2
Ije ffitmo, Wm Bloomficli), JJa.
' Terry County Teachers' Institute.
The Teachers' Institute ot Perry county,
Prof. Silas Wright, Superintendent, con
veneed In the Court House, in Bloomfleld,
nn Monday, December 7th, 1874, at 1 o'clock
P. M., and was called to order by the Pres
ident, Prof. Wright, and opened by the read
ing of a portion of Scripture and prayer by
Samuel E. Bucke. The President then made
a few remarks, stating the objects of the In
stitute and giving some very valuable sug
gestions for the consideration of the teachers
during its sessions. The Institute then pro
ceeded to organize by electing Mr. 8. B.
Fahnestock, Vice President, and Messrs. H.
O. Gantt and L. E. McGinnes, (Secretaries.
The roll was next called, and the names
of those teachers who came1 in later were in
serted. Institute opened with 89 teachers
present.
The question, "How should we teach Pen
manship ?" was referred by tho President to
the teachers, and discussed with Interest by
Messrs. J. P. Long, S. E. Bucke, W. E. Ba
ker, O. D. Owens and others.
Next in order was the fixing oi the time
for opening and closing. The time for open
ing in the morning was fixed at 9 o'clock
and closing at 12 M. ; in the afternoon open
at 1 o'clock and close at 4 o'clock, and in
the evening open at 6.30 o'clock the time
for opening on Monday evening being fixod
at 7 J o'clock. Teachers who came in during
the afternoon were enrolled. Adjourned.
Evening Settion. Institute was called to
order at 7.80 P. M., President Wright in the
chair.
Prof. J. H. Kurzenknabe, of Harrisburg,
was then introduced and gave a lecture on
the subject of Vocal Music, after which the
Institute sang several selections.
Prof. J. W. Shoemaker, of Philadelphia,
was next introduced, and entertained the
audience by reading the following selec
tions : "The Burial of Moses," "The Red
Jacket," and "The Charcoal Man."
Prof. Kurzenknabe and MissPhemie Mc
Kee then sang an amusing song, entitled
"Look me in the Eye," followed by rending
"The Children's Prayer," "The' Beef Con
tract" and "The Old Man in the Model
Church." Music, "Crown Him Lord of
Ail," after which Prof. Shoemaker read sev
eral selections in a manner highly gratify
ing to the audience. - Adjourned.
TUESDAY.
Morning Session. Institute opened at 8.45
A. M., with Scriptute reading by Prof.
Wright, and prayer by Rev. McPherson.
Prof. Shoemaker then read "Bells of Shan
don," "Excelsior," "John Maynard,"and
"Darius Green and his Flying Machine."
The time for bis departure having arrived,
to the regret of the audience, he retired.
Music, "The Little Ones," after which
Prof. Kurzenknabe gave an interesting lec
ture and class drill on the subject of vocal
music.
The spelling contest was next in order.
Eighty words were pronounced by the Pres
ident, Mr. H. D. Stewart taking the honors.
Music, "All Shout Liberty." Prof. A.
N. Baub, of Lockbaven, Pa., was next in
troduced, and gave a very interesting lec
ture on the subject of School Management.
He argues that a teacher receiving certi
ficate from the County Superintendent only
indicates a good teacher, but to be a practi
cal teacher he must be a good manager or
disciplinarian. We muBt make our school
rooms pleasant. The first idea is to have
pots of flowers or plants oi some kind in the
room. Pictures, mottoes, &a, should be
added. Rooms should be well ventilated.
In building new houses he recommends an
opening near the top of the room to receive
fresh, pure air, with a pipe extending down
ward from the opening to prevent the es
cape of warm air, and with an opening in
or near the floor, either under the stove or
remove the carpet strips beueath the door
to allow the escape of noxious gaBes. Ad
journment. Afternoon Settion. Institute was called
to order at' 1 o'clock, President in the
chair.
