moral proposition clearer than this. Society, in its society, while it would impair the force of all that collective capacity, is the possessor of all the know-retards it.

men as we now honor by the appellation of first class, or first rate teachers;-of such teachers as are able, in the schoolroom, both to teach and to govern; and who, out of the schoolroom, will be animated by a missionary spirit in furthering the objects of their sacred vocation. I have also supposed that all the children in the community shall be brought under the forming hands of such teachers, from the age of four to that of sixteen, for ten months in each year.

ledge, and the owner of all the property in existence. On the other hand, however, I am supposing two Governments have been organized, and are invested great changes. I am supposing all our children to be with power to use any needful amount of this property | placed under the care of such a class of men and wofor purposes of education; and, by holding out adequate inducements and remuneration, they can command the services of the highest talent. Here, then, duty and the means to perform it, come together. The only remaining question is, How much can be done? for, in a cause and for a purpose like this, nothing which can actually be done, can be guiltlessly omitted. If it is proved, with a reasonable degree of certainty, that ninety-nine, ninety-five, ninety, eighty, or any other given per-centage of all children can be rescued from vice and crime, and can be so educated and trained as to become valuable citizens; but the State refuses or declines to do this work, then the State itself becomes a culprit, and before the great Moral Judge who is seated on the throne of the universe, it must stand, a spectacle of shame and guilt, like one of its own inferior culprits, before its own judicial tribunals.

While, therefore, the above supposition leaves chil dren exposed in many cases, to the pernicious family and social influences, under which they are now suffering, it assumes that all the children, when out of school, shall meet only such children as are enjoying the same high training, the same daily instillation of moral principles, as themselves. My supposition allows a continuance of the same family and adult influWith these preliminary observations, which seemed ences, (at least until these shall be supplanted by the to be necessary in order to a full exposition of the better influences of the rising generation,-action and object I have in view, I proceed to submit the follow-reaction hastening results,-) because these influences

ing specific inquiries, and to request your answer to them:

1. How many years have you been engaged in school-keeping, and whether in the country, or in populous towns or cities?

2. About how many children have you had under your care; of which sex, and between what ages ?

3. Should all our schools be kept by teachers of high intellectual and moral qualifications, and should all the children in the community be brought within these schools, for ten months in a year, from the age of four to that of sixteen years; then, what proportion, what percentage,—of such children as you have had under your care, could, in your opinion, be so educated and trained, that their existence, on going out into the world, would be a benefit and not a detriment, an honor and not a shame to society? Or, to state the question in a general form, if all children were brought within the salutary and auspicious influences I have here supposed, what per-centage of them should you pronounce to be irreclaimable and hopeless? Of course, I do not speak of imbeciles or idiots, but only of rational and accountable beings.

You will perceive that, in certain respects, I am supposing no change in the present condition of society. I am taking families as they now are, and am allowing all the unfavorable as well as the favorable influences of the old upon the young, to continue to operate, at least for a time, as heretofore. Nor do I suppose any sudden or transforming change in cooperative or auxiliary institutions, such as the sabbath school, the pulpit, and so forth, although it is certain that such a state of things as is here outlined, would gradually impart new vigor to all that advances the progress of

are facts which no earthly power can cause to be immediately changed. But I have supposed this noble company of teachers, this length of schools, and this universality of attendance, because these are reforms on the present condition of things, which can be effected without any great delay;-at the furthest a very few years being an ample allowance for the completion of such a change.

To reduce my third question, then, within its narrowest limits, and to make it as definite and precise as possible; suppose yourself to be stationed as a school teacher in a place similar to any of those in which you have before labored; suppose yourself, too, to be surrounded by teachers fully as capable and as zealous, in all respects as yourself; and suppose, further, that all the children are brought under your care or theirs, as above specified, that is, for a period of twelve years, or from four to sixteen, and ten months in each year;-and will you then please to declare what proportion or per-centage of those under your own care, you believe could be turned out, the blessing and not the bane, the honor and not the scandal of society; and on what proportion or per-centage,-the complement of the other, would your experience compel you to pronounce the doom of hopelessness and irreclaimaability?

