you can supply the congenial,-you catch the spirit. Perhaps the only charge against the book which will deter good readers from it is that of materialism. Those persons with whom materialism expresses the exact negative of intuitive insight and virtue, will not bear the least savor of this taint.

The charge is suggested by the author's theory, but is not borne out by a nearer acquaintance with is method of illustration and proof. On the contrary, he is revealed to us as entertaining the very highest views of religion; as seeking, with all the devotion of the humblest skeptic, the truth that it concerns him to see.

THE ELEMENTS OF LOGIC. Adapted to the capacity of younger students, and designed for Academies and the higher classes of common schools. By Charles K. True, D. D. Third edition revised. New York: published by Carleton & Porter, 200 Mulberry street; Ivison Phinney & Co., 48 and 50 Walker street. 1861.

The first editions of this book have been in our

higher schools and even in many colleges as a re

citation book. We have ourselves used it, and like much the system in the old book. But this new edition is better for the purpose for which it is really needed. It is for a common school book, to follow grammar, and ought to be in every grammar school.

It is an essential in our education that we shall

The two volumes already published are but a portion of the introduction to the work itself. In be able to condense our knowledge to a just systhis introduction the author, having established, tem of argument. To do this, we must study the inductively, the laws of civilization, proceeds, de- method of correct reasoning. The most important ductively, to explain and confirm these laws by improvements in this edition are, the Analytical applying them to the history of each of the great Outline, the Chapter on Distinctions of Reasonmodern nations. This he has done for England, ing, and the Essay on the Philosophy of IndueFrance, Spain and Scotland, while he promises to tion. We have taken much delight in reading do the same for the United States and Germany. through this rare little text-book. We therefore look for the next volume with special interest. How this last phase of civilization in the United States may picture itself in Mr. Buckle's mind, would be important to know.

To readers of history, and to all thinkers on the most intimate concerns of men, we commend the History of Civilization in England, as deep, strong and true. It is an honest attempt to explain why the successive generations become wiser and better. Though the task is gigantic, we believe the author is adequate to its performance, and will complete his solution of the problem in full assurance of faith, provided his life shall be lengthened

ON THE STUDY OF WORDS. Lectures addressed (originally) to the pupils of the Diocesan Morning School, Winchester. By Richard Chenevix Trench, D. D., Dean of Westminster. TwentySecond American (from the Ninth English) Edition, enlarged and revised. New York: W. J. Weddleton, successor to J. S. Redfield. 1861. It would be a work of supererogation to repeat the frequent encomiums which have been passed upon this work. Every scholar has known something of this work while it has passed through its more than twenty editions in our own country and ninth in England. It has recently been carefully revised, and a great outlay has been made to place it on the highest point of excellence. It is elegantly stereotyped, printed on thick, polished paELEMENTS OF GEOMETRY AND TRIGONOMETRY, per, and, as a text-book for the study of our own with Practical Applications. By Benj. Greenleaf, A. M., author of a Mathematical Series. words, is, in our opinion, the best book now pubImproved electrotype_edition. Boston pub-lished. lished by Robert S. Davis & Co. New York: D. Appleton & Co and Phinney, Blakeman & Mason. Philadelphia: J. B. Lippincott & Co. Columbus, Ohio: Riley & Bowles. 1862.

to its full term.

S. T.

LIFE AMONG THE CHINESE. With Characteristic Sketches and Incidents of Missionary Operations and Prospects in China. By Rev. R. S. Maclay, M. A., thirteen years Missionary to China from the Methodist Episcopal Church. New York: published by Carleton & Porter, 200 Mulberry street. 1861.

This volume is written in a familiar, easy style, which renders the perusal an agreeable pastime. The writer spent several years in and about China, enjoyed familiar intercourse with the people, conversing freely with them in their own dialect, which enables him to speak understandingly of their present condition. It is an entertaining work.

