"she reads a book," reads is a transitive verb; but when I simply say, "She reads well," reads is now considered an intransitive verb The classification of verbs as transitive and intransitive, and as finite and not finite, rests, of course, on a different basis from the classification of verbs as regular and irregular. (See Kerl's Common-School Grammar, p. 119.) If predicate and affirm mean precisely the same thing, as the critic affirms, then one of them should be dropped from the English language. Mr. Kerl has preferred the word predicate, and has applied it to all verbs that have person and number; for the word affirm is so apt to be contrasted with deny, and is hardly applicable to commands and questions. The constant use of subject and predicate, in analysis, is itself a strong argument in favor of the word predicate. Whatever, whoever, and whichsoever are compound words just as much as myself, himself, and nevertheless. If the critic does not know that modern philologists have found out a better mode of treating what than that which he probably learned from Brown, and if he does not know that participles are used after the auxiliaries be and have, and infinitives after all other auxiliaries, then he is, indeed, very far behind the times! Surely, he must have been lately in or near the famous Sleepy Hollow of Washington Irving, and gone through a Rip Van Winkle nap. Mr. Kerl has the sentence, "The nominative and the objective case of nouns are alike." He evidently meant that they are alike in form; for in the connection in which he uses the expression, he is treating of the forms of words, and not of definitions. The remaining criticism on this sentence shows how grossly and ridiculously ignorant of grammar the critic himself is; for the sentence is grammatically correct, and his officious mending of it would make false syntax of it! After every article a noun is understood, if not expressed. "The Old and the New Testament make the Bible," is correct; and means, "The Old Testament and the New Testament make the Bible." To say the Old and the New Testaments, would imply that there are several Old Testaments, and several new ones. The critic's corrected sentence, "The nominative and the objective cases," etc., implies that there is a variety of nominative cases, and also a variety of objective cases-an absurdity. The word cases can be used instead of case; but then the second article must be omitted. The critic's remark about was captured, is unfair; for he garbled the passage, in which Mr. Kerl simply meant to show some of the prominent uses of auxiliary verbs. In the sentence, "He was writing," was writing is, of course, in the active voice; but the critic forgets that in the sentence, "Our chains are forging" (Wirt), are forging is passive. The remark about punctuation is also unfair; for, taken in the gross, every one would naturally consider the pericd a greater pause-mark than the comma; and it would be foolish in any grammarian to base a general definition on an extreme rhetorical exception. The critic's remark, that nothing plainer is given on punctuation, is not true; for each of the principal points is explained with unusual fullness. The critic intimates that Mr. Kerl has given very little of parsing, analysis, and false syntax. But this is not true; for in all these respects, the book reaches, with much less machinery, considerably further than any other English grammar of the same size; and that it does so, is one of its principal merits. In false syntax, especially, it is almost as comprehen sive and useful as the ordinary large grammars. By the way, if this pretentious critic would only study the little book thoroughly and carefully, he would be very apt to learn much more about italics, capitals, punctuation, and syntax, than the blunders in his own article warrant us in believing he does know. The mockery and vainglory of the critic we shall not condescend to notice. Men that are governed by an elevated and refined sense of honor and a reverential love of truth, aud that are conscious of superior talents and a just cause, usually conduct warfare in a dignified and gentlemanly OBSERVER. manner. THE CURRENT PUBLICATIONS. HE work' which Prof. Clark has just issued, contains the substance of a course of lectures delivered before the Lowell Institute, of Boston, during February and March, 1864. Although these lectures were given to the public in a popular form, they are not altogether based on what was already known; the author claims no small proportion of the facts and ideas therein promulgated to be original with himself. While denouncing materialism as an attack upon our belief in a ruling Providence, Prof. Clark maintains that the progressive theory of development is not inconsistent with our ideas of the Creator; it is rather an "argument to prove that there is a power at work in the universe, which possesses foreknowledge; the design of a forecasting, foreordaining mind-a thinking, intelligent being; such a combination of powers that no form of physical law could possibly be conceived to represent." An animated being is not, as Paley and others would have us believe, a mere mechanism, made up of independent parts. All living beings are composed essentially of four elements, three gaseous, and one solid. In organic substances these elements are