Very truly and sincerely, yours, &c., &c.,
HORACE MANN,
Secretary of the Board of Education.

If the robin and other small birds are encouraged to build near the habitations of man, they will prefer such locations to extensive forests and swamps, where hawks and crows and snakes are more apt to be their neighbors.

Physical Science.

From the National Intelligencer.
Geology for Schools and Families,

BY JOSIAH HOLBROOK.

to attrition. These conglomerate masses and ranges are frequently divided by seams of moderate distances, from half a foot to several feet, hundreds of feet in extent, cutting masses a foot or two in diameter and pebbles smaller than peas in one uniform direction, leaving plain even surfaces upon these exceedingly irregular masses, and thus fitting them for handsomely faced walls, for which they are extensively used between Boston and Providence. Calcareous puddingstone, forming the pillars in the Representative's chamber of our National Capitol, is far more limited than the silicious already mentioned. Though composed almost entirely of rounded masses of limestone, pebbles of quartz occasionally appear in it, greatly increasing the expense of polishing; indeed, nearly or wholly prevent its use for the common purposes of marble.

Not a little enthusiasm prevails among the schools of our national city in furnishing the seventy thousand schools of our nation with specimens of the materials of our national buildings-at once a national and a patriotic enterprise. For the accomplishment of this noble and generous object, the members of many schools rise at early dawn, immediately directing their steps towards the Capitol, where they find, by repairs now in progress upon the building, any desirable number of specimens exactly fitted to their wishes. These they select, of a size a little larger than a dollar, in Morning excursions, or any excursions for instrucnumbers suited to their strength or their purposes. tion, so rich and so practical, and for an object so high When thus supplied with specimens, showing the ma- and noble, bring into harmonious and healthful action terial composing the Capitol of the Union, also the Pre- muscle, mind and soul. No faltering of steps; no missident's House and several other buildings, these young givings of conscience; no doubtful consciousness of scientific and patriotic explorers select for an excur-noble impulses for a noble object; no doubtful success sion the Smithsonian Institute or Washington Monument, where they also find, by hundreds of cartloads, specimens of those buildings exactly prepared to their Still persevering till they have accomplished their object, they procure without difficulty specimens of the Post-Office, of the pillars in the Representatives' Chamber, and of all the public buildings in the American metropolis.

hands.

in accomplishing the object of their generous impulses; no muddy or misty ideas bewildering their investigations; no want of novelty, variety or richness of ideas, to give new vigor to every step of their progress in substantial, because practical knowledge; nothing irksome; nothing dull; nothing low or vulgar, nothing demoralizing or of doubtful moral tendency, ever calls for "the birch," or other artificial, unnatural stimulants, to impel young muscles and young spirits to pursue vigorously and steadily so great an enterprise for so high an object; leaving a deep, durable and dignified impress upon their own minds, by their efforts to implant similar impressions upon the minds of others.

The only question suggested by a movement so truly and so highly national, is, for which it is most to be admired, its simplicity or its magnificence? A few short weeks thus occupied by the young hands, directed by active minds and generous souls in our national metropolis, are sufficient to transmit and diffuse the same noble impulses which animate them to seventy thousand schools, and through them to some eight millions of young spirits, in a few years to determine the character, as they must constitute the strength of the American Republic. How is it possible to conceive of steps more simple, direct or certain; or an object more noble, grand or magnificent?