The author has already an enviable reputation as a mathematical book maker. We have used his series of Arithmetics, and the Algebra, for a number of years, and think them a valuable series. Now we have the cap-stone in the Geometry and Trigonometry combined. The arrangement of the propositions are much like that of our excellent Legendre, while many improvements have been wisely inserted. The converse of propositions, we notice, are fully given, which greatly facilitates the progress and pleasure of the student. There is one demonstration, which has, we think, never been introduced into an American book before. BOB AND WALTER.-This is the title of a new This is a great improvement in elementary Geom-"little book" for "little boys," and we know there etry. This is an eminently practical work, and we are hosts of them that will be glad to read it, or hope may add laurels to its already distinguished hear it read, as the long evenings come again. author. Teachers, please examine. Published by Phinney, Blakeman & Co., N. Y.

Class

MARTIN'S NATURAL HISTORY. Translated from LIPPINCOTT'S PRONOUNCING GAZETTEER of the the Thirty-Fifth German Edition, by Sarah A. WORLD. Myers. Containing two hundred and sixty-two This is one of the books of which nothing need beautifully colored Engravings. First Series: Class I.-Mammalia, Class II.-Birds. be said, and of which too much that is good canIII.-Reptilia. 1 vol. 12mo. 484 p. Price $1.50. not be written. If we were to specify any one deSecond Series: Class IV.-Fishes. Class V.-partment of public education which has been sadMollusca. Class VI.-Insecta. Vegetable King-ly neglected, we should mention that of Geogradom. Mineralogy. 1 vol. 12mo. 484 p. Price $1.50. New York: Phinney, Blakeman & Ma- phy. With all our increased facilities, we think Buffalo Breed, Butler & Co. 1861.

son.

We have examined with pleasure and profit this work, and cordially adopt the following notice of it:

too little progress has been made in the study of this all-important branch. The ignorance of the public, even that part of it called educated, in matters pertaining to Geography, is perfectly astound"The study of Natural History is commanding ing, and makes the need of such a book as the increased attention from year to year, in our own Gazateer imperative. It meets the wants of the and foreign lands. The most illustrious names in people in every particular, and with such a book science have won distinction in this comparatively within reach there can be no excuse for the gross modern field, and their contributions have served blunders and mistakes which are daily made. It to excite others to the most enthusiastic and contains a full notice and description of Countries, severing labors to add to the stores of knowledge Islands, Rivers, Mountains, Cities, Towns, &c., already acquired. &c., in every part of the Globe, with statistics of population and commerce, in addition to a complete vocabulary of Geographical Names, making it the most desirable Gazetteer in the English language. Published by J. B. Lippincott & Co., Philadelphia.

per

"Notwithstanding the splendid results of the labors in these realms of inquiry which English and French Naturalists have made within the last twenty years, it was left for a German scholar to bring to the task the zeal, ability and ingenuity necessary to condense into a moderate compass the information now available respecting the Animal, Vegetable and Mineral Kingdoms. Such an undertaking was bold, and its success was doubtful. But the result has demonstrated the genius and skill of the author.

"In this great work the publishers have conferred a favor of no ordinary magnitude upon the American public.

RUDIMENTS OF PUBLIC SPEAKING AND Debate, or Hints on the Application of Logic. By G. J. Holyoake, author of "Mathematics no Mystery,' ""Logic of Facts," etc. With an Essay on Sacred Eloquence, by Henry Rogers. Revised by L. D. Barrows. New York: published by Carleton & Porter, 200 Mulberry street. 1861. We have really enjoyed the reading of this work as a pastime. We think it strikes right at the root of the persuasive art. It has treated of the several divisions of the subject with a perspicuity, as well as a gentle touch now and then of the humorous, which is intensely pleasing. It is an indispensable companion to the young orator, or for any one who would learn the art of convincing. It would make an excellent companion for the new "Such a study reverently pursued, conducts the Logic which has just been issued by the same enreader into the mysteries of the world around him, terprising house. Buy one and read it. It will and leads him directly to the great First Cause, by do you good. whom all things exist."

"The number, the beauty, and the value of the illustrations, have very justly attracted the attention of students of Natural History, and com

mended this work as eminently worthy of being reproduced in this country.

