ishment; but ought it not to be kept in the background, while the pleasure which comes from duty well done and from the possession of knowledge for its own sake is kept constantly before the pupil? The school should be pleasant and cheerful, with no more restraint than is necessary for good, orderly work; and the widest possible latitude should be given to allow the minds of the pupils to develop according to their natural inclinations.I would not ignore the labor of study or seek to make a royal road to knowledge. I would emphasize the dignity of labor, and the honor and satisfaction which come from faithful work. I would lay stress upon the necessity for such work as a training for the duties of life. But I would remove all unnecessary friction and strive to make study as natural as play. The child who is absent from school should feel that he is missing something worth having-not enjoying a period of emancipation. We can reach this result if we look at school life from the standpoint of the child, as well as from that of the teacher. When the work is made inviting, the teacher has all the more reason to insist that it be faithfully performed. School recreations of various nature may be made profitable in themselves, as well as helpful for the rest and entertainment which they afford. Intellectual recreations have the effect of introducing into the school work much information which otherwise would not be so generally or so happily acquired. Physical recreations, properly directed, add greatly to the health and vigor of children, cultivate cheerfulness and good humor, and quicken the activities of both mind and body. By directing the recreations of pupils, the teacher may lead them to employ advantageously much time that would be wasted otherwise, when the school is not in session. Pupils should learn that a successful life is a busy, active life; that according to the law of mental life, they must either grow in power or lose power, for there is no middle course. Not a little of the teacher's responsibility consists in his realization of this fact, and in his impressing it upon his pupils. To succeed even approximately in producing a well-rounded mind, bodily vigor, and strength of character, is the ideal of the teacher. The ideal is but imperfectly realized; yet when seemingly still distant, it is often most nearly attained. Such an ideal can be approached only by dint of persistent labor and unwavering faith. In conclusion, acknowledgments are due to the authorities of the Newberry Library, for helpful and unfailing courtesy; to Mr. B. N. Jaquish, for useful suggestions in the chapters on science; and to Mr. Hubert M. Skinner, for valuable assistance and advice. ishment; but ought it not to be kept in the background, while the The child who is absent from school should feel that he is miss- School recreations of various nature may be made profitable in By directing the recreations of pupils, the teacher may lead them To succeed even approximately in producing a well-rounded |