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of the Wesleyan University. One cause of its being hard reading is, we believe, its cumbrous Latinized style, a style which, though it may make the vulgar stare, can only make the judicious grieve. We had the curiosity to count the words of Latin origin in two pages taken at random, and found that they made thirty-eight per cent of the whole. Yielding, penetrable, plastic, he breathes an atmosphere vital with transforming agencies. Himself the overflowing source of an irrepressible outgoing efficiency, forever busy in modifying and molding the character of his associates, he is at the same time the very attractive centre of a thousand confluent streams, no less potent and eager to tinge his nature with their own various hues and properties, with natural tendencies to transition and transformation so manifold and urgent, and under so many circumstances so adapted and efficacious," etc., etc. This beats Dr. Johnson.

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Why should there be such a thing, we asked ourselves as we read, as a " Wesleyan University? There cannot be Wesleyan mathematics as distinct from Episcopal or Universalist Mathematics. The rocks tell the same story to the Wesleyans as to anybody else, if they will read them right; the stars do not change their orbits to suit a Calvinist or a Lutheran. A Unitarian pump raises water in just the same way as a Romanist pump. If sects desire to propagate their peculiar tenets let them do as the Germans do—found theological professorships in some central University, where all creeds and doctrines shall be represented, and where, by manly comparison of opinion, the truth shall be promoted. But why should the grand cause of universal knowledge be mixed up with theological disputes, and every little denomination jealously found its own little school, that its young men may never have the opportunity to hear any theological dogmas but its own? Our sectarian colleges are too often a hinderance, not a help to the cause of sound learning. Let every man believe with his whole heart the theological doctrine he professes; but an honest man will never claim infallibility, nor be afraid to let young men encounter the views of any and all men as sincere and earnest as himself.

THACKERAY'S LECTURES. THE ENGLISH HUMORISTS; complete in one volume. New York: Harpers.

GEORGES

449.

THE FOUR 12mo, pp.

We think The English Humorists one of the most delightful books of literary criticism in the language. Even those who do not like the great satirist's novels, can hardly fail to be instructed and entertained by the racy style in which the character and works of Swift and Addison and Steele and Pope and the other classics of that classic age are discussed. It is just such a book as we would put into the hands of young persons for the purpose of interesting them in the history of English literature and in the reading of our good old standard authors — and what greater service can we do young people in this age of sensation novels and flimsy magazines? We think, indeed, that Mr. Thackeray pitched his note too high. The age was not the greatest age of English literature and he is too lavish of superlatives; and perhaps the severity of his condemnation of Sterne, and particularly of Swift, requires the qualification of those considerations which their friends have offered in their defence. But it will be long before we tire of reading of that age, and nowhere can we find such graphic writing about them as in these pages.

The Four Georges are quite as entertaining in their way. The punishment administered to that worthless rascal, George the Fourth, is highly gratifying to one's sense of justice.

DICKENS' WORKS. DOMBEY AND SON; THE OLD CURIOSITY SHOP; LITTLE DORRIT. Diamond Edition. Boston: Ticknor & Fields.

The clearness of the type of these little books makes up in very considerable degree for its smallness, though we would caution everybody against straining his eyes over small print. Good small type however and good paper like this are not half so trying or mischievous as bad paper and bad type, such for instance, as many of our abominable school dictionaries of ancient and mod

ern languages are made of. In their way these little books are gems of typography and binding, and Eytinge's illustrations are most of them capital. CRITICAL AND SOCIAL ESSAYS, reprinted from the New York Nation. New York: Leypoldt & Holt. 24mo, pp. 230.

We have no connection or even acquaintance with the conductors of the Nation, but we have more than once commended it to the attention of our readers, because we think that a paper which endeavors to discuss the religious, moral, social, political and literary topics of the day, in a dignified and impartial spirit, commends itself in an especial manner to the support of teachers, and because we do not see how any teacher who can afford it, and who desires to keep abreast with the times, can dispense with such a paper. We have no respect for the narrow tone which is too apt to characterize sectarian organs; and the newspapers of the day, with some admirable exceptions, are hardly worthy of more than a passing glance at the news. A paper which comes weekly, in handsome and convenient form, with carefully prepared discussions of the interesting topics of the hour, commends itself, whether we always agree with its opinions or not, to the patronage of all who wish to promote the elevation of the tone of our newspaper press. I like The Nation thoroughly," says Prof. J. R. Lowell," not only for its ability, but its tone. I have particularly liked many of its critical articles, which have seemed to me in every way superior, and level with the best culture of the time. They have thought in them, and demand it of the reader -a very rare quality in most of the criticism of the day."

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The neat little volume is a collection of the best essays that have appeared in the paper during the last two years. Some of the topics are- - Critics and, Criticism, Popularizing Science, Tinkering Hymns, Dress and its Critics, Waste, Roads, Pews, a Plea for Culture, etc., etc. It is very good reading, and the publishers are ready to send it as a premium for any two new subscribers. A PAINTER'S CAMP. By Philip Gilbert Hamerton. In three books: Book I. in England; Book II. in Scotland; Book III. in France. Boston: Roberts Brothers. 16mo, pp. 348.