First in order was the election of a com
mittee on Permanent Certificates, which
resulted as follows: Messrs. S. B. Fahnes
tock. W. E. Baker, G. C. Palm, Wm. C.
Shuman and J. S. Campbell having receiv
ed the highest number of votes were de
clared elected. Messrs. T. K. Long and J.
C. McAllister acting as tellers.
Music, "Music in the Air," by the Insti
tute. Prof. Kurzenknabe then gave a talk
on vocal music. Next in order was discus
sion of Queries. The Question what is
the correct spelling of ' Mrs. T Should the
abbreviation Mrs. be pronounced Mistress
or Missus? . Referred to Mr. D. FleUher.
The first question was discussed by Messrs.
Fleisher, Fahnestock, Baker and Bucke.
and referred to Mr. Fleisher to be answered
on Wednesday.
Second Should we devote as much time
to pupils who have very little talent, or
those who will not learn, as to those who
learn well? Referred to Israel E. 6 header,
who advanced the idea that pupils of good
talent, who will not study should not re
ceive as much attention as those poorly
talented who will study. He was followed
by Messrs. G. W. Oebr, J. P. Long and J.
R. Bucke, whose opinions were in accord
ance with Mr. Sbeaffer.
Third Does the solar rays unreflected
contain heatt Referred to Mr. W. E.
Baker, who argued that a solar ray un re
flected does contain heat, and produced
principles to prove his position.
Music, "Sweet By and By." The sub
ject of school management was again taken
up by Prof. Raub. He dwelt on the
teacher's manner in the school room he
should be very careful and go through his
labors in a quiet and reserved manner.
The teacher who speaks loud will hsve a
noisy school. A single tap of the bell is
sufficient to call and dismiss classes, and
will cause the least noise. . He discouraged
corporal punishment, and believed in the
use of the rod as the last resort. Teachers
should be careful not to administer pun
ishment immediately after the offence baa
been committed, and that punishment
should never be Inflicted when the otl'ence
is purely accidental. He recommends that
teachers be careful at all times in punishing,
they should not infer that every little oc
currence wss intended as an act of disobe
dience and aimed at them. He disparaged
the idea of using written rules. As an il
lustration of the teacher's inability to make
and enforce rules in tho school room, be
related some of bis own experience.
Mr. S. B. Fahnestock offered the follow
ing! Rfohed, That we recommend the adoption
of uniform system of Pennmanthip In thS vari
ous school districts of tho oounty j tho use of not
more than tho throe flrit number! of a series in
our common sohooll ; that each pupil bo provided
with praotioo paper and eaeh day's lesson oo care
full r praoUoed before written in tho oopy books;
the olauifloatton of pupils according to the degree
nf advancement, and disoard the writing of oopiei
by the teacher.
The question, How shall our county
schools be graded? Referred to J. W.
Soule, who gave some very gord ideas, and
was followed by Mr. Fahnestock who as
serted that we have not, strictly speaking,
one graded school in the county, and that
It would be difficult to draw a dividing line
between the different schools. He thought
that there should be a definite line drawn,
and that teachers should be required to
advance their pupils to this line before they
admitted to a higher grade, and that the
directors support him in all his duties.
Prof. Wright then read a selection from
the Pennsylvania School Journal on this
subject, giving a synopsis of the studies tbat
should be assigned to each grade.
The time for closing drawing, near the
subject was dropped to be resumed at some
future time during the sessions of the Insti
tute. Adjourned with 125 teachers present.
Evening Settion. Institute opened at 6:80
P. M. with music, "Crown Him Lord of
All."
Prof. Raub, then spoke of the origin of
the English Language. He gave the ety
mology of the words epizootic, epidemic.
byppodemlc, rubbers, turnpike, and many.
outers. He read a selection criticising tbe use
of slang phrases, adding bis own disapproval
of their use. He also gave the origin and
meaning of most of the names of our towns,
rivers and mountains, both Interesting and
instructive, which was indicated by the at
tentiveness of the audience.
