OTHER NORMAL TRAINING.

The Normal College of the City of New York, admitting 698 students in 1885, registered 1,553, with an average attendance of 1,416, of whom 1,010 were studying French and 543 German, and 236 graduated from its 4-years course of study. At the examination in June, 1885, 933 candidates were from the female grammar schools, of whom 157 were marked an average of 90 per cent. or more, some going as high as 97 per

cent.

The instruction of teachers' classes in academies and union schools under the authority of the regents of the university is reported to have been conducted during the year very satisfactorily. A rigid supervision has been maintained. Students have been held to a strict account in the observance of regulations. The requirement that all candidates for admission must pass the preliminary examination of the regents exerted a wholesome influence in improving the character of the membership; and although the number under this system has been reduced, the quality of teachers sent out was greatly improved. Much of this increased efficiency in the instruction given is attributed to the earnest and intelligent efforts of the inspector of teachers' classes, Dr. A. B. Watkins, who visited 106 of the 111 classes during the year.

In pursuance of the law of 1884, instruction will be given in physiology and hygiene in the teachers' classes and schools under the control of the regents.

In 1884-85 there were 143 academical and free union schools in which teachers' classes were taught. These classes enrolled 2,348 students, an increase of 473 over 1883-'84.

TEACHERS' INSTITUTES.

The law requires each school commissioner to organize an annual teachers' institute in his district, or a combined one in concert with other commissioners in the same county, subject to the advice and direction of the State superintendent.

By a law of August, 18-5, public schools in districts and parts of districts where such institutes are held must be closed during the session, or forfeit their share of the public school fund for the time taken for the institute, the same to be deducted from the pay of teachers that violate the law. Districts closing their schools to allow their teachers to attend these institutes receive their share of public funds for payment of their teachers while attending. In the calendar year 1885, teachers' institutes were held in each of the 58 counties of the State, exclusive of New York and Hamilton. In 14 counties 2 institutes were held, making the aggregate number 72, with an attendance of 18,295.

SCHOOL JOURNALS.

The leading educational journals in this State in 1884-'85 have been the School Journal, a weekly, published at New York City, which reached its thirtieth volume in July, 1885; the Teachers' Institute, a monthly abstract of the previous one, published up to December, 1883; the School Bulletin, Syracuse, a monthly, in its eleventh volume in 1885; and the Industrial News, published monthly by the Inventors' Institute, Cooper Union, in its sixth volume in 1835. The Summary, published weekly, at the New York Reformatory, Elmira, makes its first appearance at this Bureau in its third volume, 1885.

SECONDARY INSTRUCTION.

ACADEMIES AND HIGH-SCHOOL DEPARTMENTS.

The secondary schools of the State are (1) incorporated academies governed by boards of trustees and supported mainly by tuition fees; (2) academical departments of union schools controlled by boards of education and supported chiefly by local tax

ation.

Under a law of 1864 authorizing union schools to adopt as academical departments academies existing in their districts, the number of academies has annually decreased, while the academic departments proportionally increased. In 1865-66 there were 190 academies, and but 22 academical departments; in 1883-'84 there were only 75 of the former and 185 of the latter. In this progress of events, the weak and unendowed academies have been carried down, while the strongest have survived. This rapid increase in the number of academical departments of union schools is one of the most remarkable facts in the educational history of the State. Numbering nearly 200, they are found in every city and nearly every village. They form an important element in the public school system. To avoid too large an increase, and consequent inferiority, the regents two years ago raised the condition for the admission of academical departments to their visitation. As showing the grade of instruction in these schools, it is stated that, of 260 principals, 182 were graduates of colleges and 34 of normal schools. There were under the care of the regents in 1883-84, in the 260 institutions, 1,309 teachers, 34,162 scholars, of whom 10,873 were academical, sustained at an expenditure of $1,385,119 for the year. The State appropriates annually $40,000 to their

support; the balance is from local taxation and tuition fees. Since 1851 the State has annually appropriated $3,000 to purchase books and apparatus for these schools, increasing it in 1884 to $6,000. The whole amount thus given, including that for 1885, is $164,812, which, as it insured an equal sum by the schools, shows $329,625 expended for books and apparatus. Of the students, 6,906 were pursuing classical studies, 2,400 were preparing for college, and 30,792 were in elementary studies.