We notice this book for pure love and the benefit of such of our readers as are lovers of Art and lovers of Nature, and we hope that description embraces the whole of them. Mr. Hamerton is an enthusiastic artist, who invented a portable house with plate-glass windows, through which to paint in all weathers, and with this he travelled into picturesque regions, in the pursuit of his art; and of his Robinson Crusoe life in it he here gives us a very delightful account, interspersed with charming descriptions of scenery. It is a very enjoyable book, and we are glad that it is to be followed by the author's graver Thoughts on Art. THE METRIC SYSTEM OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. Prepared for Robinson's Series of Arithmetics, by Malcolm McVicar, A. M.. Principal of the State Normal and Training School at Brockport, N. Y. New York: Ivison, Phinney, Blakeman & Co. 12mo, pp. 47.

The following are the merits claimed in the Preface for this presentation of the new system:

"1st. The clear and comprehensive manner in which the nomenclature is presented in the general analysis on pages 8 and 9.

"2d. The simple and entirely original abbreviation of the nomenclature, completely retaining its expressiveness and universality, and at the same time adapting it to the wants of business men. This abbreviation obviates one of the

greatest objections to the use of the Metric System.

"3d. Its simple, original and scientific notation.

"4th. Its full and intelligible exhibit of the measurement of surfaces, solids and angles.

"5th. The employment of but two simple rules for changing from the old system to the new, and from the new system to the old."

(OR PART II.)

AND PRONOUNCING SPELLER.

..

528 pages.

Sargent's Standard Fifth or First Class Reader. 12mo,
half morocco.......
Sargent's Standard Fourth Reader. 12mo, half morocco... 336
Sargent's Intermediate Reader. 12mo, half morocco, beau-
tifully illustrated...

Sargent's Standard Third Reader. 12mo, half morocco.... 216
Sargent's Standard Second Reader. Illustrated.

Sargent's Standard First Reader.

Illustrated.

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Sargent's Standard Primer. Finely illustrated..........
Sargent's Pronouncing Speller. An entirely new work, and
very successful....

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This Speller illustrates the unaccented vowel sounds, by a new system of notation; and contains an entirely new feature in an Index of peculiar words for exhibition exercises, etc., which supersedes the necessity of any supplementary Speller for higher classes. It is also adapted to beginners.

THE FIFTH READER

Contains an ORIGINAL ELOCUTIONARY INTRODUCTION of an eminently concise and practical character, treating in a thorough manner those vital principles which are essential to successful instruction.

The selections comprise the best elocutionary pieces which Literature affords.

In the other Numbers of the Series the subject of Elocutionary Drill is prominently and appropriately treated, and the Reading Exercises are selected with especial reference to their adaptedness for Elocutionary Practice.

PATRIOTIC PIECES, embracing the noblest sentiments of modern statesmen and authors are included, to inspire a devoted spirit of patriotism, an intelligent faith in our republican system, and a renewed confidence in our purified institutions.

In all respects the Series is fully UP WITH THE TIMES.

SARGENT'S ORIGINAL DIALOGUES. $1.50.

A handsome large duodecimo of 336 pages, with a fine portrait of the author, engraved on steel, and wood-cuts representing appropriate attitudes in dialogue delivery. Copies sent, post paid, or receipt of price. LIBERAL TERMS GIVEN FOR INTRODUCTION.

Address the Publisher.

JOHN L. SHOREY, WASHINGTON STREET, BOSTON.

WEBSTER'S DICTIONARY,

UNABRIDGED.

NEW ILLUSTRATED.

OVER 3,000 FINE ENGRAVINGS.

10,000 Words and Meanings not in other Dictionaries.

A necessity to every intelligent family, student, teacher and professional man. What Library is complete without the best English Dictionary? "Superior, in most respects, to any other English Dictionary known to me."- Hon. George

P. Marsh.

"THE NEW WEBSTER is glorious it is perfect-it distances and defies competition-it leaves nothing to be desired."-J. H. Raymond, LL. D., Prest. of Vassar Coll.

"All young persons should have a standard Dictionary at their elbows. And while you are about it GET THE BEST; that Dictionary is NOAH WEBSTER'S-the great work unabridged. If you are too poor, save the amount from off your back to put it into your head."- Phrenological Journal.

"Every farmer should give his sons two or three square rods of ground, well prepared, with the avails of which they may buy it. Every mechanic should put a receiving box in some conspicuous place in the house to catch the stray pennies for the like purpose. Lay it upon your table by the side of the Bible; it is a better expounder than many which claim to be expounders. It is a great labor-saver; it has saved us time enough in one year's use to pay for itself; and that must be deemed good property which will clear itself once a year. If you have any doubt about the precise meaning of the word clear, in the last sentence, look at Webster's nine definitions of the v. t."— Massachusetts Life Boat.

In one vol. of 1,840 Royal Quarto Pages.

PUBLISHED BY

G. & C. MERRIAM,

Springfield, Mass.

