200 TRANSACTIONS OF THE 



" THE NORMAL SCHOOL. 



" In this a great object should be, not so much to convey any particu- 

 lar information of subjects to be taught, as to discipline the would-be 

 Teachers in the best method of imparting instruction in any branch or 

 department. 



" Instruction how to convey information to the youthful mind might 

 be given on the following points : 



" First — Lessons on things (objects surrounding us) of everyday oc- 

 currence. 



" Second — Petalozzi's system of arithmetic, (mental ) 



" Third — Writing on black-board, before using either slate or paper, 

 to give freedom to the hand. 



" Fourth — The elements of drawing, and practice in estimating dis- 

 tances, areas, etc. 



" Fifth — Proper mode of teaching vocal music with metronome, tuning 

 forks, etc. 



" (These last three comprise improvement of the hand, eye, and ear — 

 consequently the development of three senses ; the taste and sense of 

 smell do not require much cultivation.) 



" Sixth — Making each would-be Teacher lecture alternately on some 

 of the subjects under discussion, so as to practice the imparting of in- 

 struction, the Professor criticising, if necessary, his style, mode of hand- 

 ling the subject, etc. 



" N. B. — If female Teachers are to be received and instructed, there 

 should be a Model Kitchen for the instruction of young ladies in the 

 proper mode of preparing wholesome food, such as household bread, and 

 of knowing, not guessing, when things are sufficiently cooked ; also, how 

 to cook without the wasteful and unwholesome use of so much lard, and 

 the advantages of boiling, instead of frying constantly in grease, etc. 



" MODEL FARM. 



" Connected with the Agricultural College there should, of course, be 

 a Model Farm, and the best of stock, implements, etc. ; also a Model 

 Garden and Green-bouse. Connected with the Normal institution there 

 ought to be a Model School-house and appurtenances, and, as above sug- 

 gested, a Model Kitchen. 



" MILITARY TRAINING. 



"Perhaps by carrying out the West Point system of. training, as far 

 as consistent with study, work, etc., the necessity of a gymnasium might 

 not be so great as in ordinary Schools and Colleges, where it ought un- 

 doubtedly always to be introduced under proper instruction. 



" The above may serve to convey to some extent the plan which had 

 been in my head for some time, but which had never assumed quite a 

 definite form for want of knowing the exact circumstances under which 

 such a plan could be worked out, and many details would of course de- 

 pend upon that. For instance : Congress may, in the grant, perhaps 

 prescribe a certain course; the State, in accepting, may prescribe. The 

 community, in sending, may demand certain things, but the above may, 

 perhaps, at least serve for a basis on which any one knowing the circum- 

 stances can work out the superstructure." 