held together by chemical affinity, but in organic bodies, where life exists, they are combined by a principle not usually recognized, which our author terms vital affinity. Two substances, therefore, may yield the same chemical elements upon ultimate anal 01) MIND IN NATURE, OR THE Origin or Life, AND MODE OF DEVELOPMENT OF ANIMALS. BY HENRY JAMES CLARK, Adjunct Professor of Zoology in Harvard University. New York: D. Appleton & Co. 8vo, pp. 332. $4. ysis, but the circumstances affecting the combining force may have given in the one case life; in the other, death. Although differing so widely in their effects, these affinities are closely allied. We may have, "on one hand, a drop of rosin, gum, or mucus, held together by the natural chemical affinity, and on the other hand, certain living beings, so exceedingly simple in structure that they may be compared to the drop of gum or mucus, but from which they are distinguished by being held together by the affinity called the principle of life." These protean animalcules are so nearly homogeneous throughout, that under even the most powerful microscope they retain their gum-like appearance, and differ from inorganic matter only, in that they possess the vital functions of motion and digestion. Prof. Clark maintains that these animals may be spontaneously generated, and cites in full Prof. Wyman's experiments upon this interesting subject. Spontaneous generation is one of the most vexing questions to-day in science, the most contradictory results being obtained under the same conditions by different investigators. M. Coste asserts in the most absolute manner that infusoria never make their appearance in solutions which are not exposed to both light and air, and details experiments which appear to be conclusive. On the other hand, Prof. Wyman conducts experiments in vessels closed after being subjected to a high temperature to destroy any germs which might be existing, and succeeds in obtaining great numbers of infusoria. In both cases the results of the investigation were seen and vouched for by savans of undoubted integrity. Prof. Clark accepts Prof. Wyman's experiments as conclusive; and in view of the fact that in the earliest, or egg-state, all animals are alike, deems them sufficient basis for the assumption, that from the animalcules, thus spontaneously developed, higher and more complicated animals may arise. To prove this assumption is the object of "Mind in Nature," in which it is supported by a series of reasonings and experimental investigations of so remarkable a character, that although we may not coincide entirely with the deductions, we can not fail to admire the patience and ingenuity of the author. No work has yet been published upon the question of progressive development, that presents the subject as clearly as this. By a note on page 87, we perceive that Prof. Clark claims joint authorship with Prof. Agassiz, in the latter's great work," Contributions to the Natural History of the United States." He supports his claim with strong evidence, but lets fall some remarks hardly admissible in a work of such importance as this. Dr. Harkness has added a reader to his Latin series. Like other books, of the kind, it contains fables, anecdotes, and seДections from ancient history. It is strange, that compilers of readers adhere to such selections. The transition from these to any author is very abrupt, so that a pupil is as ready to take up Cæsar after reading -one-half of the matter found in readers, as if he had read the whole. These books should begin with simple fables, but the selections should be more difficult as the learner advances, and we should, therefore, have extracts from Virgil and Caesar, as well as from Tacitus and Lucretius, so that the pupil, when studying the former authors might not be puzzled by a moderately -complex sentence. There would be much reason for gratitude, if some person, qualified by judgment and experience, would furnish such a text-book. Dr. Harkness' reader is as good as any of its class, and in some respects, better. The directions to learners are practical and excellent. Many teachers would profit by studying them. The notes are concise, and there are numerous references to the author's grammar, A LATIN READER. BY ALBERT HARKNESS, Professor in Brown University. New York: D. Appleton & Co. 12mo, pp. 212. $1.25.. When that is used, the reader will be acceptable. Although considerable information respecting microscopic manipulation has been published, yet it has been in supplementary chapters of large works. Hence, extended reading has been necessary for acquiring a knowledge of the subject. To render essential information accessible to the majority ofreaders, Mr. Davies has collected all the approved methods of mounting and preserving objects, and presented them in his hand-book. This gives all one requires concerning apparatus, mounting, the preparation and use of preservative fluids, dissection and injection of objects. We think the manual would have been more useful if it had contained directions for preparing objects for medical examination; but the amateur will find it a valuable assistant, as it contains many useful hints seldom found in larger works. Many attempts have been made to reduce our English orthography to system, by fixing the values of the letters now used,, and