Sold by all Booksellers.

State Normal Schools.

The normal Schools at Framingham and Salem are designed for the education of female teachers; those at Bridgewater and Westfield for the education of teachers of both sexes. The course extends over two years, of two terms of about twenty weeks each, for all except those who have been graduated at a college, for whom the course covers only one term. Any person entering either of the schools, with extraordinary preparation, may obtain a degreesin onehalf or three-fourths of the time usually required.

To those who intend to teach in the public schools in Massachusetts, wherever they may have previously resided, tuition is free; and to pupils from this State, pecuniary aid is also given, when needed. Most of the text-books used are furnished from the libraries of the several schools. The public examinations will take place as follows:

At FRAMINGHAM, on Tuesday, July 9th, 1867, and Jan. 21st, 1868.
At SALEM, on Thursday, July 11th. 1867, and Jan. 23d, 1868.

At BRIDGEWATER, on Tuesday, July 16th, 1867, and Jan. 28th, 1868.

At WESTFIELD, on Thursday, July 18th, 1867, and Jan. 30th, 1868.
The Examinations for admission will occur

At FRAMINGHAM, on Tuesday, Sept. 3d, 1867, and Feb. 4th, 1868.
At SALEM, on Thursday, Sept. 5th, 1867, and Feb. 6th, 1868.

At BBIDGEWATER, on Tuesday, Sept. 10th, 1867, and Feb. 11th, 1868.

At WESTFIELD, on Thursday, Sept. 12th, 1867, and Feb. 13th, 1868.

At each examination, in all the schools, reading will receive particular attention, and the Lee prizes for excellence in reading will be conferred upon the best readers. For circulars, or for further information, application may be made to the principals of the several schools. The following are the conditions on which the Lee prizes may be received:

To deserve a prize, the candidate must possess naturally, or have gained by discipline, 1. A fulness of voice which shall enable him to fill, without apparent effort, the room occupied by the class. 2. Perfect distinctness of articulation, giving complete expression to every vocal element, and letting the sound of each word fall clearly upon the ear of the hearer, especially at the end of every sentence. 3. Correct pronunciation, with that roundness and fulness of enunciation, and sweetness and mellowness of tone, which only can satisfy and charm the ear and reach the heart; and 4. Just emphasis, clearly marked, but not overstrained. 5. He must read naturally, and with spirit, avoiding all affectation and mannerism, and keeping at the same time clear of the lifeless monotony common in schools, and of the excess of emphasis which so ofen characterizes poor declamation 6. In the readingof poetry, his tones must be those of unaffected emotion free from the tameness of prose, and from the too measured cadences of verse.

A COMPLETE NEW COURSE FOR ALL GRADES OF SCHOOLS. Written Arithmetic made Intellectual!

A PRACTICAL PRESENTATION OF

THE METRIC SYSTEM OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES; ANNUAL
INTEREST; VERMONT NEW INTEREST RULE; INTERNAL
REVENUE; ENGLISH DECIMAL SYSTEM OF MONEY
RECKONING,-NEW METHODS.

REVIEW QUESTIONS AND EXERCISES.
The Science and Art Simplified.

NOW READY, THE IMPROVED EDITION OF 1867

OF

GREENLEAF'S

NEW PRACTICAL ARITHMETIC,

A work which by force of intrinsic merit and in spite of unparalleled competition is meeting with extraordinary success in all parts of the country.

The VERMONT STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION, in February 1867,
unanimously adopted,

Greenleaf's New Primary, New Intellectual, and New Practical Arithmetics; and Greenleaf's New Elementary

Algebra,

To be used in all the Public Schools of that State, for a term of FIVE YEARS, as required by law.

GREENLEAF'S NEW SERIES, in whole or part, has been adopted within a few months for many STATE NORMAL SCHOOLS, and for the Public Schools of more than

TWO HUNDRED CITIES AND TOWNS,

including several entire COUNTIES in the MIDDLE and WESTERN STATES.

GREENLEAF'S NEW ELEMENTARY ALGEBRA, GEOMETRY, and TRIGONOMETRY are so generally used and favorably known as to be their own com

mendation.

GREENLEAF'S NEW HIGHER ALGEBRA is used in MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, BROWN UNIVERSITY, AMHERST College, WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY, Middletown, Conn., and other like Institutions.

GREENLEAF'S SYSTEM, in whole or in part, is now used in upwards of

1000 CITIES AND TOWNS IN THE EASTERN STATES,

and in he Public Schools of

NEW YORK CITY, PHILADELPHIA, NEW ORLEANS,

and other cities.

GREENLEAF PRESENTS THE ONLY COMPLETE CONSECUTIVE SERIES BY ONE AUTHOR, standard and new, for the Times and up with the Times.

School officers and Teachers contemplating changes in Arithmetic, Algebra, or Geometry are invited to correspond freely with us. Liberal terms given on books furnished for examination, or for introduction in place of other inferior books.

ROBERT S. DAVIS & CO., Publishers, Boston.

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