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ITERARY NEWS

Studies in European and American History.

By Fred Morrow Fling and Howard W.
Caldwell. Published by J. H. Miller, Lin-
coln, Neb.

These papers are reprinted from the Northwestern Journal of Education. The source of study method was introduced into the Nebraska schools in the year 1896-97, and the studies were prepared to enable the teachers of the State to see what the method means and how it may be applied. They fully answered their purpose and evidently aided in placing the work upon a permanent basis, and now are issued in book form for general circulation.

Harold's First Discoveries. By J. W. Troe-
ger. Published by D. Appleton & Co.,
New York. For sale by the Whitaker &
Ray Co. San Francisco.

This is Number I of Nature-Study Readers
of Appleton's Home Reading Books. The
plan of this series is to begin with objects of
interest to children and generally within
their reach; to assist the child in acquiring
interesting and useful facts by its own obser-
vation, and in utilizing the same to form
truer ideas of that which lies beyond obser-
vation. Accordingly the first book contains
simple statements of observations which
children of six or seven would most likely
make, and subsequent books will treat the
same subjects in a progressive manner.
Australia and the Islands of the Sea. By
Eva M. C. Kellogg, edited by Larkin Dun-
on, LL.D. Published by Silver, Burdett
& Co., New York. For sale by The
Whitaker & Ray Co., S. F. This is Book
VIII of "The World and the People
issued under the general title of the
Young Folks' Library for School and
Home."

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The continent of Australia with only a century of growth is one of the marvels of modern times. Used at first as only a penal station, it now ranks in civilization and modern improvements among the progressive countries of the world. All of the important islands and groups of islands that stand in relation to Australia have found a place in this book with the exception of Japan and the British Isles, which have heretofore been treated in this series in connection with the continents of which they form, politically, such important parts. The author

has succeedeed in prsenting in this book in an attractive form all that is interesting of the people, their homes and customs, and the many distinctive features that characterize the animal and vegetable life and physical geography of that far-off country.

This book treats of the country, the farm and its environments. It leads the children to study and intensifies their interest in the objects that immediately surround them, and makes them closer observers. The pages are written in colloquial style that will hold the attention of the young reader from beginning to end of the book.

"Uncle Robert's Visit."
Parker and Nellie Lathrop Helm.
By Francis W.
lished by D. Appleton & Co., N. Y. For
Pub-
sale by The Whitaker & Ray Co., S. F.

This is the latest issue of Appleton's Home Reading Books. These books by Francis W. Parker, if read by the school children and especially by the elder youth who have passed out of school will suggest a great variety of ways in which real mental growth and increase of practical power may be obtained.

"The American Monthly Review of Reviews' contains a number of strong articles, the leading of which are: Plans of Currency Reform Before Congress by Charles A. Conant; New York City's Progress Under Mayor Strong by William Howe Tolman; The SeaPower of England and the United States; The Question of Hawaii; Count Tolstoi on the Doctrines of Henry George, etc., etc.

"The Forum" for January has a long list of articles by men prominent in economic and national affairs: Our Coast Defences by Gen'l Neison A. Miles; The Future of Bimetalism by Sen. George G. Vest; Electrical Advance in the Past Ten Years; The Political Outlook by Henry Watterson, etc., etc.

"The North American Review" contains second part of article Why Homicide has Increased in the United States by Prof. Cesare Lombroso; Industrial Advance of Germany by M. G. Mulhall; The Irish Question in a New Light by Horace Plunkett, M. P., and many other contributions by noted writers.