A NEW DICTIONARY OF QUOTATIONS. From the Greek, Latin and modern languages, translated into English, with historical, political and anecdotical illustrations. From the London Edition. J. B. Lippincott & Co., Philadelphia.

TRUE STORIES OF THE DAYS OF WASHINGTON. Young people and children are fond of stories. Fascinating as many of the Fairy Tales are, we believe their influence is not good upon the minds of the young. They create false ideas of life, and This book is particularly adapted to the present excite the imagination to an unhealthy condition, day, when the habit of introducing quotations in- destroying the relish for all reading of a practical, to every department of general reading and con- instructive nature, and engendering a taste for the versation has become universal. It is designed light, fictitious works, which are such a curse to for the mass-and is not limited to the purely the young of the present day. We are glad to see classical-while the scholar will find it a valuable a book of true stories, and such stories, too, as the aid as a book of reference. The illustrations have days of Washington furnished, and we recommend been selected with evident care, and there is ap- it to all our young friends. There are many incipended an index of all the principal words intro-dents of thrilling interest connected with those medueed, which greatly enhances its value. It is morable days which every American child should finished in a neat and attractive style, and will know, and which are not found in history. Get it prove a most acceptable addition alike to the home and read it. table and the student's library.

Published by Phinney, Blakeman & Co., N. Y,

THE MATHEMATICAL WORKS OF H. N. ROBINSON, needed no support; but who can say that a little LL. D. Consisting of ELEMENTS OF GEOMETRY timely aid might not have saved the elm, by givAND PLANE TRIGONOMETRY, with numerous

practical problems; A THEORETICAL AND PRAC-ing it time to gain strength for the future? There TICAL TREATISE ON ALGEBRA; THE PROGRES- are minds, like the oak, formed to contend with SIVE HIGHER ARITHMETIC, combining the Ana- difficulties. Others, like the elm, gain strength lytic and Synthetic Methods; THE PROGRESSIVE but slowly, and are more easily swayed by oppos PRACTICAL, and AN INTELLECTUAL ARITHMETIC. Published by Ivison, Phinney & Co., New ing forces. To assist some pupils, is to rob them of so much mental power. The solution of a diffi

York.

We have perused with much care the above se- cult problem is, to their minds, what the wielding ries of mathematics, comparing them minutely of the ponderous hammer is to the arm of the with other series and we are free to say, that in blacksmith. But other minds need aid in graspthe arrangement of the subjects; clearness and con- ing for the truth, until they acquire the mental ciseness of definitions; mechanical execution, and power of grasping it for themselves. in all particulars that render the study of mathe- Let us, then, give them our assistance; not by matics attractive and easy, the author and publish- solving all great questions and giving them the reers have more fully met the wants of the teacher sult of our labor, but, by prudent questioning. and student than has been done by any other series lead them to take each mental step, and with us that we have examined.

Assisting Pupils.

arrive at the conclusion. To do this well, requires patient, persevering, and earnest labor; but the teacher will have a rich reward in beholding the youthful mind growing stronger and stronger, and rejoicing, more and more, in the light of acquired truth.-Mass. Teacher.

MANY a teacher has often inquired, "How shall I secure to my pupils the highest mental development? Shall I point them to their work, and bid them help themselves, or shall I lead the way and WHITHALL'S PLANISPHERE" AND LECTURE. bid them walk in my footsteps?" The reply given -At very brief notice an interesting company of by many, is, if you would make the mind vigorous, young people met last evening at the High School, do not by any means assist your pupils. Let them by invitation of the ingenious inventor of this usedepend upon themselves, and become self-reliant. ful little apparatus. An hour could scarcely pass However difficult the problem, encourage the pupil to persevere until he finds the correct solution. Do not, on any account, make a suggestion that will give him aid; for it will lead him to depend upon you, and not upon himself. Some go so far as to affirm, that the teacher who helps his pupils fails in the performance of duty.