OTHER SECONDARY SCHOOLS.

For statistics of business colleges, private academic schools, preparatory schools, and preparatory departments of colleges, see Tables IV, VI, VII, and IX of the Appendix; for summaries of same, see the report of the Commissioner preceding.

SUPERIOR INSTRUCTION.

UNIVERSITY OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

The board of regents of the University of the State of New York, established May, 1784, made its 98th annual report in January, 1885. As this completed a century of its work, the celebration of it was held in connection with the annual university convocation in July, 1884, an account of which see further on, under "Educational conventions."

This university is composed of all the recognized colleges-academies and academical departments of union schools coming in as preparatory schools. There are on the university list 52 incorporated colleges, including both literary and professional institutions. Of these, 47 report in 1883-84 a total of 752 instructors, 11,417 students, and 1,611 graduates. Twenty are colleges of arts for both sexes, leading to the degree of A. B.; 5 are exclusively for women, though only 4 report for 1884; 16 are medical, and 4 are law colleges. They owned property valued at $22,812,836, and expended for the year, $1,724,868.

No institution of the collegiate grade was added during the year. The condition of the colleges is reported to have been one of marked prosperity, with steady progress in the acquisition of funds for endowments and enlargement of courses of instruction. In some there has been activity in providing new courses and greater facilities for instruction. Since June, 1883, Columbia College, New York City, has offered a course of study to young women equivalent to that for young men, extending over 4 years, to be pursued under the general direction of the faculty, the manner and place of study being left to the discretion of the student. Another recent step in the right direction is the establishment, by the same college, of a school of library economy, to meet the demand for trained librarians. Instruction is given by lectures, courses of reading, conferences, and actual observation of and experience in library work. The college library, containing 60,000 volumes, has recently been moved to a new fire-proof building.

The catalogues and returns from 23 collegiate institutions for 1884-'85 show that the activities and prosperity of the previous year continued. Few report changes during the year. The St. Lawrence University extended its theological course to 4 years, instead of its previous 3.

Cornell University reports the most successful year since its organization. A lady principal of Sage College was appointed, and all lady students who have no valid reason for living elsewhere were required to reside at the college. During the year, there was, for the first time in the history of the university, a body of fellows, in accordance with a statute adopted at the last previous meeting of the board. There were 7 fellowships connected with the various departments, each held by a graduate elected by the faculty. There was also established during the year a system of university scholarships, founded on a fund made up by individual members of the board, which provides for 36 in all, or 9 every year for 4 years, the annual value of each to be $200. Nothing, says the president, that this board has done, has shown its value more immediately and conclusively, resulting in a great and sudden increase of students of a high grade of preparation. There was no change in the general course of instruction, but every course felt the benefit of the increase of facilities for study, the library having been increased by 3,926 bound volumes, making a total of 54,379, and 15,625 pamphlets. The university was perfecting a system for the instruction of teachers, similar to that of the University of Michigan.

In Columbia College a successful effort was made to subdivide classes without increasing the expense by an increase of instructors. When a vacancy occurs among the instructors, instead of employing another of the same grade, 2 or more fellows with tutorial duties take his place. In the retirement of Mr. Hopkins, professor of Latin and Zend, the college sustained a great loss.

At the beginning of the year the school of mines occupied its new building; summer schools of surveying, mechanical engineering, and practical mining were held, the usefulness of which was questioned.

Donations and bequests to colleges during the year have not been large or numerous. St. Stephen's received $12,000, in small sums, for buildings; St. Lawrence University nearly $2,000, for deficiency of income; Ingham University $5,000, to defray expenses; College of St. Francis Xavier $100,000, from Mr. John F. O'Conner, a graduate of 1872; Rutgers College $5,000 each from 2 friends; Syracuse University $122,000, from various individuals and conferences, for a general endowment fund.

