s i \ paund”t_or it,‘ The moral of this story 6 entirely, while others that were weakly . have grown strongin using the .-Xgency, ,' orin co-operation. I have set it down ' as a fact, and act accordingly, that co- = operation is the word.” If this is true in Wisconsin is it not also true in Michigan? some of the ‘ l i l l largest and most enthusiastic Granges in this county who did nothing in ; selling and buying together have fail- ed and ceased to exist. I-‘LASTER. Masters and Secretaries call ‘the at tention of your members at every meeting to their needs for plaster un- til every brother gives in his order; now is the time to make up your or- ders and forward them at once to Secretary Cobb, so that he may know how much is wanted. It is best to have them sent on as soon as possible so that it can be got on hand in readi- ness for use. I hope that every one will order liberally that use it, as it is the cheapest fertilizer that can be ap- plied to sandy or gravelly soils. Our l Executive Committee have made a i contract with Day & Taylor to fur- nish it on car at their mill for $2 per I ton, which is less than it has ever been sold for before in Michigan for a fresh l and pure plaster. I have examined their rock and found it solid and pure; unmixed with slate or fshale. No stucco is made at their mill which reqires the best rock and is used for that purpose at the other mills. They have at present a large quantity quarried and piled un- g der sheds to dry; and they disposed last spring of all they made, so what they have now on hand is fresh and l in the best of order. Ground plaster which has laid over f summer and fall absorbs moisture from the air, gives ofl" a part of its strength, which it never regains, even if reground. and is of little value. Don’t buy only the best, .for the poor is too costly for any farmer to use at a dollar a ton. I used a- car’ load on my farm last spLing from Day dz Taylor, and I believe that it was the best that I ever had. Apply it‘ early in the spring, for it is more beneficial than if used late. Sow it broadcast on your corn land before plowing, it is better than putting it on.the corn after it comes up. Don't be afraid of putting on too much, there is no danger. An observing and thorough farmer here says that he would not do without it if it can be had for $20.00 per ton. Now I trust that no Patron in Michigan will be persuaded to use plaster from some other manufacturer because it may be sold for less than Day & Taylor fur- nish it to us for. THE necessity of the patrons of; Iowa for barbed wire is the motherl of a new machine for manufacturing it. Barbed wire is much used in Iowa V for fencing; and the business agent of the patrons of that state was there- fore especially desirous of making some arrangement whereby he could supply his customers with it at reduced price. He and the State ‘executive committee confer. ed with the leading manuf.-icturers of barbed wire, but. were unable to obtain as liberal terms lrom them as they made with their own agenis and retail dealers; and hence no arrangement was consum- mated. Failing in this direction, the State agent began to negotiate with a manufacturing firm at East Des. Moines; and this firm finally invented ‘ a machine which, according to the Helper, barbs wire “ more effectually thinyany process yet invented," and enables patrons to buy barbed wire at _ei-$11.1; ,cent_s a. pound, ..where_'a»s for- mgj-_1y§£h'ey« had to pay fifteen cents a ‘ knowledge to practical purposes. nagdf ‘not,-’«‘we suppose,‘ be“poin‘ted out.‘ THE GRANGE VISITOR. gutters’ gepartment. Practical Education. I believe the subject under dis_cussion do-day is: Resolved, That we give ‘our children a more practical education. Now these same children belong to the teacher, or are under his or her gov- ernment fora considerable portion of ’ the time from five to fifteen years of age ‘ and upward. These teachers certainly should be very much interested in the Practical Education of said children. First what are We to undertand by the word practical 2 Useful, beneficial, that which can be put into practice in our every day work. Now let us get a clear understanding of the word educa- tion. “Education comprehends all that series of instruction and dicipline which is intended to enlighten the understand- ing, correct the temper, and form the manners and habits of youth and fit them for usefulness in the future sta- tions of life.” Thus we see that much is included in that one word education. Parents send their children to school to obtain an education. Some are satis- fied if their children only learn their books by heart. They are proud of them. They do not seem to think it necessary for them to apply their book They do not visit the school to see whether the teacher is teaching common sense, with their school-books as helpers, or whether she is only teaching them what is between the two covers of the book, without explanation or practical illustration which their young minds can grasp and master. 