"Education" contains more than its usual quota of excellent contributions by promi nent writers and educators: Vocational Interests of Children by Prof. Will S. Monroe; The Psychological Significance of the Parts of Speech by Gertrude Buck; Children and Literature by Mrs. Kate Morris Cone; Pictured Instruction by Miner H. Paddock, etc. The following pregnant paragragh has been taken from the New England Journal of Education of December 9, 1897:

96

"Three hundred dollars will go farther in the purchase of carefully annotated school editions of The Merchant of Venice,' 'Robinson Crusoe,' 'Deserted Village,' 'Ivanhoe,' 'Enoch Arden, 'Conquest of Mexico,' 'Sketch Book, Evangeline,' 'Tanglewood Tales,' 'Grandfather's Chair,' 'Snow-Bound,' 'Vision of Sir Launfal and other Poems,' 'One-Horse Shay and other Poems,' 'Uncle Tom's Cabin,' and other selections from the masters, than $3,000 in lathes and benches in chemical or physical equipment."

With a single exception all of the books mentioned above are to be found in the Riverside Literature Series, published by Houghton, Mifflin & Co., at prices ranging from 15 cents to 60 cents.

Superintendent Balliet, of Springfield, Mass., who is always found in the front rank of educational workers, has just selected Bryant's translation of Homer's Odyssey for use in his Grammar Schools. At his request Houghton, Mifflin & Co. have hastened the preparation of a Students' Edition of the

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book. Among Classic Translations of Classic Authors, published by them in a one dollar form, are Bryant's Iliad, Bryant's Odyssey, Palmer's Odyssey, and Cranch's Eneid. It is very interesting to note that the foremost educators are considering serionsly the advisability of having Grammar and High Shool pupils study in English many of the old Greek and Latin masterpieces which have heretofore been studied only by College students.

An interesting item from Longfellow's diary, written at the time of the publication of the Courtship of Miles Standish: "October 23. Between these two Saturdays, Miles Standish has marched steadily on. Another five thousand are in press; in all, an army of twenty-five thousand, in one week. Field tells me that in London ten thousand were sold the first day."

When this poem was written, the children in our public schools were not given the opportunity to read anything but the regular Reader. Were Longfellow alive to-day,' it would delight him to know that the poem has been eagerly read during the past year by many thousands of children in the Grammar grades. Houghton, Mifflin & Co., the authorized publishers of Longfellow's works, have brought this poem out in a cheap 15cent form in the Riverside Literature Series; they also have a Dramatization of the poem prepared especially for school use.

D. C. Heath & Company, publishers, Boston, have in press for immediate issue in "Heath's Modern Language Series," Zschokke's Der zerbrochene Krug, edited with complete notes for elementary students, a vocab. ulary, and English exercises based upon the text for re-translation into German, by Professor E. S. Joynes, author of the "Joynes-Meissner German Grammar."

This delightful little gem of German literature is so well known and such a favorite that its issue now in a good edition, with notes and vocabulary, will be sure to be welcomed by teachers.

A Companion For All Ages.

A gentleman who used to read The Yourh's Companion when a boy, and reads it with the same interest now that he is a middle-aged man, was asked the other day if he had not outgrown The Companion. "I don't believe," said he, "that I can ever outgrow it. I find it not only in the cheery, hopeful spirit of youth, but the wisdom and experience of age. I like just as much as when I was a boy, though perhaps in a diffirent way. But I know that it is the same Youth's Companion with which I grew up, for my boys and girls like it as well as ever I did. It is a good paper to grow up

with. "

The Youth's Companion will contain the best thought of the best thinkers of America and Europe during 1898. It will print serial and short stories of absorbing interest, and true tales of adventure. The various departments of the paper will be a current record of the best work that is being done in the world. Present readers of The Companion who renew their subscriptions, and all new subscripers, will receive free a beautiful illustrated calendar, printed in twelve colors and embossed in gold. It is the richest and costliest ever sent to the Companion subscribers. New subscribers will receive The Companion every week from the time the subscription is received until January, 1898, and then for a full year to January, 1899.

An illustrated prospectus of The Companion for 1898 may be had by addressing PERRY MASON & COMPANY,

205 Columbus Ave., Boston, Mass.

HE California Teachers'

Association

The meeting of 1897 surpassed all previous meetings in interest and in attendance.

