By S. I HINTS ON LANGUAGE IN CONNECTION WITH SIGHT-READING AND This is a small book, but it contains many valuable hints on language teaching in the lower grades. Teachers will find it very helpful both in the way of suggestion and illustration. THE GERMAN VERB DRILL, Presenting the Mechanism of the Colloquial and Written Language; Adapted to Schools and Home Instruction. By Adolph Dreyspring, Author of the "Cumulative Method." New York: D. Appleton & Co. 1885. It is a clearly recognized fact that no man can have facility and power in the use of a foreign language till a feeling or sense for correct construction has been created. The verb is the most important element in a sentence, and that on which more than any other depends the power and intelligibility of speech. Recognizing these facts the author has prepared a series of drill exercises on the verb, by the persistent use of which the learner will speedily acquire command of this essential element of a sentence in its various modifications and connections. These drill exercises begin with the verb in its simplest forms. Gradually one modifier after another is added-first an accusative, then a dative attended by a preposition, then a genitive, then adjectives, determinatives, adverbs, conjuctions, &c --till a complete view is given of the German sentence and the learner is equipped with a familiar knowledge of all its constituents and practical skill in their use. The method has been tried in the school-room with gratifying success. THE SCIENCE OF MIND APPLIED TO TEACHING. Including the Human Temperaments and their Influences upon the Mind; The Analysis of the Mental Faculties and How to Develop and Train them; The Theory of Education and the School, and Methods of Instruction and School Government. By U. J. Hoffman, Vice-President of Jennings Seminary and Normal School, and Professor of Belles Lettres and Teachers' Training. Illustrated. New York: Fowler, Wells & Co., 753 Broadway. 1885. Price, The Principles of Phrenology form the basis of the present work. The author first treats of the Temperaments, Classifies and Analyzes the Mental Faculties, and discusses the Theory of Education and Methods of Education. Whether we agree or not with the author's ideas of Phrenology, he has given us a book of great practical worth, discussing, as it does, subjects that come up in the daily life of the teacher and that call for prompt decision. Not only does it give a brief general discussion of the subject, but gives in detail much of valuable illustration and suggestion. It would be a valuable addition to any teacher's library. Publishers' Notes. The friends of the temperance cause will be pleased to know that an admirable collection of spirited songs, choruses, hymns, and other pieces for the use of ten.perance meetings, lodges, and the home circle, has been prepared by that excellent musical critic and composer, Mr. J. C. Macy, of Boston. The title of the book is The Temperance Song-Herald." Messrs. Ginn & Co. announce for early publication, The Philosophy of Wealth, 1 by John B. Clark.-A restatement of economic principles in harmony with the modern spirit. It aims to secure a more philosophical conception of wealth, labor, and value, to lay a foundation for the solution of the labor problem, and to apply the test of economics to the intellectual and spiritual activities of society. Also Eysenbach's German Grammar, a short, practical grammar designed to give the student the power of understanding, speaking, writing, and reading German with the utmost economy of time and labor. D. C. Heath & Co., of Boston, issued the last of December an outline map of the United States in four sections, each 29x42 inches, drawn under the direction of Albert B. Hart, Ph.D., Instructor in American History in Harvard University. This is the first map of a series to be edited by Edward Channing, Instructor in History in Harvard University. The present map is the republication of one that has proved useful at Harvard and Johns Hopkins Universities. Though designed primarily for the purpose of illustrating lectures in American history, it is admirably adapted for the elucidating of geographical and geological problems. It will also make an excellent test map in geography. D. C. Heath & Co., of Boston, published January 1st "The Temperance Teachings of Science," by Professor A. B. Palmer, of the University of Michigan. It is intended for teachers and pupils in the public schools, and is strongly endorsed by those interested in the cause. Notes. -We have received the following pieces of music: " Mary, Darling, must you Leave me?" by H. P. Danks. This little song is a very pretty sentimental effusion. "Little Ah Sid, (the Chinese Kid)," by J. P. Skelly. Since Bret Harte unearthed "Ah Sin and his Tricks that were Vain," nothing on the "Chinese subject" has appeared that is equal to this little song in point of interest. "Mikado Waltz," by Coote. An arrangement of the most taking airs from Gilbert & Sullivan's latest opera. The above retail for forty cents each, but the publishers offer to mail the lot postpaid on receipt of 60 cents, one-half the regular price. Address, Richard A. Saalfield, 12 Bible House, New York. -Emil Behnke and Lennox Browne, F. R. C. S., are authors, and