0 no! these pa- rents have no time to visit schools, to see about these matters, that is if they think of them at all. I have seen a scholar who had studied through divis- divide. Of what practical use was his knowledge of Arithmetic. That child’s understanding was but lit- tle enlightened; and whom shall we blame the parents or teacher‘? But a great part of education consists in the formation of correct manners, morals, good habits, and correcting the temper. All this is to fit them for usefulness in their future positionsin life. Then you will admit of course, that it is of practi- cal use to be so educated. They must ; be taught to control their temper. Must also be taught that it is wrong to cheat, lie, swear, drink, smoke, chew, gamble and numerous other .things. But how are they to be taught? By precept or example? Example of course. Vvhat benefit is it to a. child to have his father tell him he must not swear, or form any other of those bad habits, while the father is continually practic- ing them himself? Whatever father does, the child thinks, is right for /zim to do also. And they are to be taught po liteness. By which we do not mean 5 mere outward show or company maxi- ners. But to have respect for their el- ders, and respect for the feelings of all with whom they may come in contact: ; with a desire to do unto others as they , would be done by under all circumstan- . But who is to teach all this? A i ccs. great responsibility rests’upon the pa- rents most assuredly’: they are with the , l l I 1 i that, give me lhis, or give me that. And 1; perhaps with his dirty fingers reaches ,» over and helps himself. Isn't it more agreeable to see a child come to the ta» _ ble with hands and face clean and hair . combed, "than to come with so much “mother earth” clinging to them. and 3, hair pointing to zenith, radis and all g points of the compass? If the parents _; do not teach them that it is wrong, dis- 3 gusting and disagreeable (and I am sorry there ace some who do not) how is the child to know, or be ashamed to present ,‘ himself in that condition? ‘But why . need'I go farther? Some will say we are talking about practical education. So am I. Isn't that practical which lightens labor, obtains good situations for those desiring them ; makes friends and helps to succeed in whatever is un- dertaken? Which is more sure of suc- cess, a person thus educated or one who is rough and ill-nianerly, having no re- gard for the wishes of others respecting § himself alone? The former by ALL means. Then is it no practical benefit 5 to him that he has been educated to dis- pise bad habits; that he has been taught E to respect -the rights of others; to be , courteous to all with whom he may 5 l I comein contact, by those little atten- tions which so many consider of no value? But remember “little thingsl make up the sum of life.” Then pa-i rents why not pay more attention to. this part of the child's education ; and if teachers are endeavoring to do their? part, unite with them and lend a help- 3 ing hand, instead of placing obstacles in their way. Don’t say you haven't time to visit your schools. VVhat is moreprecious to you than that which concerns the welfare and future happi- ness, perhaps life of your child‘? Then i do not begrudge a half day spent in the school once in a while, to see how your ; .children are progressing, and if their? , teacher is faithfully trying to fulfill her 1‘ ion a number of times, when asked how ; much 4 pounds of butter would cost at 2 fifteen cents a pound, that did not know ‘ I whether to add, substract multiply or . children most of the time and have the 3 best opportunity of educating them in many directions. That is, if they fully realize the great work they have to do, and are interested in it. And if parents are not interested, who will be? Next to the parent the teacher is held respon- sible for the wrong education of the child. And if parents have neglected their duty, so much more devolves up- on the teacher. But doubly hard is it for the teacher who is trying to teach the children in her charge to be polite, to have them made sport of at home, when they attempt to carry out these instructions. That discourages bo th child and teacher. Is it anything more than right to say please when we wish for anything, and thank you when re- ceived? . And who would not rather seeachild when at table politely ask for what he wishes, and say thank you when supplied: and who patiently waits until his elders have been served ; who has been taught not to ask four ' or five times for the same kind, than to see one who whinesif he is not 'first served,‘ o_r«if- he is, -who causes his -.sup- ply to disappear-.-before all have been provided for, and then loudly“ call for more by saying: I want this, or I wan: mission, by administering to them (so , far as in her power lies) a Practical; Education. A. B. W. SILVER LAKE GRANGE, No. 624. Nov. 23, 1877. J BRO. COBB: Dear iS'ir.——()ur Grange is progressing finely, though we com- plain of some tardy members. But the l busy season is mostly over, and I am in hopes we shall have better attendaince through the winter, and by that time make our meetings so interesting that few if any will stay away. Our Dis- trict Grange seems of doubtful utility as yet, but may grow better as we get older and stronger. I wish Bro. Vt’hitney or some other good lecturer could come and give‘ us a lecture or two, and there- by revive us a little. I was at Brother Ramsdell’s_,(the present lecturer of our District Grange) a few weeks ago, and I ; think they are very pleasantly situated, with their house nestled in at the foot of the hills, surrounded by shrubbery, graperies and orchards; just a pleas- an t distance from Traverse Bay, andashort drive from Traverse City. ';gy and Zoology. The Author’s Petition might well ap- ply to them, and they consider the first § part granted and the last attainable. ‘ Here it is: The A uthor’.