Music duet, " Follow up the Plow,"
by Miss Phemie McKee and Prof. Kurzen
knabe. After the music en address was
delivered by W. E. Baker, subject, "How
I teach the little ones," which was quite
instructive.
Music, "All shout Liberty" and "Colum
bia the Gem of the Ocean." Adjourned.
' WEDNESDAY.
Morning Settion. Institute opened at 9
A. M. with Scripture reading and Prayer by
.Prof. Kurzenknabe Prof. J. V. Montgom
ery, of Millersville State Normal School,
was next introduced and gave a very in
teresting lecture on the subject of Drawing.
He argued tbat drawing is as essential as
penmanship and that it should be taught iu
our Common Schools. The first lesson he
gives is drawing strait lines; of measuring
distances by the eye; of forming these lines
into squares, angies, &c, giving illustra
tions on the board quite interesting.
The Vice President, Mr. Fahnestock, then
took the chair, the president being required
to meet the directors who convened in a
separate room.
Music, "Fair as the Morning" lead by
Prof. Kurzenknabe, who next gave a class
drill in music. Next order of business was
the discussion of queries. The questioo
re-referred to Mr. I leisher was first con
sidered, bis opinion being that there is no
spelling for the abreviation Mr. He was
followed by Prof. Kurzenknabe, whose idea
was that the position in life governs the
spelling. He thought that if be intended
writing to a school mistress he would not
like to address her as Mrs. esDhciallv if he
had any intentions, Laughter. Tne next
question should written rules be used in
isiVtrl " aj i nruiriiirl K if 1 P l"rtfirt or urVirt
nvuvvi si (a-B ii vu ay J tuuiiwn. nuu
thought tbat written rules were out of place
in tne school room. He was followed by
Messrs. Rice, Baker and Kerr. Mr. Baker
argued that Christ (rave rules to his people.
and the teacher should have and enforce
rules in his school. The Rev. Mr. Edgar
then made some very appropriate remarks
advising the use of rules or laws in tbe
school room giving illustrations of their
good eflect. He was followed by the Rev,
Mr. Sheedcr, who thought that a law ex
pressed in some manuer is essential, but
did not believe tbat there should be a long
list ot written rules. A vote was then taken
on the question and resulted in tbe negative.
Tbe question, "If a teacher has no suc
cess in teaching, should he blame himself
was answered in the affirmative by Mr.
Stambaugh.
The next query What causes tbe bazy
slate of the atmosphere, during the period
termed "Indian Summer," referred to H.
L. TresBlcr. A few remarks were made,
and the subject dropped, having been
considered at a former meeting of tbe in
stitute. . 0
The question, "Is piety essential iu im
parting instruction in our common schools."
Answered in the affirmative by W. E.
Baker. Adjourned.
Afternoon Settion. Institute opened at
the usual hour. President in the chair.
Prof. Raub then lectured on the subject of
Grammar. He recommends to teachers tbat
tbe first lesson be to require the pupils to
correct errors of conversation.
Tbe subject, How shall we grade ungra
ded schools? was next taken up and dis
cussed bp Measra. Bucke, Long and Gebr.
The President then appointed all persons
holding permanent and professional certifi
cates as a committee to consider the ques
tion and report to the Institute.
,Prof. Montgomery resumed his lecturo on
drawiug, giving some very Interesting and
beautiful examples on the blackboard.
Music, "Swinging 'neath the Old Apple
Tree," by tbe Institute. Next in order was
discussion of queries. First. In country
school districts, where wood stoves are used
and are unfit to warm the bouse, should the
teacher allow the pupils to leave their scats
and go to tbe stove ? Referred to Mr. J. S.
Campbell.' Answered by several of the
teachers in the affirmative.
Second. Can a person become a finished
reader without understanding the art of
ventriloquism ? was referred to G. W. Gehr.
Answered in the negative.