more pleasantly and profitably than in following the lecturer in his walks among the constellations, and in listening to his lucid explanations of the celestial phenomena. Perhaps few subjects of so general practical interest are so much neglected as Astronomy. His illustrations are so intelligible by the aid of the Planisphere that we are quite inWe admit that this theory, in part, is true. That clined to second the recommendations, so ample the mind, like the body, is made vigorous by exer- and cordial, awarded by scientific and practical cise, we do not deny. But may not both the body men. Among these we notice the names of Presi and mind be required to surmount obstacles so dent Felton, and Profs. Peirce, Olmstead, Holmes, great, that both will be over-taxed, and the result Crosby, Caswell, &c. One teacher says: “I would be weakness instead of strength? An objector not be without it if the cost were ten times that may say, if the problem is too difficult, omit it un- at which it is sold." Another: "I can teach more til the mind has more strength. But this is not of the starry heavens from it in one day than I always possible. The solution of that very prob- can in a year from any other Celestial Atlas, Map lem, in just that place, may be necessary to the or Globe that I have ever seen."-Providence Evepupil's further progress. ning Press, Oct. 2d.

AN old clergyman, one Sunday, at the close of the sermon, gave notice to the congregation that, in the course of a week, he expected to go on a mission to the heathen. One of the deacons, in great agitation, exclaimed, "Why, my dear sir, you have never told us one word of this before! What shall we do?" "Oh, brother," said the parson, "I don't expect to go out of town."

"But if one pupil can solve it, why not another?" This might with propriety be asked, were all minds constituted alike; but that they are so constituted, admits of question. The storm-defying oak stands on the wide, upland plain; it boldly lifts its arms to withstand the northern blast, and, striking its roots deeper and deeper, gains strength by its very resistance, until its branches hardly wave a recognition to the fiercest tornado. But the elm, that stood by its side, was less able to resist, and the JOHN L. SHOREY, of Boston, has presented to wild wind prostrated its graceful form. Bravely the town of Jonesboro', Maine, his native place, as it now struggles for life, it fails of development, nearly five hundred volumes of Sargent's Standard and its beauty of proportion is marred forever. Readers, in proportion suitable to the use of every The oak was self-reliant from the beginning, and scholar in town.

The R. J. Schoolmaster.

DECEMBER, 1861.

VOL. VII.

For the Schoolmaster.
School Gymnastics.

BY DIO LEWIS, M. D.

THE bean-bag exercises are the best to begin with.

For the average pupil the bags should be, when finished, eight or nine inches square, sewed with double linen or silk thread, and three quarters filled with beans. The beans should be rinsed until the water runs from them quite clear, and then dried before they are put in the bags.

As often as once in two weeks the bags should be emptied and washed, and as often as once a month the beans should be rinsed.

The young ladies who continue to use! the dirty bags which

I see everywhere, soil

ing their clothes and

No. 1. Arrange your players in two classes,

hands and filling their standing in the aisles between the desks or otherwise. The classes should face each other and about six feet apart. Each pupil plays with the

lungs with fine dust,
must have a strong in-
stinct for exercise.

one who stands exactly opposite him. One bag The bags ought not to each couple. The teacher gives the word, to be used more than one, two, three, and the bag is thrown backward a quarter of an hour and forward ten, twenty, or fifty times, as the It should be thrown teacher may indicate.

each day, and never at
all except under the from the position represented in Figure 1, and
never tossed from the lap.

eye of the teacher, and
with thorough disci-
pline.

Figure 1. When a military company shall prosper with dirty muskets and bad discipline, then a school may continue to feel a lively interest in these bag exercises, managed as they usually have been.

As each couple finishes the number announced by the leader, the bag is held up as high as may be and the number cried in a loud voice.

No. 2. The same as No. 1, except the right hand alone is used, the left one being held on the side, as shown in Figure 2.

No. 3. Same as No. 2, except the left hand

No. 15. Turning the left side, throw with both hands from the chest.

No. 16. Turning your right side to your partner, throw the bag from the position seen

No. 9. Same as the last, except the left hand in Figure 10. is used in the throwing and catching.

No. 10. Each player turning his right side AFFECTION, like spring flowers, breaks through towards his partner, will throw it from the point the most frozen ground at last and the heart of the elbow; keeping the fore-arm vertical, as which asks but for another heart to make it seen in Figure 7.

happy, will never seek in vain.