supplying the deficiency of character by modified forms of Roman letters, and letters taken from the Greek or Saxon. But the mongrel appearance of such modified alphabets, and their failure to satisfy those who desire a simple and philosophic system of writing as well as those who stickle for the conservation of the present orthography, must ever prevent their general acceptance. The best of the kind is undoubtedly that devised for the special purpose of reducing to writing the dialects of the East, a full account of which was given in the first volume of this MONTHLY. Those who are interested in the so-called phonetic reform, will take pleasure in reading Magnus Maharba,* an allegorical narrative of the rise and fall of slavery in America. It is printed in the new Saxonized orthography, using the phonetic alphabet above mentioned. Dr. Barnard's Journal of Education, for March, contains: 1. Public Instruction in the Austrian Empire. II. The Nature and Value of Education. III. The Dignity of (3) THE PREPARATION AND MOUNTING OF MICRO SCOPIC OBJECTS. BY THOMAS DAVIES. New York William Wood & Co. 12mo, pp. 144. $1.25. (4). MAGNUS MAHARBA, AND THE BLACK DRAGON: AN ALLEGORY OF THE WAR. New York: Brow & Duer. Price 30 cents; on fine paper, 50 cente. the Schoolmaster's Work. IV. Documentary History of Normal Schools in the United States. V. The Original Free or Town-school of New England. VI. Glimpses of the Means and Condition of American Education prior to 1800. VII. Schools as they were. VIII. Female Education as it was. IX. American Educational Biography. X. History of Educa tional Associations. XI. National Bureau of Education. XII. Advice on Studies and Conduct, by Men Eminent in Letters and Affairs. Dr. Barnard now offers to send free, a copy of " Education in Europe," to any one who will secure five subscribers for his Journal, at $4 each-$20. Also, his "ObjectLessons," for three subscribers, at $4-$12. EDUCATIONAL INTELLIGENCE. NEW ENGLAND. AINE. There are 3.830 school-houses in this State, of which seventy were erected during the last year. In 1865 the number of pupils enrolled was 158,380; the average attendance was forty-four per cent. The number of teachers employed was 7,290, whose average salary was, for males, $27.76 per month; for females, *$2.49. The amount of school-money raised by taxation was $469,463, an excess above requirement of $27,944. The aggregate expenditure for school purposes was $857,949. The State Normal School is now in successful operation with four instructors and a roll of one hundred and forty-eight students. Teachers' institutes were held in only a few counties during the year, as the State had withdrawn the appropriation formerly granted for their support and encouragement. MASSACHUSETTS.-In Boston, the following grade of salaries has been determined for 1866. In the Latin, High, and Normal Schools-masters, $3,500 per annum; submasters, $2,500; ushers, $2,000. In the grammar-schools-inasters, $2 500; submasters, $2,000: ushers, $1,500; headassistants, $800; assistants, $600; and primary teachers, $600. -Lowell has at present 55 schools, 94 teachers, and 4,552 pupils enrolled, with an average attendance of 4,017. The total cost of supporting the schools in 1865 was 871,856. In the early part of the year a truant commissioner was appointed. Through his efforts twenty truants were arrested, and sentenced to the House of Reformation for terms varyng from three months to two years. It might be advantageous to introduce this system in all our large cities. -Daring last year the School-Committee of Springfield expended $42,686 for ordinary school purposes, and $26,969 upon new school-houses. Two buildings are now in course of erection, whose estimated cost is $78,000. There are 49 schools, 70 teachers, and an average attendance of about 2,500 pupils. At the beginning of the year an advance of $200, in salaries of the male teachers, and $50, of females, was made, to continue during the prevalence of high prices. The committee recommend compulsory attendance, as a large number of children in the district attend no school whatever. The superintendent calls attention to the propriety of establishing a truant-school. CONNECTICUT.-The system of gradedschools was adopted in New Haven twelve years ago. Since that time the number of pupils enrolled has increased from 1,472 to 4,693; the average attendance, from 1.226 to 3,894; the number of teachers, from 28 to 93; and the amount of expenditures, from $6,946 to $43,020. Although five large buildings and numer ous smaller ones have been erected, yet the increase in accommodations has not proved sufficient for more than one-half the number of children, between the ages of four and sixteen years, now enumerated in the district; and there are at least. five thousand such, who could not attend school if they so desired. An attempt was made last year to increase the efficiency of the High-school by incorporating it with the Hopkins Grammar-school, but failed, as the trustees of the latter institution had not the power to accept the proposition. The amount of real es tate owned by the district is $152,000, and the estimated totul expenses for 1866 are $71,200. -Arrangements, have been made to establish a scientific school, for which $150,000 are to be raised, in connection with the Wesleyan University at Middletown. Isaac Rich, Esq., of Boston, is about to erect a library building for the University, and the alumni have raised a library fund of $25,000. RHODE ISLAND.