The Thirty-first annual session of the California Teachers' Association met at Metropolitan Temple, Tuesday morning, Dec. 28, and continued until Friday noon, Dec. 31st.

The attendance at each of the general sessions was fully 1500 while the closing hours brought a maximum attendance of 2500.

The Mayor, James D. Phelan, delivered the address of welcome; likewise Supt. R. H. Webster, who spoke as follows: "Assemblies of this character are replete with hopeful interest. You have left your homes and your accustomed pursuits to attest, by your presence, your interest in promoting the welfare of our great State.

"It is my pleasing duty in the name, and in behalf of the officers and teachers of the San Francisco School Department, to extend the hand of greeting, to give the salutation of this occasion and this fellowship of letters. Accept, then, an earnest and cordial welcome.

"You have assembled for mutual pleasure and improvement, for the discussion of educational problems and for the advancement of popular education.

"The problem of universal education developed on American soil; it was born and bred in the hearts of this people. It came from a united sentiment that something must be done to develop our mental and moral resources in order to secure that high character and conception of life necessary to perpetuate our republican institutions. But Americans are radically working for change, eager for improvement. Change is often welcomed, if it do not mean progress, but simply change. Hence schools are often made experiment stations for all sorts of notions. Suggestions of theorists, philosophers, business men and mechanics are given place in the school curriculum, and the school frequently suffers from the results. It would seem at times that there is need of an educational Moses to lead schools out of the wilderness of ideas and methods. Man ever creeps toward error, and by experience finds the truth. Experience has certainly taught that the best education should wield mental discipline in subjects in daily use in life, and should teach children the necessity for industry and economy, to live within their means, to accept life as they find it and to improve themselves and their environment."

Pres. Chipman then delivered the annual address. It was an address characterized by good common sense and delivered without any attempt at oratory, but in such a manner that every one in the vast audience heard every word. The following is an extract from Pres. Chipman's address:

"Members of the Boards of Education who formulate courses of study are often special teachers of some particular subject, and insist upon an undue representation of their specialties in the course of study. Often no two members of the board quite agree as to which is really the most important subject, and compromise by overloading the course in nearly all the subjects. As a result, teachers and pupils are overworked.

"It is absolutely requisite to a continuous advancement in the field of educational thought, and for the very best interests of the public schools, that researches and experiments should be made all along the various lines of education, and that when such experiments and researches are productive of results which may be applied beneficially to the every-day work of the school room, they should be placed in the hands of the teacher as part of her equipment for the work.

There is a class of so-called educators who spend an amazing amount of time and language in mere theorizing and in pull ing down existing methods, without attempting to supply the place of that which they have attempted to take out of existence.

"There is no valid reason why teachers should not take an active interest in all phases of politics affecting their work. On the contrary, it is the duty of teachers to take an active interest in all matters of legislation pertaining to the public schools. If the teachers of the State would stand shoulder to shoulder in an active, earnest, persistent endeavor to secure the legislation which the best interests of the schools so imperatively demand, success would crown their efforts.

'Important changes should be made in the school law at the next session of the Legislature. There should be a law passed providing for a uniform system of certificating teachers in accordance with the suggestions which will be presented by the State Superintendent of Public Instruction during the session of this Association. Provision should be made for a thoro revision of some, and if possible all, of the State text-books, a majority of which, so far as adaptation to our present methods of teaching and the requirements of the pupils in the public schools are concerned, are twenty years behind the times.

"In many of the cities and towns the selection of teachers is nominally made by the Board of Education or Boards of Trustees, but in reality by some political boss, who dictates to the officers elected by the people to manage and control the schools.

"A most determined effort should be made to secure at the next session of the Legislature some provision which will lead to a more permanent tenure of position. This result can be accomplished if the teachers of the State will give it their active and united support.

