brought up to the standard here indicated, at once. The able and experienced teachers, to whom, with the most unlimited confidence we have committed the opening of this enterprise, will do all in their power to bring order and system out of the chaotic elements which they will here find collected. But years must elapse before their ideal can be fully realized. Meantime let them be assured of a hearty sympathy, and a firm support. Honored and beloved as they have been, in other communities, they will, we are confident, feel that they have met with no loss in coming to this. They will here be under no necessity of keeping a watchful eye upon an ever-changing public sentiment, swayed as it constantly is, by appeals to prejudice and passion. They need be under no apprehension that the labors of years will be swept away by a freshet of popular excitement as sudden as unaccountable. We assure them of a steady cooperation in the execution of their plans of culture and instruction, in the administration of a wholesome discipline and in all their efforts to enlarge the sphere and perfect the system of the school.

And now with many anxieties, and many fears, and yet with a good courage and a strong hope, those who have established this Academy commit it to the community and to coming generations. THEY DEDICATE IT TO DAY TO THE CAUSE of Popular EDUCATION. They anticipate for it a wide influence and a great success. With confident expectation they look foward to the time, as not far distant, when, embraced within the circle of its genial influence, a complete and perfected system of schools shall spring up through this queenly town, dotting with beautiful structures her fair territory, as jewels glitter upon a royal robe. They trust that within its walls, the facilities for a higher education will be furnished to our sons and daughters, so cheaply that the poorest can enjoy them, and so amply that the richest shall be grateful for the privi lege of receiving their benefits.

With these hopes and these plans, they now launch this great enterprise upon the bosom of the wide future. May it prove staunch and strong! may the winds of Heaven blow kindly upon it! and may it, year by year, return to our hamlets and our homes its priceless freight of youthful minds, enriched by learning, developed by a liberal culture, refined by the study of all that is beautiful in nature and in art, and prepared for the highest usefulness and the purest happiness.

PLANS OF SCHOOL-HOUSES IN NORWICII.

NORWICH FREE ACADEMY.

THE NORWICH FREE ACADEMY represented on pages 696 and 697, occupies one of the most eligible sites in the world,-a lot of over six acres perfectly level in front, and rising into a beautifully wooded hill in the rear, commanding a fine view of the city and surrounding country.

The building was erected after plans by Mr. Evan Burdick, Architect, Norwich, at a cost of $30,000 exclusive of the land.

The building is 87 feet with a front projection of 24 feet by 12, surmounted by an Observatory.

In the Basement, besides the furnaces and the coal-bins, there is a working laboratory, connected by stairs with the philosophical lecture room on the first floor.

On the first floor, besides separate clothes room, one for boys, and the other for girls, there is a Lecture room, and a Library, for the supply of which, Gen. Williams and wife have given a fund of $5,000.

The Second and Third floors are now left, each in a single hall with two class rooms attached, but are capable of being subdivided into two rooms, if the organization of the Academy should require it.

For convenience of access, for spaciousness of halls and class rooms, for light, warmth, ventilation, and seating, for the accommodation and use of apparatus, and library, this edifice is not surpassed by any other erected for educational purposes within our knowledge.

CENTRAL DISTRICT SCHOOL.

This building represented on pages 698 and 699, was erected by the Central District of Norwich to accommodate a graded system of schools; there being six rooms, thereby accommodating as many classes or departments. The architect was Mr. Evan Burdick.

The building is 76 feet by 58 feet, with a front projection of 14 ft. by 14 ft. The lot is in 150 feet by 280, well graded and drained and enclosed with an iron fence. The rooms are well lighted, warmed and ventilated, and furnished with desks and chairs manufactured by Joseph L. Ross of Boston. The cost of grounds and building was $37,500.

PRIMARY SCHOOL.

In the organization of the public schools of Norwich, the committee contemplate the establishment from time to time of a sufficient number of Primary Schools, to accommodate all the young children in the immediate neighborhood of their homes. The diagram on page 700, represents one of the houses erected for a school of this grade, capable of accommodating 112 pupils divided into two classes or departments. Each room is furnished with Ross's school-furniture.

The material is wood, and the cost independent of the site was $3,000. Mr. E. Burdick Architect.