Of the 25 universities and colleges belonging to the university system of the State. 15 are exclusively for young men, 5 for young women, while Alfred, St. Lawrence, Cornell, and Syracuse Universities, with Columbia College, admit women, all but the last on the same terms as men.

For detailed statistics of colleges and universities, see Table IX of the Appendix ; for their summaries, see the report of the Commissioner preceding.

INSTITUTIONS FOR THE SUPERIOR INSTRUCTION OF YOUNG WOMEN.

The 5 institutions of full collegiate rank exclusively for young women are Wells College, Aurora; Elmira Female College, Elmira; Ingham University, Le Roy; Rutgers Female College, New York City; and Vassar College, Poughkeepsie. Elmira College received from various sources during the year benefactions amounting to $51,000.

For full statistics of these colleges and other schools for the higher instruction of young women, see Table VIII of the Appendix; for their summaries, see the report of the Commissioner preceding.

SCIENTIFIC AND PROFESSIONAL INSTRUCTION.

SCIENTIFIC.

The United States Military Academy, West Point, established in 1802 and sustained by the General Government for the training of officers for the Army, shows no material change from 1883-84. The studies are in departments of natural and experimental philosophy; of modern languages; of drawing; of mathematics; of chemistry, mineralogy, and geology; of history, geography, and ethics; of tactics; of law; of civil and military engineering; of ordnance and gunnery; and of practical military engineering. The course covers 4 years with 4 corresponding classes. To advance from one class to another the cadet must pass a satisfactory examination before the academic board. In 1884-'85 there were 45 cadets discharged, and 11 resigned, leaving 264 at end of year. Thirty-nine graduated, of whom 5 were marked as "distinguished cadets," and their names placed on the next Army Register. Admitted for 1885-'86, 78.

The board of visitors, June, 1885, recommend some changes in the studies of the academy, viz: (1) that it should no longer be regarded as a technical school in mathematics, physics, or chemistry, but as primarily a technical school for war; (2) that these studies be taught for the sole purpose of fitting the cadets to pursue the technical study of war in the most thorough manner. They say that no theoretical instruction in military subjects is given in the first 2 years of the course, and that in the third only 23 hours in all are given to military recitations, professional topics not being reached till the fourth and last year. In the opinion of the board, this ought to be so changed that some strictly military subject should be taught in each year; that such changes be made in the courses of study as shall allow more time for the science and art of war, and for those professional studies which directly fit the graduated cadet for military service. On the whole, the board of visitors express their high opinion of the instruction given; that in their best judgment the whole department of instruction is in a highly effective state, every cadet having been recommended as proficient by the academic board.

The Agricultural and Mechanical College of New York, a department of Cornell University, Ithaca, continues its scientific courses leading to degrees in agriculture, architecture, civil engineering, and mechanical engineering. Other scientific schools are Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, a school of civil engineering; the School of Mines of Columbia College, conferring the degrees of engineer of mines, civil engineer, bachelor of philosophy, and doctor of philosophy to advanced students; and the scientific department of Cooper Union, with a mathematical and scientific course of 5 years. The University of the City of New York, Union College, and Syracuse University also give instruction in civil engineering and in general science, while a majority of the other collegiate institutions offer courses for the degree of Sci. B. A College of Electrical Engineering in the city of New York is established to enable men and women to acquire a scientific and practical knowledge of the systems of submarine and inland telegraphy in use in this and other countries. It presents a theoretical and practical course extending over 6 months and embracing 13 different topics of study.

PROFESSIONAL.