"The sessions of this Association have of late years assumed a degree of importance which was not indicated by the small gatherings of the faithful during the early years of its existence. The teacher who goes to the trouble and expense of attending an association, coming as it does at the close of a term's work and worry, and during the short recreation between the holidays, is almost without exception an earnest, conscientious instructor. The teacher who attends a county institute or an Association meeting and returns to her school-room feeling that she has not benefited in some degree is invariably the teacher whose work is of a low order.

"The moment you become thoroly satisfied with the character of the work you are accomplishing and imbued with the idea that there is no further opportunity or necessity for improvement, tender your resignation to the Board of Education and take the benefit of the pension act, or get married, for your days of usefulness in the school-room are over."

Pres. A. H. Randall of the San Jose Normal School gave a sensible, strong and very earnest address on the special work of the Normal School. Pres. Randall in his address showed that he had a clear and accurate comprehension of the work of Normal Schools.

The following is the key-note of his address:

"With the demand for trained teachers came also the necessity for a course of study for the Normal School that would provide for instruction in the science and art of teaching, and would at the same time give to the student a comprehensive knowledge of those branches required in the common schools. The Normal School student, in the very beginning of his work, should have a conception of the end which this training is intended to produce, and this ideal thus early formed, though dim and obscure at first, should grow with his growth until the true spirit of the teacher becomes the controlling influence."

The Hon. Frank J. Browne, State Supt. of Washington, delivered an eloquent address on the Stratford School-Master. It was a scholarly, keen, and splendid effort..

Mr. Browne has a fine voice of great carrying power, and uses it to excellent advantage.

Dr. A. S. Draper delivered two addresses, one upon the "Functions of the State Touching Education," and the other upon the "Spirit of the Teacher."

Dr. Draper touched high water mark both in his subjectmatter and in his manner of delivery. He is a magnificently handsome man, with a vigorous mind and a vigorous voice, and a vigorous body.

He proved to be a greater attraction than either Dr. Harris or Dr. Hailmann of previous meetings.

On Thursday, at the general session, Pres. Martin Kellogg, of the State University, delivered a classical and scholarly address on the Wealth of Words.

He made a plea for the power of nice verbal discrimination

and for the intellectual appreciation of the facility of proper expression.

He was followed by Mrs. E. G. Greene, of Santa Cruz. Then came Hon. Sam. T. Black, upon the Certification of Teachers. The address of State Supt. Black is printed elsewhere. It will repay careful study.

Major Black spoke in a well modulated voice with earnest ness, and made his remarks effective by his right hand gesture.

On Friday morning, Supt. Webster gave a strong and beautiful tribute to the character of Abraham Lincoln, and requested that the schools thruout the State of California celebrate Lincoln Day.

Fred. M. Campbell, Ex-Supt of Public Instruction, delivered a well-written and pleasing address upon the "Text-Book Maker as an Educator." The address appears on another page.

Prof. Chas. H. Allen, of San Jose, delivered a humorous poem on "Educational Progress," which sent many a ripple of laughter over the audience as he attacked one fad after another.

Eliza D. Keith spoke on Humane Education in the Public Schools. Miss Keith surprised her most ardent admirers by the simple eloquence of her diction, and the intensity of feeling that she displayed in her delivery.

Prof. Edward Howard Griggs then spoke upon Education for the Art of Life.

He faced the largest audience of the meeting. He stood before the vast audience; his tall form seemed a trifle taller; his intellectual face more intellectual; his voice, with its tinge of sadness, more sad than usual as he talked so earnestly and so seriously of the higher problems of life.

Prof. Griggs is a man without a climax. The audience wanted to applaud, but he talked on in his sad monotone as tho his life had always bordered on the tragedy of existence.

In his speech, there is no place for laughter nor even humor, not even for a quick turn of thought. His power is in the expression of the somber in life as it appears in the highest ideals of civilization.

NOTES.

