graded which is so situated as to make the application of the plan practicable. But these material changes are not so important as those which relate to the discipline and instruction of the schools. It is not in my power to say precisely how much better the pupils pass the examination for admission to the Grammar Schools, though I understand that in some sections of the city, at least, there has been progress in this respect. But I consider the fitting of the pupils to pass that examination but a small part of the education they should get in the Primary Schools. Some particular schools, few in number, are perhaps no better than they were four years ago, and they are not susceptible of much improvement without a change of teachers. A few may have retrograded, where experienced teachers have left, and their places have been supplied by young and inexperienced teachers. But the average condition of these schools, taken as a whole, is much higher than it was four years ago. A very considerable number of them may be justly denominated excellent. Several are so superior in character as fairly to entitle them to be called model schools. These very best schools, our fair jewels, cannot be too highly appreciated. Their influence is felt more or less through all the rest. They show us the image and pattern of excellence to which all should aspire, and to which all faithful, devoted teachers do aspire. Not that one teacher should mechanically copy the methods and proceedings of another. all progressive, successful teachers strive to emulate the spirit of those who have achieved higher success. In a few of the best graded schools, I have at length But seen what can be done when each teacher in the series knows and faithfully performs her duty, where the first steps have been right, and each successive step has been a preparation for what was to follow it, where nothing was to be unlearned, and where the faculties were trained while knowledge was communicated, curiosity awakened, hope raised, courage strengthened, and the affections warmed and purified. Respectfully submitted by JOHN D. PHILBRICK, Superintendent of Public Schools. SEPTEMBER 10, 1861. REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MUSIC. IN compliance with the Rules and Regulations of this Board, the Committee on Music beg leave to offer their semi-annual Report. Under the enactments of the present Code, it is made the duty of this Committee to hold examinations of each Grammar School in music, at least once in six months. For the more convenient and systematic carrying out of this requirement, the Committee early resolved themselves into sub-committees of one, to each of whom was allotted a certain district of the city which was considered as coming under his more immediate supervision and care. The Girls' High and Normal School, however, remained in charge of the full Committee; and it was further made the duty of the Chairman, and the privilege and duty (if they so regarded it) of every member, to visit any or all the schools out of their respective districts, at the hour of the regular music lesson, as often as they might deem it expedient. These duties your Committee have attempted, as far as in their power, conscientiously to perform. During the months of June and July last the whole ground was thus gone over, so far as the Grammar Schools were concerned, in the necessary preparations |