THEOLOGY. Of the 13 institutions of this class, 3 are Protestant Episcopal, 2 Presbyterian, 2 Baptist, 1 Lutheran, 1 Christian, and 1 Universalist, all offering 3years courses, generally following college graduation or an examination of nongraduates. Of the 3 others, which are Roman Catholic schools, St. Bonaventure has a 3-years course following a college course; the Seminary of Our Lady of Angels a 5-years course of ecclesiastic and other studies following a 2-years preparatory course; and St. Joseph's Seminary courses of 44 to 5 years, including 2 preparatory years. For statistics of the above institutions for 18×4-85, see Table XI of the Appendix; for summaries of same, see the report of the Commissioner preceding.

The Chautauqua School of Theology, organized in 1881 under a charter from the State of New York, began its operations in August of that year with a board of trustees, a president, a dean, a general secretary, 7 counselors of high repute in different denominations, 8 department deaus (including several of the above, with others). The work is done by the students at home, each department and course being under the care of a dean who directs the reading, studies, and examinations by correspondence; if the latter are satisfactory to the counselors, the degree of B. D. is conferred. The studies of the 8 departments comprised in the course may be completed in 5 or 6 years.

LAW.-The following schools of law are recognized as of proper standard by the board of regents of the university: The Albany Law School, Albany, a department of the Union University; the law department of Hamilton College, Clinton; the School of Law in Columbia College, New York City; and the law department of the University of the City of New York.

MEDICINE, DENTISTRY, AND PHARMACY.-Sixteen medical institutions in the State were recognized in 1883-84 by the regents of the university. Of 12 reported by the Illinois State Board of Health, 9 were regular, 2 homœopathic, and 1 eclectic. The College of Physicians and Surgeons in the City of New York, Long Island College Hospital, Bellevue Hospital Medical College, College of Medicine of Syracuse University, and the Medical Department of the University of Buffalo recommended but did not require a 3-years graded course. The Albany Medical College, Woman's Medical College of New York Infirmary, and Medical Department of Niagara University required a 3-years graded course. The last mentioned recommends an extension to 4 years. These colleges present sufficient and competent corps of professors and assistants, as required for recognition by the Illinois State Board of Health, the range being from 18 to 54. The time of regular annual sessions for 1883-'84 ranges from 22 to 34 weeks, the Woman's Medical College of the New York Infirmary having 32, and the College of Medicine at Syracuse University 34 weeks. The rules prescribed by the Illinois State Board of Health as to attendance and examinations, dissections, clinics, hospital attendance, length of graduating courses, age, and character, are substantially complied with by all. The aggregate matriculation of these 9 schools in 1883-84 was 1,990; graduates, 581.

The New York Medical College Hospital for Women (homeopathic), New York City, provides and requires for graduation a 3-years graded course of study, while the Eclectic Medical College of the City of New York does not require it.

These schools meet fully the absolute requirements of the Illinois State Board of Health, as heretofore specified.

The New York College of Dentistry, New York City, reports in 1884-'85, besides 2 years of private tuition, a course of study covering 52 weeks each year, 20 being devoted to a lecture course and 32 to practical dentistry. Those who complete the full course and pass the required examinations receive the degree of D.D.S.

The College of Pharmacy of the City of New York and the Albany College of Pharmacy, a department of Union University, show in 1884-'85 each a 2-years course, the former of 22 weeks, the latter of 20 weeks each year. To secure the degree of Ph.G. the requirements in both are attendance on 2 full courses of lectures; in the former 4 years of experience, in the latter 3 years, with a reputable pharmaceutist, a thesis, and the passing of a final examination.

VETERINARY SURGERY.-The New York College of Veterinary Surgeons and the American Veterinary College, both of New York City, show large faculties and ample requirements for graduation. The former has a course of 2 years, the latter of 3, both with annual sessions of 26 weeks. The attendance for 1883-84 at the former was only 4, while at the latter it was 92, graduates 22. In 1883-'84 the Columbia Veterinary College of New York City was consolidated with the American Veterinary College under name of the latter.

For statistics of medical schools see Table XIII of the Appendix; for their summaries, see the report of the Commissioner preceding.