One of the attractive features of the ineeting was the young ladies of the San Francisco Normal School, who acted as ushers. The election of officers was very interesting. When John Swett appeared on the platform to nominate Childs, he was given an ovation that would make any man feel proud.

Supt. Linscott nominated Prof. Griggs.

The ballot resulted 226 votes for Childs and 205 for Griggs. Richard D. Faulkner, Washington Wilson, H. C. Petray and Mary Prag were nominated for the office of vice-president. Two were to be elected and the choice fell to H. C. Petray and Mary Prag. For secretary Mrs. M. M. Fitzgerald and Mrs. M. E. Floyd were nominated. The ballot proved to be a tie, and on the following day, when the teachers again assembied, another vote was taken and Mrs. M. M. Fitzgerald was elected. F. K. Barthel of San Jose was re-elected assistant secretary and C. W. Marks was again appointed by acclamation to the office of treasurer. F Bunker of Santa Rosa was elected railroad secretary.

F.

C. W. Marks was the active member of the association. Much of the credit in the minor details of the meeting is due to his great activity. His work was indispensable.

The reception by Mayor Phelan and Supt. Webster in the dome of the City Hall was unique and pleasant.

The music by the Philomel Quartette, the Knickerbocker Quartette, and the San Francisco Normal School under the direction of Miss Carpenter, was very entertaining.

Pres. L. J. Chipman presided in an excellent manner, and his administration of the affairs of the meeting reflects credit upon his ability as a presiding officer.

Supt. Neilson of Sonoma County made the speech in favor of Santa Rosa as the next place of meeting, and Santa Rosa was an easy winner.

Charles H. Murphy, John Swett and P. M. Fisher, the committee appointed to investigate the charges published against Supt. Greenwood of Kansas City presented the following resolution, which was accepted:

"Resolved, That while the board thoroly disapproves of the misuse of the information recently procured thru circulars sent to the Principals, we exonerate Supt. Green wood from any wrong intention in connection therewith, and upon investigation of the whole matter we find nothing to diminish our confidence in his integrity as a man and his ability and efficiency as an educator.',

Among the distinguished visitors from abroad were Joseph Baldwin, the author of "School Management;" Supt. Bingham, of Tacoma; Carrie Shaw Rice, of Tacoma; Supt. F. J. Browne and wife of Washington.

The following County Superintendents were present at the meeting: Job Wood Jr., J. W. Graham, J. S. McPhail, Miss Tilton, Robert Furlong. L. J. Chipman, J. W. Linscott, W. J. Bailey, O. W. Grove, Geo. H. Stout, C. H. Neilson, Miss Ames, E. H. Floyd, T. J. Kirk, N. Messer, R. H. Webster, J. P. Garlick, Mr. Wilson and A. M Phalin.

Richard D. Faulkner, Principal of Franklin Grammar School, made a reputation as the best extemporaneous speaker of the meeting.

COUNCIL OF EDUCATION.

The Council met at the Lick House Monday at 10 A. M., Dec. 27th. State Supt. Black presided. The parlors were filled with members of the Council and visitors. Dr. T. D. Wood gave a very interesting account of experiments made in Sweden of the physical conditions of school children. Prof. Washington Wilson gave an interesting paper on "Reading for Pupils."

Supt. Linscott and Prof. Elmer E. Brown spoke on the "Course of Study," and gave an outline of the excellent work that the committee has been doing.

Prof. O. P. Jenkins gave a Jenkins' talk on "Nature Study," and those who heard him know exactly what is meant by a "Jenkins' talk."

There was also a number of other interesting papers. The Council of Education is doing a great deal of systematic work, and its function as a part of the Teachers' Association continues to grow in importance.

ROUND TABLES.

The following round tables were held in the Native Sons' Hall:

Manual Training, with James E. Addicott as chairman, and Richard D. Faulkner, as secretary.

School Administration, with Supt. Robert Furlong as chairman, and Miss Ames as secretary.