Third. The parsing of the words "worth,"
"a," "and," ''dollar" in the sentence;
"Wheat is worth a dollsr a bushel" was re
furred to Mr. Fleiaber.
Fourth, Is there such a thing as half
steps ? was referred to W. U. Jackson, and
answered io tbe affirmative.
Filth, Should a law authorizing school
directors to purchase text book for the I
schools at the publlo expense be passed?
was referred to 8. E. Bucke, who was fol
lowed by Messrs. Long, Stephens and Rice,
but was undecided. Adjourned. ,
Evening Settion. Institute met at 6.80 P.
M. Called to order by the President. Mu
sio, "The Little Ones." "Crown Him Lord
of All," "The Little Reapers," "Go work in
my Vineyard," and "All Shout Liberty."
Next in order was a lecture on vocal mu
sic, by Prof. Kurzenknabe, who referred to
the creation of the earth when the morning
stars sang together. And also to the use of
the instrument in the time ot tne ratn
archs as well as to David the sweet singer
of Israel, and refcia us -down through all
ages even to the present time. He gave in
stances of the use of music by the best and
noblest of the earth. His lecture was lis
tened to with interest, and we regret tbat
pace will not permit a more detsiied ac
count of it. Music, "Crown Him Lord of
All." A lecture on Geography, its origin,
history and methods of teaching, by Mr.
Fahnestock, was next in order, in which he
gave many valuable ideas. His lecture was
full of instruction and very interesting. He
recommends tbat teachers should use as tbe
first lesson tbe hills, valleys and surround
ings of tbe school room, compare them with
those of other places, let the pupils be drilled
on the points of tbe compass, locating ob
jects and places about them, and from thence
to onjects more distant.
Music, "Jolly Jonathan." Quartette, rep
resenting America, England, Ireland and
Germany, and also, "Mortgage the Farm,"
by Prof. Kurzenknabe. Adjourned.
THURSDAY.
Morning Settion. Institute assembled at
9 A. M., and opened by Prof. Wright read
ing a selection, and prayer by H. L. Tressler.
The minutes were read and approved.
Discussion of queries First Should
teachers yield to the wishes of parents?
Referred to W.H. Glenn, who thought
that a teacher Bbould yield to the wishes of
parents when be can do so without injury
to the school, and when he can not do so be
should explain to them the reasons for not
yielding, and then be firm. Mr. Glenn was
followed by Messrs. Tressler and Ritter,
whose opinions were in accordance with
that of Mr. Glenn.
Second. Should the teacher allow tbe
pupils to use the book in mental arithme
tic? Referred to W. J. Rice, who believed
In the use of the book by tbe pupil. He was
then followed by Mr. uumm who thought
that the book Bbould not be used by be
ginners, but those moio advanced may bo
allowed its use.
Prof. Raub recommended tbat the book
be not used by tbe pupil, as it merely turns
mental to written. I rot. Wright agreed
with Prof. Raub in his remarks. He was
followed by Prof. Kerr who believes in the
use of the book, because the pupil can see
what be is going to do. Tbe eye is the
best teacher, and by tbe Use of the book his
eye is left free to deal with the solution,
not having to remember the problem. The
teacher should not put as much stress on
'the answer as on the solution, this being
tbe important point, lor while the solution
may be correct a slight mistake in the work
will give an inaccurate answer. Many
other valuable suggestions were given bv
the members of the Institute. Mr. Soule
moved tbat the sentiment of the teachers
be taken in a vote lost.
Third. What is the plural of Tailor's
?;oose? Referred to G. D. Owen his opin
on being that the expression is incorrect,
it should be Tailor's iron.
Fourth. Sbe met me with tears in her
eyes? Referred to Mr. Brandt, who pro
nounced it correct.
Fifth. Is "looked sick" a verb in the
sentence, "She looked sick." Answered in
the negative.