Ditson & Co. are publishers of a curious and valuable collection of facts relating to "The Child's Voice," its treatment and development. It forms a little volume of great interest. -General John Newton, chief of engineers United States army, originator of the plan and director of the work, has prepared a complete account of the operations for the removal of the obstructions at Hell Gate, from their beginning to the explosion of Flood Rock in October last, which will appear with full and new illustrations as the leading article in the February number of "The Popular Science Monthly." --A short time before his death, Alexander H. Stephens dictated to his amanuensis a sketch of the late Gen. Lee. The first article was unsatisfactory, and he began a second. This article, prepared with great care, Mr. Stephens was not able personally to revise, but as it is, it will appear in the Southern Bivouac for February. A sketch of Lee by Stephens will have a very peculiar interest. The Southern Bivouac for February will contain an article by Judge Gayarrè, describing an interview he held in 1866 with Wm. H. Seward, relative to the recon. struction of the Southern States. 1 -We have received from the publisher a copy of the Grant Memorial, photolithographed from an original pen-and-ink design executed at the office of the Penman's Art Journal and designed specially as a premium to be given free to the subscribers to that journal. It is a very elaborate and handsome picture. D. T. Ames, publisher, 205 Broadway, New York. Messrs. G. P. Rowell & Co., 10 Spruce St., New York, propose to give a free copy of their valuable American Newspaper Directory to any person who is a patron of their Advertising Bureau to the extent of $50 between November 30th, 1885, and April 30th, 1886. We have received from George Stinson & Co., of Portland, Maine, the well-known art publishers, a full-length, steel engraving of General Grant. It is after Anderson's celebrated photograph, which was made while the General was still in full vigor, and represents him in his sturdy, manly strength, as the people wish to remember him. The Magazines. THE ATLANTIC MONTHLY, for February-Contents: The Princess Casamassima, book second XVII-XXI, Henry James The Homestead, John Greenleaf Whittier. Ministerial Responsibility and the Constitution, A. L. Lowell. An American Soldier in China, A. A. Haves. In the Clouds, IIIIV, Charles Egbert Craddock Salem Cupboards, Eleanor Putnam. Sibylline Bartering, Andrew Hedbrook A Country Gentleman, XLVIII-LII, M. O W. Oliphant. Prisoners, Paul Hermes. A Rhapsody of Clouds. A Half-Score New Novelists. John Brown, Travel and Art. The Contributor's Club Books of the Month, ST. NICHOLAS for February.-Contents: Fro tispiece, "The Sisters." Some famous Florentine Babies, five illustrations. Grandfather's Valentine. verses Fish-spearing through the Ice, two illustrations Voices of Prophecy, poem. Little Lord Fauntleroy, chapter IV, two illustrations, Frances Hodgson Burnett. The Girl who Lost Her Pocket illustrated. Personally Conducted, V, Around the Bay of Naples, illustrated, Frank R. Stockton. Father Hubbard, picture. New Bits of Talk for Young Folks. III, Going! Going! Gone! Helen Jackson, (H. H.) George Washington, chaps IV, V, VI, illustrated, Horace E. Scudder. The Bold Highwayman, verses. "Nothing on the Breakfast Table." Valentines, verses Comedies for Children, Dicky Dot and Dotty Dick. The Real King, full page illustration. Badminton. Totty's Banjo, picture. Among the Law-makers, ch. XXX, three illustrations. Answered Riddle Jingles, illustrated Ready for Business, V, An Electrical Engineer. The Pet Cat of an Electric Light Co.. picture. A Great Improvement, verses A Conversation at the Zoo, picture. The Firm of Big Brain, Little Brain & Co, illustrated. A Mother Goose Rhyme, Illustrated. Catching a Wild Cat, illustrated A Slight Misunderstanding, verse. POPULAR SCIENCE MONTHLY for February.-Contents: The Improvement of East River and Hell Gate, by General John Newton, illustrated. The Interpreters of Genesis and the Interpreters of Nature, byrofessor T. H. Huxley. Recent Experiments in State Taxation Bishop's Ring Around the Sun, illustrated. The Influence of Inventions upon Civilization. The Musket as a Social Force. Discrimination in Railway Rates, 1. Acclimatization, by Professor Rudolph Virchow. Instinct as a Guide to Health, by Felix L Oswald, M. D. The Increasing Curse of European Militancy, by Alfred Russell Wallace. Medical Practice in Damaraland. The Problem of Photography in Color. Women in Astronomy. Sketch of Dr. W. B. Carpenter, with portrait. Sketch of James R. Eads, with portrait. Editor's Table: Beecher's Position on Evolution. Literary Nctices. Popular Miscellany. THE CENTURY for February -he publishers respectfully call attention to the fact that in the contents of the "mid-winter" Century may be found a remarkable variety of subjects of public moment; and an equally remarkabl list of names associated with the history, literature, and art of America. Notes. A peculiar interest attaches to General Grant's "Preparing for the Wilderness Campaign." Here he is dealing with his plans for th last grand campaign, extending from the James round to Nashville, Atlanta, and the sea, and which gave the Confederacy the death hug "Anecdotes of McClellan's Bravery," by one of his officers who was a companion in arms as far back as the Mexican war, lends additional interest to the war-time portrait of McClellan, which is the frontispiece of the number. Under the laconic title, "Our March against Pope," General Longstreet gives the Confederate view of the Second Bull Run campaign, with some caustic criticisms and amusing anecd tes. The paper is profusely illustrated, as is also" With Jackson's Foot-cavalry' at the Second Manassas," by A. C. Redwood, who describes the humors and hardships of a private. THE AMERICAN ANTIQUARIAN for January.