Kindergarten Education, Mrs. Pauline W. Dohrman chairman, Martha L. Bullock, secretary.

Classics, Prof. Edward B. Clapp, chairman, W. S. Thomas,

secretary.

English, H. C. Petray, chairman, Anna C. Murphy, secretary. Music, Juliet Powell Rice, chairman, Laura V. Sweesy, sec

retary.

Nature Study, Prof. O. P. Jenkins, chairman, Alice Gates, secretary.

German, Prof. Julius Goebel, chairman, Dr. K. Rendtorff, secretary.

History, Mrs. R. V. Winterburn, chairman, Anna Kohler, secretary.

Business, Madison Babecek, chairman, Mary E. Donnelly, secretary.

Child Study, Millicent W. Shinn, chairman, Anna C. Murphy, secretary.

Art, Prof. Arthur B. Clark, chairman, Marion Adams, secretary.

Mathematics, Prof. Charles Allen, chairman, Minnie L. Mackay, secretary.

Hygiene, Dr. James Black, chairman, Mrs. M. A. Belding,

secretary.

Library, J. C. Rowell, chairman, A. M. Jellison, secretary. The Round Table on music, conducted by Juliet Powell Rice, was one of the most successful. Mrs. Rice is a genius in music and the large audience present showed the interest in this work.

The Department of Nature Study, conducted by O. P. Jenkins, was a popular department, and the discussions were lively and valuable.

H. C. Petray made the Department of English a success. The debate on "That true stories are more conducive to language development in the first four grades than myths, fairy-stories and folk-lore," was a one-sided affair, as the discussions were all in favor of the true story, Prof. Griggs of Stanford not being present.

The Department of Business conducted by Madison Babcock, was well attended. There were three notable addresses. Dr. Haley of Heald's Business College, delivered an address on "Necessity of Special Training for Business." Dr. Haley is a

successful business man and spoke from the standpoint of a practical educator.

C. W. Childs spoke on the business side of a child's education.

"A weak spot in our educational system," by H. Weinstock, was commented on as a strong and able address.

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RESOLUTIONS.

E. W. Davis, Chairman of the Committee ou Resolutions, read the following report of the Committee on Resolutio is. It was adopted:

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Resolved, That the California Teachers' As-ociation thanks Mayor Phelan, Superintendent R. H. Webster and the San Francisco School Department for their cordial welcome and the many courtesies extended to them during this session of the Association. "Resolved, That we express our high appreciation for the interest the daily press of San Francisco has taken in our proceedings.

"Resolved, That we thank the Board of Supervisors and City Hall Architect Frank Shea for kindly granting us the use of the dome in the City Hall, and decorating the same for the public reception held on Tuesday evening, December 28th.

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Resolved, That this Association express its hearty appreciation of the inspiring and suggestive addresses of Dr. Andrew S. Draper, President of the University of Ilinois; also its thanks to State Superintendent F. J. Browne of Washington for his address.

"Resolved, That we cordially invite the several District Teachers' Associations to meet in joint session with us at the annual meeting to be held in the year 1898.

"Resolved, That the thanks of this Association are due and are hereby tendered to Superintendent A. M. Phalin and teachers. of Contra Costa County, who have attended this convention 107 strong, or 7 per cent greater than the total number of teachers employed in the County.

Resolved, That the thanks of this Association are hereby tendered to L J. Chipman, the President. and to the other officers for their efficient and valuable services.

"Resolved, That we hereby extend to State Superintendent S. T Black and to the other able educators who have assisted us in this meeting our grateful appreciation of their work.

"Resolved, That we recommend to the Biennial Convention of County Superintendents the consideration of a Compulsory Education law.

"Resolved, That a committee of five be appointed by the Chair to consider the constitution and rules of order of this Asso. ciation, and to prepare and submit to the next session such amendments as the Committee may deem to be for the best interests of the Association.