Sixth What punishment shall we indict
for truancy? was referred to E. Smith, who
thinks tbat wo should first use moral sua
sion, and should it fail then resort to the
rod. Mr. G. D. Owen argued tbat the rod
will not always answer, but that the best
plan would be to keep the offenders in at
recess.
Seventh What part of one hundred is
4-0 of tbe other part r was rclerred to J. 31
Dumm, who answered 4-0.
Eighth "Greece is no more," wasreferred
to Prof. Kerr to be analyzed and parsed,
who disposed of it in a manner satisfactory
to the members of the Institute.
Music, " Nearer, my God to Thee," and
followed by a claBs-driil on musio by J'ror,
Kurzerknube.
Remarks on Grammar were resumed by
Prof. Raub, who gave some very valuable
suggestions In regard to determining the
different cases, lie remarked that the
sooner we simplify our teaching of Gram
mar the sooner we will be successful. His
time being limited, he gave place to Prof.
Montgomery, who resumed the subject of
drawing, giving some valuable lessons on
the board. The hour of adjournment hav
ing arrived, the subject was dismissed to be
resumed at 1 l. M. Adjourned.
Afternoon', Stttion. Institute met at the
usual hour l'residont in the chair. Music,
" Home Sweet Home."
The subject of drawing was then resumed
and many additional lessons given on the
board, showing the principles to be observ
ed iu drawing : 1st, symmetry ; 2nd, rep
etition ; 8rtl, harmony ; 4th, repose ; Oth,
breadth ; Oth, proportion ; 7th, adaptation ;
oui, cnarocier. ilia auciresa was very In
teresting and the only regret of the au
dience was that the time was so limited.
Tbe next subject was primary teaching
by Prof. Raub. After giving many very
good ideas be explained the result Should
the Troplo of Cancer be moved 10 deg.
north of what it now is?
Music, "Safe Within the Vale." Class
drill on vocal musio by Prof. Kurzenknabo.
Closed by singing " Praise God from whom
all Blessings How." Tho President then
gave the boundary of the Atlantic Ocean.
He was asked bow many female teachers
there wereln the county? Answer, 23.
Mr. 3. 8. Campbell then disposed of "was
elected" in tho sentence John Adams was
elected second President of the United
Htates.
The Question How should the opening
exercises of each day's school be conducted'
was referred to Mr. J. H. Smith, who
answered, 'by reading a portion of scripture,
prayer and singing.' Messrs. 11. L. Tressler
and L. E. Mc(JiniKt then gave their meth
od! of conducting tho opeiiiug,exercites in
their schools. Mr. Baker's idea was that
teachers can not comucl miniln to read iu
tho Bible. Rev. Decker then followed by
saying tbat the doctrines taught in the
Bible are the basis of all education, but sec
tarianism should not be tolerated in any
wise. Quite a spirited discussion then fol
lowed, Messrs. Jiinkln, Rponsler, Edgar,
Potter and others participating in regard to
the use of the Bible in onr schools, and
bow it should be used. Adjourned.
livening Settion. Institute opened with a
full house at the usual time. Music, "Sweet
hour of Prayer," "I'm a Shepherd of the
Valley," and "Home Sweet Home."
Rev. Mr. Edgar then entertained the au
dience by a lecture on Phonetic Spelling in
substanoe as follows :
Ladies and Gentlemen i Phonetic Spelling
Is always having the same character or com
bination of characters to represent the same
sound, so that the spelling of a word will al
ways tell Its pronunciation. This is not now
the case In the EnglUh language. "Ough"
has six different sounds in the following line
" Though tho tough cough and hic-cough
plough me through.'' Why Is this?
Spoken language Is of Divine origin, but
written language Is human Invention, and is
Imperfect. Tbe ancient cuneiform characters
were mainly syllabic not phonetic, that is, each
character represented a combination of sounds
not one sonnd and so with the ancient hiero
glyphics of Egypt, they were not Phonetic.