Except the Post-Office and the Monument, the materials of these buildings are obtained from conglomerate formations; which formations present three general divisions, with several varieties of each. These three divisions come under the terms of sandstone, siliceous puddingstone, and calcareous puddingstone; the last also called breccia. The sandstone abounds in various parts of the world, and is very extensively used as a building material, under the common name of freestone, from its yielding readily to the drill, the wedge, and the chisel, and by them worked freely into any desirable forms. Sandstone is the common, if not the only material used for grindstones, and is much used for hearthstones in iron furnaces, forming the deposit for the iron as it becomes liquid from the ore. Silicious puddingstone is also exceedingly abundant; forming extensive deposites, and even ranges in various parts of the world, especially in coal fields. The pebbles composing this rock are sometimes simply quartz; at others, masses of granite or hornblende formations; varying in size from that of a pea, or even smaller, to "When on a clear autumnal evening, after sunset," a foot, or perhaps two or three feet in diameter; filled says an eloquent and beautiful writer, we take a sein with small pebbles or grains of sand, and the whole rious and attentive view of the celestial canopy; when being cemented, principally by iron, into solid masses we behold the moon displaying her brilliant crescent many miles in extent. Such a rock forms the very in the western sky; the evening star gilding the shades highest peaks of the Catskill mountains. The pebbles of night; the planets moving in their several orbits; and large masses composing this extensive formation the stars, one after another, emerging from the blue of rocks are always rounded, giving proof that before ethereal, and gradually lighting up the firmament, till they were thus formed in large deposites and extensive it appears all over spangled with a brilliant assemblage ranges of rocks, they had for a long time been subject of shining orbs; and particularly when we behold one

Astronomical Science.

would form "planets in the state of vapor." These planets, it appears from mechanical considerations, would have each its rotatory motion, and as the cool. ing of the vapor still went on, would each produce a planet, in the same manner as the planets were formed from the atmosphere of the sun. "It may easily be conceived," continues Professor Whewell, from whose Bridgewater Treatise on Astronomy and General Physics, this description of the hypothesis under conside

cluster of stars gradually descending below the western horizon, and other clusters emerging from the east, and ascending in unison the canopy of heaven; when we contemplate the whole celestial vault, with all the shining orbs it contains, moving in silent grandeur like one vast concave sphere round this lower world, and the place on which we stand-such a scene naturally leads a reflecting mind to such inquiries as these: Whence come those stars which are ascending from the east? Whither have those gone which have dis-ration has been taken, "that all the primary motions appeared in the west? What becomes of the stars of a system so produced, would be nearly circular, during the day, which are seen in the night? Is the nearly in the plane of the original equator of the solar motion which appears in the celestial vault real, or rotation, and in the direction of that rotation. Reasons does a motion in the earth itself cause this appearance? are offered also to show, that the motions of the satelWhat are those immense numbers of shining orbs lites thus produced, and the motions of rotation of the which appear in every part of the sky? Are they planets must be in the same direction. And thus it is mere studs or tapers fixed in the arch of heaven, or held, that the hypothesis accounts for the most remarkare they bodies of immense size and splendor? Do able circumstances in the structure of the solar system; they shine with borrowed light, or with their own na- viz. the motions of the planets in the same direction, tive lustre? Are they placed only a few miles above and almost in the same plane; the motions of the satelthe region of the clouds, or at immense distances be-lites in the same direction as those of the planets; the yond the range of human comprehension? Can their motions of rotation of these different bodies, still in the distance be ascertained? Can their bulk be comput-same direction as the other motions, and in planes not ed? By what laws are their motion regulated-and much different; the small eccentricity of the orbits of what purposes are they destined to subserve in the great plan of the universe?"

These and similar questions it is the province of astronomical science to resolve, so far as they may be compassed by human intelligence. In no other science have there been such gradual and constant accessions of knowledge, as in this; and there is, at the same time, none in which so much remains to be discovered.

The Nebular Hypothesis.

the planets, upon which condition, along with some of the preceding ones, the stability of the system depends; and the position of the source of light and heat in the centre of the system."

District School Journal.

ALBANY, AUGUST, 1849.

