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Then, instead of going through the arithmetic by rote, direct the scholar to measure and estimate the value of a pile of wood, a pile of boards, a quantity of grain, &c.; let him compose a letter addressed to a friend, or write an essay on some familiar subject, and be made to understand the use and application of the abbreviations, the pauses, the rules of grammar; while at the same time due regard is had to the orthography and chirography of his lesson. We say, let the teachers proceed in this way with their pupils and some practical good may result from their labors. But some teachers are lamentably ignorant themselves in these particulars.. Even graduates from college, who boast of their knowledge of Latin and Greek, cannot pass an examination in a-b-abs! Let such teachers be at once discharged and set to sawing wood or be put under the tutelage of a competent instructor, but never intrust to them the education of youth. The mother tongue" and chimney corner talk" should never be indulged in by a teacher in the hearing of his scholars; and on all occasions should a teacher of youth be exemplary in his habits.

LIBRARY MEETING.

Pursuant to a call made by thirty citizens of Holyoke, a meeting was held in Exchange Hall on Monday evening, Jan. 22, 1855, to take measures for the establishment of a public reading room, library, &c. The meeting was organized by electing Rev. J. W. Ford, President; and A. B. F. Hildreth, Secretary. The objects of the meeting were stated by the chairman, who briefly alluded to the wants of the community in respect to a reading room, library, opportunity for literary exercises, &c., and the salutary influences such privileges would have upon the character and habits of the people.

W. B. C. Pearsons, Esq., gave a history of a

former library or lyceum association, which commenced under flattering auspices, flourished for a while, and finally went down because of the innovation of so-called popular lectures, which were thought to be a little more genteel and fashionable.

Lester Newell, Esq., corroborated the remarks of Mr. Pearsons, and proffered his hearty co-operation in the work of carrying forth the objects of the proposed association; but if it was to be a mongrel concern, and as abortive as was the course of lectures last season he would have nothing to do with it. He was unwilling to appropriate money for paying gentlemen from abroad to come and tickle us for an hour, take our money, and leave us without a single new or original idea. We had plenty of men at home able enough and good enough to entertain and instruct us, and he went for encouraging home talent.

Rev. James French expressed his cordial co-operation in the objects of the meeting, and would do what he could to encourage the enterprise.

J. M. Cavanaugh, Esq., announced himself ready to lend a helping hand, either by taking part in debates and other exercises, or in the contribution

of books or money. On his motion a committee was appointed to perfect arrangements for the reading room, library, &c., consisting of W. B. C. Pearsons, J. W. Ford, James French, Porter Underwood, and A. B. F. Hildreth.

Mr. Newell made a spirited address, calculated to arouse the people to the importance of the undertaking, and in the effort he was aided by remarks from Dr. Underwood, Mr. Pearsons, and also by the Chairman, when the meeting adjourned.

The large number in attendance at the meeting proved that much interest was taken in its objects, and all seemed sanguine of success.-Mirror.

SECTIONAL FEELING.

There is no feeling against which the citizens of the United States should more sedulously guard than that which would arrogate for the people of a particular section social preference, or beget an exclusiveness, which would say: "I am holier than thou." If ever there is a disseverance of this Union such a feeling will be found one of the principal causes of it. Indeed, it is that which even now lies at the bottom of many of the differences existing between the people of different sections of this country, in a political point of view. Among many who would disclaim all aristocratic feeling there is yet a pride of lineage which prompts them to treat others of less hereditary pretensions with coldness and often with disregard. I am of the chivalry of the South." perhaps a son of the Old Dominion," or "from Old Kaintuck." or "I am a descendant of the Pilgrims," are expressions which frequently settle. in the minds of those who use them, all claims to preference of standing and respectability. This should not be. We should know each other as Americans, and it seems to us that the American feeling, the conservative principle, without which this nation could not long exist. pervades but faintly the breasts of those who would nurture the distinctions we have referred to. --Holyoke Mirror.

JAMES WILSON.

We regret to learn that James Wilson, the first globe maker in America, is dead. He died at his home in Bradford. Vt., March 26, 1855, at the ripe age of ninety-two years. From an obituary notice by Rev. Silas McKeen of that place we gather the following particulars: Mr. Wilson was a native. of Londonderry, N. H., and of the Scotch-Irish race; a man of strong mind, and distinguished for being the maker of the first artificial globes ever produced in America. He at first engraved his

seasons.

plates and did all the work himself, at his shop in Bradford; but afterwards, by the aid of his sons, he carried on the business extensively in Albany, N. Y. When over eighty years of age he made with his own hands a Planetarium, which finely illustrated the revolutions of the earth, bringing day and night, with the regular changes of the He took great pleasure in philosophical and astronomical studies, and by the aid of his books and his own observations, had made highly creditable proficiency, without the aid of other teachers. Being strictly temperate in his habits. and keeping his mind always at work, he retained both his physical and intellectual powers admirably to the great age of ninety-two years, and was altogether himself to the last. Parker's history of Londonderry. N. H., gives an account of this remarkable man.-Holyoke Mirror.

From the Holyoke Mirror.

"LIFE LET US CHERISH."

As the season for ruralizing is at hand we beg to say to denizens of the cities, as well as others, that few places of resort for the enjoyment of pure air, delightful scenery, sports and pastimes, present greater attractions than our "new city" of Holyoke. Ample and unrivaled accommodations are afforded by our hotel keepers, whether to transient or permanent boarders, and it is believed that no one seeking health or pleasure need regret the spending of more or less time among us. close proximity are those far-famed elevations, Mount Tom and Mount Holyoke; for hunting and fishing there are abundant opportunities; the drives in the vicinity are delightful; our hotel and stable keepers are accommodating; and he must be a hypochondriac indeed who cannot enjoy life in Holyoke.

"Would you banish sultriness and care,

And taste the joys of life--come seek them here."

In

Editorial Correspondence of the Holyoke Mirror,

NEW YORK, July 3, 1855.

A voyage up the Hudson! Noble, inspiring. delightful river: rich in historic incident, and attractive and lovely in its thousand natural and artificial beauties! Who would not covet an excursion upon its majestic waters? To escape the oppressive heat of the city was a desideratum: and a visit to some excellent friends up the Hudson was at once decided upon.

At six o'clock P. M., we (i. e. myself and wife) embarked upon the steamer Hendrik Hudson, Capt. A. P. St John, for Albany. Of all the North River boats this is one of the largest and most elegant, and her Commander one of the most gentlemanly and courteous of men. In proof of this I need only add that nearly one thousand passengers were on board. aad yet all were accommodated and made comfortable. The cabins are richly furnished; the tables are laid in the most tasty manner and loaded with every delicacy; and the state-rooms are ample and luxuriant.

Arriving early in the morning at Albany, an omnibus ride of nine miles, over a smooth McAdamized road to Lansingburgh, brought us to the door of the friends we would visit, Mr. and Mrs. James McKinney, They received us openly and cordially. and with them we spent a day and a night in the happiest and most agreeable manner.

Greatly altered was this section of the country since I used to frequent it some years ago. Its business and population have nearly doubled, and the adornings of the cities and villages, the streets. private dwellings and public edifices are multiplied beyond compute.

Lansingburgh is situated on the left bank of the Hudson, three miles north of Troy. It is regularly laid out and contains a population of about five thousand. The Mohawk river empties into the Hudson opposite the village, and the roar of the

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