The Phoenicians invented the first phonetic
alphabet but failed to have enough characters
to represent all the sounds. Greece borrowed
that alphabet, modified its characters and ad
ded to their number, but still not enough.
Rome in like manner adopted and modified tbe
Greek characters, and the Roman modified al-
fihabet is now ours, but with only twenty-six
etters to represent forty sounds which really
exist, viz t Eight explodents, p, b, t, d, ch
(soft), J, k, and g (bard), eight continuants, f,
v, th (o. g. then) dh (thin) s, z, sh and zh.
Two liquids 1, r. Three naeals m, n, and tig.
Two semi-vowels w, y and whispered h. To
these twenty-four consonants add twelve vowels
and four diphthongs making forty sounds.
The twelve vowels are e In eat, a In hate, a
In arm, a in all, o in hope, oo in food, 1 In it, e
In met, a bat, o in on, n In up and oo in
foot. The four diphthongs are 1 in high,
ol in oil, ou In loud and en in neuralgia. Other
writers add to these sounds, but there is no
need to extend tho list or give the signs. Tbe
main question is shall we always have the same
letter or letters for the same sound 1 What ad
vantage In this ?
First to the child, (a). It will save tbe Im
mense amount of time now spent in merely
learning how not to misspell words, and will give
time for real knowledge Instead of mere " con
ventional" knowledge, (b) It will save the
vast distaste to study and the real Injury to tbe
mind by the contradictory rules of our language
on this topic. God never deals thus in nature-
thwarting man's mind, by contradiction.
Second to tbe language Itself Remove this
absurdity from the English tongue, and Intelli
gent foreigners, acknowledge you give It a
chance for final supremacy in all the world.
Third General Advantages Tbe transition
then to written Phonography Is easy, also the
child, not only saves time in learning to read
but becomes a good reader naturally.
Will it be Introduced 1 It has more favor
than the " Metric 'System" now asked for; and
while It would necessitate a revision of all the
books now In existence It will bring out the
" rare uoia" ana cast tne "irasn" lntoonuv
lon. The best of books only, such as would
pay, would be carried over Into the new era.
while the worthless and useless which now
flood our country would die amidst the ruins.
But how shall it Introduced ?
By first using it as n pronunciation key in
our spellers, if tho United States Philological
convention win aecme on tne signs io oe usca
Music, "Whispering Hope," after which
Prof. Raub delivered a lecture. Bubject
"Life and Living," Tbe speaker first re
ferred to life as we find it represented by
the leading business pursuits and claimed
that in the main this is not what it should
be. He illustrated hia remarks by citing
a number of examples, showing that men
whose highest happiness consisted in min
istering to their apietites and not living a
high lite. Also, tbat those who devote
their whole time and lend their whole en
ergy to the matter of accumulating wealth
for the mere sake of being rich, are not
living a true life. Ho gave a number of lu
dicrous examples of men of this kind show
ing their short comings, and the "tricks of
the trade," to which many ot them resort
in order to become wealthy. lie was par
ticularly severe on men who make a busi
ness of selling out at cost to attract cus
tom. He also contrasted brightly the two
classes ot society as governed by etiquette
and politeness, sbowiug that the two terms
are not synonymous.
Finally he claimed that true life is best
shown forth iu the tbe homes of tbe land,
and that if home life ia correct the national
life will be rigbt. Ho Rtrongly urged that
the home should be beautiful and made at
tractive by the planting of shrubbery and
flowers, and the adornmont of the living
room by pictures and engravings. He was
opposed to making tbe parlor tbe pleasant-
est place in tne house, unless all were ad
mi tied to it and it be made in this way, tbe
living room ot the family.
The attention manifested on the part of
tho audience indicated the appreciation of
the remarks of I rof. Kaub.
Music, "My Country 'Tisof Thee."
The time ef meeting on Friday was fixed
by the president, at 7.40 A. M. The com.
mittee on permanent certificates then met
Adjourned.