La Place has proposed a hypothesis respecting the The Free School Campaign. origin of the solar and planetary systems, which from On the first Tuesday of November next, the People the facts which it attempts to combine, the view of the of the State of New-York are to determine by their universe which it presents, and the eminence of the suffrages, whether COMMON SCHOOL EDUCATION Shall be person by whom it is propounded, is deemed by the FREE to all the children of the State, without discrimimost scientific astronomers deserving of serious atten-nation or restriction-whether the great principle of tion and investigation. He conjectures that our sun UNIVERSAL EDUCATION shall or shall not be recognized and its planetary system was primarily a portion of ir- and permanently engrafted upon our institutions. No resolvable nebulous matter, the ultimate condensation more important issue has ever been presented for the of which into a nucleus generated the heat, the rota-consideration and deliberate action of our fellow cititory motion, and all the phenomena of a sun; "that zens. All the local questions of the day-all merely in the original condition of the solar system, the sun revolved upon its axis, surrounded by an atmosphere which, in virtue of an excessive heat, extended far beyond the orbits of all the planets, the planets as yet having no existence. The heat gradually diminished, and as the solar atmosphere contracted by cooling, the We have thought that we could not more approprirapidity of its rotation increased by the laws of rota-ately open this campaign, destined to be so momentous tory motion, and an exterior zone of vapor was detach-in its results to our entire community, than by disseed from the rest, the central attraction being no longer minating broadcast throughout every one of our eleven able to overcome the increased centrifugal force. This thousand school districts, the able circular addressed zone of vapor might in some cases retain its form, as a year or two since by the Hon. HORACE MANN of Maswe see it in Saturn's ring; but more usually the ring sachusetts, to several of the most eminent and expeof vapor would break into several masses, and these rienced teachers in the Union, with the view of ascerwould generally coalesce into one mass, which would taining their opinions in reference to the practical rerevolve about the sun. Such portions of the solar at-sults of an enlightened and liberal system of universal mosphere abandoned successively at different distances Education. We shall follow it up with the answers of

partizan contests sink into insignificance when compared with it. We are to establish a great and fundamental principle-and upon our decision depends the welfare and happiness of our children, and our children's children in all coming time.

those distinguished gentlemen to whom the circular was forwarded: and we earnestly invoke the careful perusal of these important documents, by every individual into whose hands these sheets may come. The facts and arguments addressed by Mr. MANN are incontrovertible and conclusive: and no right-minded person-no true friend to the permanent well-being of the human race no patriot, philanthropist or Christian, can hesitate cordially to subscribe to the great principle and lasting truths set forth in this correspondence. When to the force of the arguments here so cogently and clearly adduced, is added the weight of the testimony borne from so many independent and reliable sources, of the power of a sound education to renovate and purify the character and the life; the obligations incumbent on the state as such, to provide such an education for all its future citizens, will be seen to admit of no controversy.

to school superintendents, teachers, and other educational functionaries. With the circular were sent, in many cases, specimens from the New-York schools, acknowledged in your kind and patriotic letter, occasioning and principally constituting it. The government machinery thus operating, furnished most of the state superintendents of schools with the products of young hands, and to a great extent of "SELF-EDUCATION," some of the best specimens of this hand and handy-work having been produced on the domestic board, as you can bear testimony as a visible witness in your own family. The fruits of school instruction and of self-education, thus furnished to government functionaries of schools in different states, have, as they inform me, been used most successfully as seeds of knowledge and incentives to assiduous culture, in the various fields of labor under their respective supervision. Surely such leaven, placed by such hands, in such measure, and in such moveable and moving material, must leaven the whole lump.

Another mode of the workings of government machi

There is a paper published in Orange County, under the name, we believe, of the "Banner of Liber-nery for self-education deserves notice. A member of ty," or some such high sounding title, which is enga. ged in a ferocious crusade against free schools, normal schools, and popular education generally; and which seems apprehensive that the approaching triumph of the principle of UNIVERSAL EDUCATION is destined to usher in all the evils of a despotic tyranny. Perhaps it may comfort the worthy editors to know that the warmest friends of education do not expect to bring within its pale, a greater proportion than ninety-nine out of every hundred of the whole population of the Republic; an arrangement which will leave "ample verge and room enough," for himself and his friends for at least an entire generation.