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Resolved, That we recognize in the WESTERN JOURNAL OF EDUCATION a helpful and progressive publication.

"Resolved, That we, the teachers of the State of California, assembled in our annual State Association, do hereby express our approval of the plan to hold an educational meeting during the Trans-Mississippi Exposition, to be held in Omaha from June 1st to November 1, 1898, provided that such a meeting is arranged upon dates which will not in any way conflict with the meeting of the National Educational Association to be held in Washington, D. C., July 7th to 12th, 1898; and we pledge ourselves to cooperate in every way practicable for the advancement, the organization and the success of the meeting.

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Resolved, That after the careful use of a system of State text-books, we are compelled to say that said system does not meet the requirements of our schools, and we urge the Legislature to take such action as will lead to the discontinuance of their publication.

"Resolved, That we recommend to County Superintendents and County Boards of Education the employment of all authentic sources of information as supplementary to the State series of books."

Education is a second birth.

Character is the poor man's capital.

A pleased customer is the best investment, not only to an employer, but to an employee.

FRANK J. BROWNE,

Supt. of Public Instruction, of the State of Washington.

Professor Griggs, in a recent lecture said: The only professions which were considered respectable in ancient times were war and statesmanship. After the church had been well established later in the middle ages the clerical profession also became a reputable calling. With this condition was contrasted the high esteem in which we hold so many vocations in our own time. It shall remain for us to develop the same professional spirit in other callings which now tends to remove the medical, legal and perhaps the educational professions from the depressing influence of mere mercenary rewards. Money is never a just measure of value in life work. "The blood of the martyrs, if carried to open market would not bring the price of skim milk."

The following incident is related by one who knew Lincoln, and who was at the time of the incident his fellow traveler:

We had passed through a thicket of wild plum and crab-apple trees, and stopped to water our horses. One of the party came up alone.

"Where is Lincoln ?" we enquired.

"Oh," he replied, "when I saw him last, he had caught two young birds which the wind had blown out of their nests, and he was hunting for the nest that he might put them back in it." In a short time Lincoln came up, having found the nest and

restored the birds.

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C. W. CHILDS,

President California Teachers' Association, 1898.

Prof. Childs was five years old. when, in 1850, his parents moved from western New York to Wisconsin where, as a farmer's boy, he learned the lesson of country life and those of the schools as far as a year of academic work beyond the requirements of the high school. Then came the War of the Rebellion and the call for volunteers. The company in which Childs-then a mere boy-enlisted was, much to their chagrin, sent west to the plains instead of "on to Richmond." Perhaps this disappointment and an appetite thus whetted for more western experience caused him to go on westward to this Coast, where in 1862, while yet in his teens, he began to teach school. Meanwhile, as Secretary of the Union League, and one of the State militia he saved his country as well perhaps as his schoolmates who faced the Confederate army.

After a few years' experience in the country schools of El Dorado County as teacher and member of the Board of Examiners he entered the State Normal School. After his graduation in 1867 he completed a course in a business college. Then followed nine years of successful work in Solano County as principal of the Suisun schools and County Superintendent. Under Prof Childs' management the Suisun High School became noted for its excellent work. Many pupils came from other places to reap the benefits of a course which fitted its graduates for the University and at the same time was suited to the needs of those who could go no farther than the high school. In 1878 Prof. Childs accepted an unsolicited place in the State Normal School at San Jose, where, until June 1867, he was teacher, vice-principal and principal. During the seven years in which Prof. Childs was principal many changes were made in the equipment and work of the Normal School. A building was erected for the Training Department which Dr. Winship pronounced to be the best building for the purpose in the United States. The interior of the old building was reconstructed so as to materially increase its usefulness. Unfinished portions of the basement were made into dressing rooms, and a manual training laboratory was fitted up with benches and tools. The physical and chemical laboratories were doubled in size and provided with a new floor sloping to the front. The old heating apparatus, which had proved a failure, was taken out and an excellent heating and ventilating plant substituted. The course of study increased to four years and modernized by cutting out considerable arithmetic, grammar, geography, spelling and other elementary work, and putting in pedagogy, psychology, manual training and general history. More time was given to higher mathematics, science work and English. The time given to work by senior pupils in the Training School was greatly increased and the work improved.