Committee on permanent certificate met I in
mediately after the adjournment of Institute,
and was called to order by W. G. Shaman.
a. a. rannootock was choeen chairman and J
8. Campbell secretary. After an exchange of
opinions as to ine manuer in wmcn tne com
mittee will discharge their duties to conform to
the requirements of the laws. It was decided on
tbe suggestion of W. C. Shuman, that appli
cants for permanent certificates shall submit
to an examination on tbe subject, matter of
teaching.
8. B. Fahnestock.
J. L. Campbell.
W. C. Buuman.
W. E. blKKlt.
. KJ1IDAT,
Morning Settion. Institute assembled ac
cording to announcement at 7.45, A. M.
Mr. W. C. Shuman conducted the opening
exercises by reading a portion of Scripture
aud prayer.
Tho committee on grades for ungraded
schools then reported tho following :
Pursuant to appoinntment by the county
Superintendent the committee on Grades
for ungraded schools respectfully submit
the following to the teachers of Perry oo.,
to systemize instruction in the common
schools. . '
First Grade Oial Language Exercises,
Alnhabet with Charts. Boelliiis by sound
and letters. And lessons introductory to
reading, Prluting letters and writing on
slates and blackboard, Vocal Musio, Oral
Arithmetic and Drawing.
Hecoud Grade Hecond reader.spelliugaud
Defining words, Lessons on objects, Pri
mary Mental and Written Arithmetic, in
cluding fundamental rule.. First lesson
in Geography, Penmanship and Drawing on
elates and paper, Oral and written Lan
guage lessons, Vooal Musio.
Third Grade Third Reader, Spelling
and defining words and key to pronun
ciation, Mental and Written Arithmetic,
Political Geography, Penmanship, Lan
guage Lessons, Declamations, and Vocal '
Musio.
Fourth Grade Fourth Reader, Spelling
and Defining and Analysis of words. Ab
breviations and contractions used in writing
and printing. Mental and Written Arith
metic, Political Geogrophy, Grammar,
Composition, U. 8. History, Penmanship
and Drawing, Declamation and Vocal
Musio.
Fifth Grade Elocution, Physical Geo
graphy, Rhetoric, Familiar Science, Phy
siology, Algebra and Geometry.
Committee 8. B. FahneBtock, J. S.
Campbell, W. E. Baker, S. E. Bucke, J. K.
Bucke, H. D. Stewart, W. O. Shuman,
G. D. Owen, J. E. Stephens, D. Fleisher,
Maggie E. Lauver, J. P. Long, J. W. Mor
row. The report of the committee was
adopted as read.
Next in ordsr was the disousslon of Que
ries. First Should teachers require their
pupils to commit tbe words and definitions
at the beginning of reading lessons ? Re
ferred to W. C. Shuman, who answered in
the negative.
Second Should we adopt a musio book
for our common schoolB? Referred to W.
C. Shuman, who answered 1 in the affirma
tive, H. L. Tressler then offered the follow
ing: Resolved Tbat in adopting a series of
text books, books on vocal musio be includ
ed Lost.
Third Are there any objections to the
use of the words male'and female as applied
to teachers of the county ? Referred to W.
C. Shuman, and answered in the negative.
Third Do the degrees of latitude in
crease from the Equator toward tbe Poles ?
Referred to Mr. Bucke, who answered iu
the negative,
Mr. 8. B. Fahnestock, then gave an ex
planation on the board, showing that they
do increase towards the Poles.
Prof. Raub, then gave a talk on gram
mar. The question : Is it proper to say,
the two first of anything? Was answered
in the affirmative, by Mr. Fahnestock.
A discussion on the subject of intermit
tent springs ensued, participated in by
Messrs. Fahnestock, Baker, Gantt, and
others.
Prof. Wright then made some closing
remarks, urging the teachers to an earnest
discharge of their duties ; also Urging the
co-operation of teachers. Directors and all
who have at heart tbe great cause of Edu
cation. Musio " Praise God from whom all hlos
sings flow." Adjourned, tine die.