AUXILIARY AND POST GRADUATE INSTITUTIONS.-The New York Polyclinic, New York City, organized 12, is strictly a school of clinical medicine and surgery, with no didactic lectures, and none but practitioners admitted. Professors, instructors, and assistants, 66. Clinics are held daily throughout the college year.

The New York Post-Graduate Medical School and Hospital, New York City, a clinical school, also organized in 1882, employs 68 professors and assistants. The regular term occupies 8 months.

LAW REGULATING THE PRACTICE OF MEDICINE AND SURGERY.-The degree of M.D. is conferred by incorporated medical colleges and universities of the State, which constitutes a license to practice physic and surgery in the State, provided that the person record his license, with his name, residence, and place of birth, in the clerk's office of the county where he intends to practice.

The Regents of the University of the State of New York are authorized by law to appoint medical boards of not less than 7 licensed physicians and surgeons to examine candidates for the degree of M.D., referred to them by the chancellor. Very few, however, apply to the board for examination, only 10 having received the degree from the regents in 12 years. They regard the further maintenance of these boards as unnecessary. They say that were some plan undertaken for requiring a State license of all who enter upon the practice of medicine, the machinery, now comparatively useless, would be of great service.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTION.

SOCIETIES FOR THE PROMOTION OF HOME STUDIES.

The Chautauqua University of Correspondence Schools had its origin in the Chautauqua Summer School of Languages, which held its first session in 1879, and, lasting ouly 6 weeks, needed to be supplemented to secure any lasting benefit. This was attempted by correspondence with the department professors, but failed. There was a lack of the vitalizing power of a teacher's presence and the bond of union which thence ensues; acquaintance had been too brief; the student had no incentive to persistent effort; there was a want of system; correspondence was irregular and unsatisfactory. The year 1880-'81 witnessed a new effort for an after-school course of study, with the conviction that there were great possibilities in the after-school idea, if only a true method could be found. In 1882, after much deliberation, a plan for correspondence schools with a regular course of study each year was adopted. Each professor was pledged to a definite amount of work. This plan succeeded. For 3 years teachers and students worked successfully, and though there were difficulties, the schools achieved a fair success. The students made notable progress, and so far as the study of languages was concerned the problem was solved. Then came another question: Why may not the subjects in a college curriculum be taught by correspondence? This question settled, the next step was the organization of the university and its incorporation by the State of New York in 1883.

In this organization the professors identified with the correspondence schools were retained, while the schools which had achieved success by the efforts of the Chautauquan officials and the prestige of the Chautauquan name, were merged in the new university. In it, the student who cannot reach the college has its substitute at home, and with its curriculum may reach a diploma and degree. All this with only a yearly tuition fee of $10, and a matriculation fee of $5, which, with the large number of students from every State and Territory in the Union, provides for the salaries of professors and all other expenses.

At the Chautauqua Assembly in 1885 the plan of the university was completed, comprising: (1) the department of the assembly; (2) the summer session of the school of languages; (3) the Chautauqua literary and scientific circle; (4) the school of lib. eral arts; and (5) the Chautauqua press. Advanced plans for work in all these departments were provided for. Extra pains were taken in preparation for the school of liberal arts. Each section is in charge of some eminent leader. It is claimed that there is a university breadth in the variety of studies which this school offers, while the courses for the different sections are as exacting in their requirements as similar courses in any university known.

EDUCATION FOR POLITICAL LIFE.

Columbia College, New York City, opened its school of political science in 1880, with a course of 3 years, conferring the degree of Ph. B. on those completing the first year, and that of Ph. D. on the completion of the full course. No report since 1883-84. Cornell University, Ithaca, continued in 1884-85 its 4-years course in history and political science, leading to the degree of Ph. B., the first 2 years being mainly introductory.

TRAINING IN ARTS AND TRADES.

The rapid progress of industrial education, especially in arts and trades, has called into existence during the year an important and timely organization, the Industrial Education Association, No. 21 University Place, New York City. The first report, 1884-'85, states its objects to be: (1) to obtain and disseminate information upon industrial education; (2) to invite co-operation between existing organizations en