For many years Prof. Childs has owned an orchard, the management of which has been restful work in spare hours, albeit this work has gained for him a reputation for skill and scientific methods in horticulture. Indeed he has always seen clearly the importance of experience in business and a knowledge of affairs to a teacher, and especially to one who must, as principal or superintendent, plan courses of study fitted to the constantly changing needs of growing civilization. In order to avoid ruts and to keep in touch with the people, Prof. Childs has always taken an interest in the doings of the busy world outside the schoolroom. Although he has been offered several excellent positions in schools, he has chosen to spend some time in Stanford University as a student of Sociology and Political Economy. Spare time has been given to revising his well known text books and now, doubtless, he will give much attention to the work necessary for the success of the next meeting of the California Teachers' Association.

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The executive committee of the N. E. A. at its meeting in Chicago, November 27, decided, by a unanimous vote, to" select Washington as the place for the next meeting of the National Educational Association, and the time July 7 to 13, inclusive. The choice was a matter of no little difficulty owing to the very strong attractions offered by the competing cities, viz. Omaha, Salt Lake City and Los Angeles. Already the railroad lines from Chicago to Washington have granted the usual one fare forsthe round trip, plus the membership fee. Formal action as to ticket conditions and extension of tickets for return wi 1 be announced at an early date. It is believed that these ticket conditions will be more liberal than has ever before been secured. The meetings will open on the evening of Thursday, July 7, and close the evening of Wednesday, July 13. The advantages of this arrangement are that Sunday travel going to or from the meeting will be unnecessary. There will be no session on the afternoon and evening of Saturday, the time being given to social and other recreations.

The churches of Washington will be invited to arrange for sermons and addresses bearing upon educational themes on Sunday, the roth. It is believed that this relief of Saturday afternoon and Sunday occurring in the midst of the session will be welcome. Thanking you in advance for the courtesy of giving this announcement place in your columns, I am, for the executive committee, yours truly, IRWIN SHEPARD, Secretary N. E. A.

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The Toilet of Beauty.

Without whose aid, it is said, no lady can be dressed with propriety and gracefulness:

Attar of Rose, warranted to retain its fragrance in all climates -Virtue.

Beautifying Lotions, -Tenderness and constancy.

Best Lip-salve,-Smile of benevolence.

Elixir to preserve Memory,-Gratitude.

Cream of Sweet Almonds,-Kindness and good nature.
Sal Volatile,-Wit.

Cold Cream,-Prudence.

Pomade Divine,-Contentment.

Essence of Jassamine, apt to evaporate, therefore to be kept close,-Friendship.

A Lotion to Prevent Wrinkles,-Cheerfulness.
Best Court or Sticking Plaster,-Faithfulness.

Simple Anodynes,-Paitence and Industry.
Best Patent Pins,-Repartee.

Fine White Paint,-Innocence.

Wash-ball for preserving white bands,-Purity.

Dye for Eyebrows,-Contemplation.
Best Rouge,-Modesty.
Crystal Vase, -Truth.

A Mirror, Reflection.

Fine Eye-Water,-Sensibility.

Essence of Roses, Poison, to be used with caution,-Love.

An Excellent bloom to preserve the complexion,-Early

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A little learning is a dangerous thing anywhere, but especially in business. A man who knows nothing of medicine may get patients; a clergyman, who knows nothing of theology may get a pulpit; but to succeed in business in this pushing, competitive age, a man must know every detail of it, he must be great in little things.

He who renders noble service to mankind is rich, though he die penniless. Future generations will erect his monument in marble or in books.

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