRISTOPHER POPE (of Battersea), late of the Stockport Grammar Schools, in his 28th year.

NOTICES TO CORRESPONDENTS.

We cannot undertake to notice anonymous communications, nor to insert letters or information received after the 20th. The name and address of our correspondents should always be sent, though not necessarily for publication.

"W. H." Your query is not educational, and therefore we do not venture to give an opinion. "F. W. S." We think you would get the best advice about the boy you refer to from the Deaf and Dumb Asylum, Old Kent Road. The inquiry is not of sufficient general interest to occupy our limited space.

"H. T." We duly received your notes, but could not find room for them this month. "J. Hardy." Received with thanks.

"C. H. R. H." has our best thanks; but his communication has come to hand when our pages are more than filled, and 'at too late a period to afford necessary time for consideration. The subject involves the interests of so many, that we fear we may not find it expedient to print the paper he has : kindly sent.

"J. B. R." Your plan involves the necessity of passing through bed-rooms from the kitchens to sitting-rooms. This is so objectionable that we should be sorry to recommend it. The residences we think should be below, and the schools above, with open roofs.

"W. H." ought to have sent his name. He will find the Notes to "March away" at p. 388 of Monthly Paper, 1851.

"J. B. R." We must refer you to what was said at p. 69 of our last Number on the subject of your inquiry. We do not see what further information can be given.

"W. H." and "Fair Play" are thanked; we have inserted two letters on the subject of their communications.

"A Schoolmistress,"
," "R. E. F.," "S. W.," " Wint," declined with thanks.

"W. J. L."" Man Tor," are thanked; we hope to find room for their communications in some future Number.

"F. C." will see by this Number that there is to be an examination for registration. The other point he mentions is one which rests entirely with the managers of the school.

"A Manchester Man." The price will no doubt be given when the book is published. You should consult the Church Education Directory, price Is., which will show you which of the Diocesan Boards grant assistance to young men desirous of being trained as schoolmasters.

The Hereford and Norwich Board Reports have been received, and shall be noticed in due course. "J. F. G." We have received your notes, but have no room for them this month. "Lashoran" under consideration.

"E. W. A. G." We advise you to write a civil letter to the Secretary of the Committee of Council. It is likely the points you mentioned have not been considered.

"S. D. S."

We conclude that you have seen the Prayer printed at page 348 of Monthly Paper for 1854. We have inserted your inquiry.

"J. H. M." is thanked. We fear the insertion of it might involve us in inconvenience. "E. E. G." Lending libraries are already established in most parishes, and are not unusual in National Schools. Bishop Selwyn's plans of "Self-supporting Schools and Colleges," we presume, may be ascertained at the Office of the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts, 79 Pall Mall.

"T. R." Your inquiry should be addressed to the Secretary of the Charity Commission, York Street, St. James's.

Notwithstanding the enlargement of our Paper we have been obliged to defer the Examination Papers for Pupil-teachers, Papers on Allegation, School Government, Notes of Lecture at an Evening School, and Sunday-School Teachers, besides numerous communications received after the 20th.

[blocks in formation]

THE Meetings of the Committee of the National Society have been attended during the last month by his Grace the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Earl of Harrowby, the Bishops of London, Winchester, St. Asaph, Carlisle, Chichester, St. David's, Llandaff, Oxford, Worcester, Sodor and Man; Lord Redesdale; Sir W. Heathcote, Bart., M.P.; Rev. Sir Henry Thompson, Bart.; Sir Thomas Phillips, the Dean of St. Paul's, Archdeacons Sinclair and Harrison; C. B. Adderley, Esq., M.P.; T. D. Acland, Esq.; and Rev. John Jennings.

The Welsh Education Committee has been attended by Lord Dynevor, Viscount Emlyn, M.P.; Saunders Davies, Esq., M.P.; Howel Gwyn, Esq., M.P.; John H. Phillips, Esq., M.P.; Thomas Lloyd, Esq.; R. Goring Thomas, jun., Esq.; C. A. Wood, Esq.; and others noticed above, members of the Committee of the National Society.

Annual Meeting.

The Annual Meeting of the Society has been fixed to take place in the Central School-rooms, Sanctuary, Westminster, on Wednesday, the 6th June, at 12 o'clock; and the Meeting of Secretaries and Treasurers of Diocesan and District Boards at the same place on the preceding day, Tuesday, the 5th June, also at 12 o'clock.

Members of the Society are invited to attend the Meeting. Tickets of admission will be issued to Members on application at the Society's Office, Westminster, or by letter, on and after the 18th May.

Secretaries of Diocesan and District Boards are requested to receive the above intimation as an invitation to attend the Secretaries' Anniversary Meeting on the 5th June.

Whitelands Training Institution.

MISS BURDETT COUTTS' PRIZES FOR THE TEACHING OF COMMON THINGS. Miss Coutts is prepared to offer Prizes for the Teaching of Common Things, according to the following scheme :

I. There will be three sets of prizes, which in value will amount to 50%.

To schoolmistresses in schools connected with the Church of England who have pupil-teachers apprenticed to them, under Government inspection, in the county of Middlesex, one prize of the value of 51.; four prizes of the value of 47. each; five prizes of the value of 31. each.

To the pupils in the Whitelands Training Institution who are in their second year, and who have passed a Government examination at the end of their first year, ten prizes of the value of 17. each.

To female pupil-teachers in schools connected with the Church of England, who are apprenticed in the county of Middlesex, who have entered their third year and not completed their fourth year of apprenticeship, eight prizes of the value of 10s. each.

II. The examination for these prizes will be held on a Saturday in June or July, at the Whitelands Training Institution. The competitors will have to attend for that one

VOL. IX.

E

« AnteriorContinuar »