MISCELLANEOUS PAPERS. 359 



merit, and the child soon wears the look of a prisoner. I believe this 

 picture is not overdrawn ; in fact, is it not familiar to every teacher 

 present? One single element is lacking; have we not a substitute? 

 Cannot our present school system be so arranged that the physical 

 and mental powers may move forward in perfect harmony, perfect ac- 

 coi'd, and with unerring correctness? This is the great problem that 

 confronts us to-day. Every element of our education should be along 

 the line of physical and mental development. Under such favorable 

 conditions character is made manifest, and the health of the child 

 improved, to say nothing as regards its disposition. This will secure 

 the best efforts of the child each day. Healthful exercises tend to 

 produce self-reliant men. Intelligence, culture and character are se- 

 cured by and depend upon activity, and this activity is far-reaching 

 and vital to education and to the civilization of the people. Give 

 the children free and unlimited outdoor exercise, and do not attempt 

 to restrain them unless a form of brutality is apparent. During their 

 absence thoroughly ventilate the room. This work will secure a good 

 physical and mental condition. "We should strive to make educa- 

 tion the seed of good thoughts ; to train the young so to use every 

 power that man may be ennobled and life made higher and holier." 



