12 STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 



THE teachers' work. 



But the teacher hiis a work with the children. Too often, and yet with some 

 truth, is it asserted that the children will not sufficiently appreciate ornamen- 

 tal features to preserve them from mutilation. 



Somebody is to blame for this ; and I believe that many teachers are gravely 

 responsible for neglecting to cultivate the aesthetic qualities of those intrusted 

 to their care. The children should be encouraged to bring into the school- 

 room and care for their plants and pictures. Many a dull noon might be made 

 pleasant and profitable by caring for a bed of llowers. 



The bovs will enthusiastically assist their teacher in clearing the ground of 

 rubbish and in sodding the bare places. Half a dozen of the boys could easily 

 be induced to plant, care for and protect as their own, as many trees from the 

 ncijjhborinn: forest. Some one in the district could be found willing to donate 

 an everijreen or two, which would not only be ornamental, but also screen some 

 unpleasant feature of the school-yard. 



Then the schools in each township might unite in the purchase of a banner, 

 for which each might compete every month. In this monthly competition for 

 the honor of being the banner school, the deportment, scholarship and neat- 

 ness of the school, the general appearance of the yard and buildings, and the 

 condition of the fence, walks, borders, school furniture, etc., might all be 

 taken into account. This would make more extra work for the town superin- 

 tendent of schools; but I verily believe the saving in wear and breakage of 

 school jiroperty would amply repay the expense of making a close monthly in- 

 spection, and reporting the results of the same in the local paper. 



But I am going into details too ample. To the itigenious, willing teacher, 

 ways innumerable will suggest themselves for bettering the condition of both 

 grounds and buildings. And how shall wo estimate the good that would result 

 therefrom? Instead of a rough looking set of fellows, who run pell-mell, with 

 whoop and yell, to stone off a fugitive squirrel, we would see quiet, genteel 

 boys, with hands ready to defend the weak, with kindly words for squirrel and 

 bird, and that kindling expression of countenance which betokens thought. 

 With such a spirit pervading a school what might we not do in the way of or- 

 namenting the school ground? Other plans might be suggested, but a hint to 

 the wise is sufficient. 



A British general once very truly said the American boys breathe in the 

 spirit of liberty. It is equally true that the children of our schools breathe in, 

 drink in, the very spirit and life of their surroundings; and that the infiuence 

 brought to bear upon them duritig this susceptible period affects the life and 

 character for all time. Why, it is a fact that the most difficult and least 

 appreciated work of our colleges is in combating and correcting evils which had 

 their source away down at the very foundation of our public school system. 



Thus everything connected with the early education of the child becomes a 

 matter of exceeding importance, and hence the tasteful embellishment of the 

 school grounds, calling into active exercise as it does, the finer qualities of the 

 child nature should receive our thoughtful consideration and earnest support. 



Prof. Beal. — This is a cai)ital topic for discussion, and after making a single 

 remark I wish for n moment to put a question to the essayist. This subject is 

 one peculiarly appropriate in connection with the work of this society, and I 

 trust now that it has been brought out it will be kept before our people until 

 something of practical value shall result. Our school houses throughout the 

 country are a shame to our civilization. One gets a whole history of school 

 management by making an observation upon school premises when passing, 