-Animal Figures in American Art. The Study of the Nahuatl Language. Correspo dence: Indian Burials Pawnee Bill. The National Museum, The Smithsonian Institution, The Fureau of Ethnology, Mound Explorations in 1885 The Museum. Editorial-Are the Davenport Tablets Frauds. Notes on European Archæology. Notes on American Ethnology. Notes from the Far East. Ethnologic Notes. Literary Notes. Book Reviews. OUR LITTLE ONES and THE NURSERY for January and February are models in the way of papers for children-bright, entertaining and splendidly illustrated. We furnish it with the JOURNAL for $2.10 OFFICIAL DEPARTMENT. R. R. FARR, Superintendent Public Instruction, Editor. [The Journal is sent to every County Superintendent and District Clerk, and must be carefully preserved by them as public property and transmitted to their successors in office.] Programme of Exercises. Fourth Annual Conference of county and city superintendents of public free schools, to be held in Richmond, commencing February 2d, 1886, at 12 M., and continuing until the 6th. FIRST DAY'S SESSIONS.-Tuesday, 12 M. Preliminary organization at Central Hall, on Fifth street, between Broad and Marshall. 8 P. M., at hall House of Delegates. Roll call. Prayer, Rev. George W. Dame. Informal addresses by His Excellency FITZHUGH Lee, Governor, and Hon. R. A. AYERS, Attorney-General. Address, Professor F. V. N. Painter, of Roanoke College. Subject: "History of Education." Usual business of the Conference, as determined upon at the preliminary session. Lecture by Prof. George E. Little. The following distinguished gentlemen will deliver addresses on subjects named: General John Eaton, United States Commissioner of Education. Subject not selected. Hon. M. A. Newell, Secretary State Board Education of Maryland. Subject: "The New Education," Prof. W. B. McGilvray, Principal Leigh School, Richmond. Subject: "The County Institute the Help of the Teacher." General S. C. Armstrong, Principal Hampton Normal and Agricultural Institute. Subject: "The Negro Teacher." Prof. T. N. Conrad, President Virginia Agricultural and Mechanical College. Subject: "Technical Education." Prof. F. V. N. Painter, of Roanoke College. Subject: "History of Education." Prof. George E. Little. Subject: "Illustrative Teaching." Hon. John M. Langston, President Virginia Normal and Collegiate Institute. Subject: “Education and Learning." Programme for each day will be arranged by the Conference. District School Trustees. Nothing is so essential to an efficient and successful school system as honest, capable, faithful and energetic school trustees-men who will know their duty and who have force of character sufficient to perform it. We have in Virginia 1,455 school trustees, who as such are serving the public for nothing and paying their own expenses. This is not just, for whilst we think the trustees should give their time to the duties of the important office which they voluntarily accept, there is no reason why they ought not to be allowed an amount sufficient to meet their actual expenses, which should be paid out of the county levy, and not taken either from the county or district school tax. For instance; let a law be passed directing boards of supervisors to pay the actual expenses incurred by trustees other than district clerks, who already receive some compensation, in discharging the duties of their said offices; provided that they shall not be allowed a greater amount than ten dollars for any one year, to be paid out of the county levy, as other county expenses are directed to be paid. This would be a small burden upon the counties, and would remove a heavy tax from the trustees, and it would necessarily give to the schools more efficient trustees. Compensation of School Superintendents. Senator Heaton, from Loudoun, has introduced a resolution in the Senate looking to the reduction of the compensation of county and city Superintendents. The resolution was sent to its appropriate committee, who reported it back with the recommendation that it do not pass, and we hope that the Senate will sustain the report of its committee, and that the Legislature will not reduce the compensation of the Superintendents of schools. They are the hardest worked and the poorest paid officers in the State, when they do their duty; and if the law is not sufficient to compel them to do their duty, it ought to be amended. The success of the schools depends largely upon the efficiency of the Superintendents, and they ought to be well paid and required to give their entire time to the work. The compensation, as now fixed and restricted by law, is entirely |