Government Machinery and Self-Education. S. S. RANDALL, ESQ.

Congress sends to the several members of the State Legislature in his congressional district, specimens of writ ing, drawing and other products of young hands, delightfully employed around a family board. These specimens, thus received, through the hands of their congressional representative, are made the occasion by their state legislators, of meetings in their respective legislative districts, for exhibition and distribution, at the same time inviting a reciprocatory action from the receivers, in the same great republican enterprise. The only reply necessary for those who should say that national and state legislative functionaries would not do the work prepared, is, that they have done it, and that many not yet having had the opportunity, have cheerfully offered their services forthwith..

Another branch of government machinery, which has Dear Sir:-During six months' residence at the head done educational work partially, and will most certainly of our nation, two great facts have been very strongly pre- do it generally and effectually, is the post-office; maksented to my mind, as holding to each other most inti-ing the 17.000 postmasters in our nation virtually and mate and important relations: I mean CIVIL GOVERN-prominently educational agents, especially promoters of MENT and SELF-EDUCATION. Facts will best illustrate. SELF INSTRUCTION. Under the provisions of the present On leaving New-York for a visit to Virginia, availing myself, for the purpose, of your proffered and generous hospitality, I took with me, as you know, a large quantity of the products of young hands in that commercial metropolis. A portion of those products were scattered in the "Old Dominion" by your hands and mine, which proved to be good seed sown, in good ground, having already brought forth fruit abundantly. Your letter of acknowledgment to the New-York schools, with some directions to teachers, added by S. W. Seton, the agent of those schools, and, by him, in elegant style, put into the form of a " Circular," for general distribution, has been scattered broadcast over every section of every state in the Union, principally by "GOVERNMENT MACHINERY," both state and national. The common mode of operation was for members of Congress to send copies to the members of the state legislatures, also to public journals in their respective districts, with others

post-office laws, many postmasters have sent and received, to and from distant states of our Union, the products of self-instruction. Many more could and would do it, if they should have opportunities. Under a more enlightened post-office arrangement, which we are certain to have, probably before the close of another session of Congress, almost anything, as the products of young hands and minds, can be sent by this most powerful piece of government machinery, capable of performing the functions of intellectual and moral veins and arteries for our whole nation, from Maine to New-Mexico, and from Florida to California. "A cent an ounce system, which would afford a money making operation to the Department, would furnish both to the schools and families of our nation, facilities and inducements for intellectual, moral, and patriotic correspondence, by which in the language of the "circular" referred to, "young minds would be heard in affectionate greetings, and in

brotherly and sisterly love, from the broad and beauti-ration, bringing to their aid not only the government ful Hudson on the North, to the banks of the Rio Grande functionaries of our nation, but foreign ministers and on the South, from the shores of the Atlantic on the other public functionaries from other nations, who East, to the waters of the Pacific on the West; and thus bring to it active, spirited efforts, under large, enlightby young hands our offerings rendered, a most auspicious ened views, which leave no doubt of success. omen presented, and a sure guaranty given, that amid the storms of partisan excitement and political passions, would be preserved undimmed and untarnished, our Union, 'one and indissoluble.'"

Perhaps, in justice alike to myself and the public, I ought to improve this occasion to say, that" HOLBROOK's APPARATUS," purporting to come from Holbrook & Co. of Ohio, is by the agency of a deposed methodist preachA most important feature of self education. admirably er, and that I have in it no direction, interest or responfitted for the workings of government machinery, has, sibility whatever. Such a notice seems to be especialwithin a few weeks past, been most strongly and strik-ly called for by the fact, that almost every device ingly developed in our national city. It is the principle has been resorted to by venders to have it understood to be mine, and that in numerous cases coming to my of a mechanic working his own tools, a chemist his own apparatus, or pupils their own instruments of instruc-knowledge, schools procuring it under such representatations and belief, have soon found it so defective and erroneous, as to throw it aside, as causing the sad evi of giving erroneous first impressions.