-The city of Providence has 52 schools, with 150 teachers, and an average attendance of between 7,000 and 8,000 pupils. The expenditures last year were $90,000. Mr. Leach, the superintendent, is, as he should be, exceedingly severe upon tardy teachers. He insists upon promptness-for its own sake. He recently suspended sixteen pupils from the High-school for a tardiness of two minutes, for which they could offer no reasonable excuse. MIDDLE STATES. NEW YORK.-Dr. Hickok has been elected to succeed Dr. Nott in the presidency of Union College, at Schenectady. He had been vice-president from 1849. -The annual catalogue of the Union Theological Seminary, in New York city, shows that it is in a highly-prosperous condition. It has 125 students, of whom 49 have been in connection with the Union army. NEW JERSEY.-The principal of the State Normal School makes the following statement respecting last year's work. There were 727 in attendance upon the three schools, Normal, Model, and Farnum; of these only a small proportion were gentlemen, most probably, as Dr. Hart surmises, because the salaries given to teachers are so low. In the course of study spelling is included; not of choice, but of necessity. "Three-fourths of those who are candidates for admission to the Normal-schools spell in the most shocking manner." As many of these had been at great expense to gain admission, it was not thought advisable to reject them, but rather to introduce spelling in the school. Some changes in the corps of instructors were made during the year. There were twenty-two graduates. The amount received in behalf of the various schools was $13,280. PENNSYLVANIA.-From the summary in Superintendent Coburn's annual report, we learn that there are in the State 12,960 schools, 15,564 teachers, and 703,930 pupils. The average attendance during last year was 459,121; the total cost of the system was $8,614,288, making the average cost of pupils per month 68 cents. In Philadelphia there are 876 schools, with 1,278 teachers and 74,848 pupils, having an average attendance of 63,220. In this city female teachers are employed in all positions, except that of principal of boys' grammar-schools, and succeed admirably. The city superintendent insists upon increase of salary for the female teachers, of whom nearly one thousand receive less wages than the janitresses. -In this State the holding of teachers' institutes depends upon the will of the school-directors; but when once ordered, teachers are by law required to attend. In several counties two hundred dollars are annually appropriated for defraying institute expenses. The three Normal schools are in a prosperous condition. As they are unable to accommodate all who desire admission, Mr. Coburn recommends that an apropriation of five thousand dollars be made to each, four-fifths of it to be applied to lessening the expenses of students, and the remainder to increasing the accommodations. Soldiers' Orphan Schools.-The object of this charity, which is under the direction of Hon. Thomas H. Burrowes, is to furnish a home and an education, at the expense of the State, to the destitute orphan children of soldiers that died during the war. There are now established eight schools in different parts of the State, accommodating seven hundred and thirtyeight fatherless children. Fifteen orphans' homes and asylums throughout the Commonwealth have taken in these orphans to the number of five hundred and nineteen. The total cost for the mainte nance of pupils, erection of buildings, &c., from June, 1864, when the scheme was organized, up to December 1st, 1865, was $103,817.64. The pupils remain in the school until they are sixteen years of age. Only four of the whole number of orphans admitted to the schools have died during the year. In appearance, health, conduct, and intellect, the orphans are quite equal to those of the same ages in the common-schools. It is expected that the duration of the system will not extend beyond the year 1884, when the school will close for the want of inmates. It is computed that the average annual expense of the schools will approximate $150,000. -The Friends in Philadelphia have given $125,000 in aid of the institution for colored youth in that city. The building is on Shippen Street, and will soon be opened with accommodations for 1,200 pupils. SOUTHERN STATES. WEST VIRGINIA.-The free-school sys. tem here is still in its infancy, and the superintendent has given only his second report. Under the old regime, schools were objects of suspicion, and they are consequently, "few and far between.' Some of the buildings are in ruins, others are cheerless and comfortless log structures, prisons to both teachers and pupils. There are in the State 133 school-houses, valued at $40,871.75, the average value, excluding those of Wheeling, being less than $63. However, the people show a willingness to bear the burden of taxation, and everywhere call for schoolhouses and good teachers. Out of 84,418 youth, between the ages of six and twenty-one years, only 15,972 are enrolled upon the school-lists. The average attendance is deplorably low, being less than fifty per cent. The superintendent |