~ Petition. I ask not wealth, if it were given, It would not purchase Peace in Heaven, I ask on Earth a. rural cot , In some sweet, calm, retired spot. And there let love and friendship stay, "I‘ll life sheds her last parting ray ; Then where the weeping willow wave Give me and mine a peaceful grave. I ask not sculptured tomb of art But stamp my image on the heart, Of fond aifection pure, refined, Where it may ever live enshrined. I ask for grace, for faith, for love, A resting place a home above, I ask not fame, ’tis poisoned breath And will not save a soul from death. But in my breast ambitious fire Bids the immortal soul aspire, To glittering crowns and robes of white, In company with angels bright, Through golden streets to walk and sing Praise to my Savior, Piince and King‘ A SISTER. Hien scientific authorities say that the alarming increase of lunacy and suicides is due t5 the aggiegataion of people in metropolitan centers where business rivahries are intense. The doctors are no doubt right about the the" -‘matter. Such facts should cause the [blessings of rural life to be more highly appreciated than they now are. Our Common Schools. It has been a question with our Leg- islature and many of our people--what to do ? and how to do ? for the benefit of our Primary Schools. In this article, I purpose to set forth some views of my own, gathered from experience in teach- ing and general observation. First, let me find fault and then, suggest a rem- edy. I would have better educated and = more experienced teachers,—not for the savingof a few dollars would I place an unrefined, uncultured, uneducated per- son over one of our schools. I would have 9. uniformity of text-books, (I re- fer to our Dist. Schools) plenty of black- boards, charts, globes, and necessary apparatus. I would have our school- house made pleasant and home-like- what a change! from a beautiful, refined home, the childs’ sensitive mind is car- ried to a dreary, curtainless, dirty school- room, the surrounding yard without a ' shade tree and often without a fence. School offieers, superintendents, and parents ought to visit their schools as often as once a month. The teachers 5 should invite and insist upon their com- ing. If parents would visit their schools ‘ often they would soon see a growing in- ‘ terest, both in teacher and pupil. When all are interested there would be no lack of these minor things, which every teacher feels to be a necessity. Teach- ers should be able (and s_uperintenden is should require it) to give short talks on Botany, Physiology, Astronomy, Geolo- Have the children bring specimens offlowers, wood, stones, bugs, flies, etc.; teach the child more of what it can make a practical use of, thus makingschool life more pleasant and profitable. Is it as profitable for a child to know at just what spot, on a certain river in China, some particular city is situated, as to have a little insight into the formation of the earth, orta i knowledge of the stars they see every night ? Ifour County Superintendency proved a failure, surely our present system is 3 no better. The County Superintendent had too much todo and do well; our Town Superintendents (with few ex- ceptions) are incompetent, or consider- ing their office a small affair, do not give it the required attention. I would sug- gest the following system :——a County Superintendent to inspect the teachers and an Assistant Superintendent, in each town, elected by the people and ex- amined by the County Superintendent. It shall be their duty to visit schools, suggest new methods of teaching, etc., and report quarterly to the County Supt. In order to have this system complete I would have women hold any school ofiice. Some of our sister States have already granted this; and that women are worthy officers is shown by their number increasing every year. There are many reasons why I think they would fill that position better than men. I will mention but few of the many. 1st. They would make a business of it. 2d. They understand, better than men, the wants and requirements, of small children. 3rd. A woman, as a general rule, approaches nearer a child’s heart, and for this reason would be better able ' tojudge of their abilities and needs. Michigan has always taken the ad- ’ vance step in education, and I believe Brothers and Sisters of the Grange, that I we have the privilege (if we will use it) ‘ to improve our common schools ;—as they are the basis of our whole system, it behooves us to look well to our foun- dation. I offer these suggestions. hoping that other and better ideas may be brought out. From the minds of the many may be gatliered__ideas of great worth to our- selves and our nation. A. S. K. A PARENT desires that we will re- mind teachers that one of the great needs of the school-room is plenty of pure air, especially in winter, when rooms are apt to be over-heated. He recommends to open all the windows and doors every half hour, and let pure outside air sweep, (not dribble) through the room for two or three minutes. Meantime let the pupils, headed by their teacher, march around the room, singing as they go. Use the short recess, morning and after- noon," for effecting ventilation in a. similar way. See that the schoolhouse ~ is not shutu at noon or in the even- ing, with all the foul air shut in. - Portemoutll Weekly.