Harbt C. Gantt, ) a .
Lemuel E. McGinnes, f Be0
directors' meeting.
Agreeably to a call of tbe County Superin
tendent, a number of the Directors of Perry
county, met In the Jury Koom, on Wednesday
at 10 A. M., December 0th, 1874.
The meeting was organised by calling F. M.
McKechan to the chair, and electing Win. II.
Roddy Secretary.
The Superintendent thon stated the object of
the meeting, and said tbat directors had a good
work to do, and should act for tbe best Interests
of the Schools at large and for the welfare of
pupils and patrons throughout the county. Mr.
Robison, County Superintendent of Juniata,
made a short address, and urged unity of ac
tion, and that the schools should receive the
attention of every man in the school board.
Tbe subject of school houses, Ventilation.Far
nlture and Apparatus was taken np. The im
portance of having1 a first-class house with
windows and ceiling high, and stove In proper
place to be fed with pure air from without, In
order to prevent the stove from consuming the
oxygon, so necessary to human life, was very
ably discussed by Mr. Robison, Shull, Shelbloy,
Fritz and others. After some further remarks
by Rov. McPherson and Prof. Wright on size,
of houses, proper Ventilation, Beauty of Loca
tion and the surroundings, attractions, etc., the
following resolution was adopted.
Itetolvtd, That we recommend that the most
convenient size of our country school houses be
about 30 by 84 feet, with portico In front, cell
ing twelve feethlgb,well ventilated and lighted,
and In the construction of the building there
should be a vestibule at tbe entrance and recess
for depositing tbe clothing, the entrance to
which, shall be within the school room, under
tbe eye of the teacher and tbe school, tbe room
to be furnished with the most approved and
comfortable desks and seats.
The subject of what kind of desks should be
Died in our common school was taken np and
very ably discussed by Lewis Potter, John H.
Shelbley, Geo. A. Bbuman and others. Tbe
sontlment of tho directors present appeared to
be in favor of Patent Desks,now used in some
of our schools.
Next In order was, How should tbe salaries
of teachers be graded t Mr. Geo. A. Shuman
thought that the teacher ought to be paid ac
cording tbe amount of work done and not ac
cording to certificate. Prof. Wright stated tbat
some of our best teachers In the county held
Very ordinary certificates. Mr. Potter next
f;ave It as bis opinion that gutting a certificate
s an Induocmeut for greater effort, and has a
beneficial effect on the young, who attend
school at the present day. The 'question ot
holding protracted religious meetings was dis
cussed. The sentiment of tbe different boards
represented, appeared to be directly against
holding protracted religions exercises in our
common school bouses, from the fact that it is
not the design of the law that they should be
nsed for that purpose, and other reasons with
which we are all perfectly well acquainted. The
following resolution was then adopted t
Jteiolvetl, That Protracted Religious Meetings
should not bo held in our common school houses
during the term. On motion the meeting ad- -Jourued.
F. M. McKEEITAN, Pres't.
W. II. Rqiidt, Sec'y.
' t3T English engineers, in behalf of the '
Viceroy of Egypt, have recently surveyed
the coal field of Draulsto, situated about
fifty miles southwest of the town of Salonl
ca. There is nil aggregate thickness of
about eight feet of coal, extending over a
known area of 2,000 acres ; but the en
gineers think tbat there is a total area of
thirty square miles in which this thickness
of coal would be found, and which in round
numbers would contain 255,000,000 tout of
coal. The coal is of good quality. '
tW A young lady, who wore sjieotaoles,
exclaimed iu a voioe of enthusiasm to a
plowman walking on the road, "Do you,
sir, appreciate tbe beauty of that land
scape ? "Ob 1 see tbose darling sheep and
lambs,' skipping about I" "Them ain't
sheep aud lambs ; them's bogs miss.''