their methods and knowledge, and at all times be ready to answer the questions which in their study and investigation, they find occasion to refer to accomplished and accurate scholarship. In addition to his knowledge of Algebra and Geometry and the other higher English branches, the head-master of this school, to perform thoroughly the duties of his office, must have acquired sufficient knowledge to fill the chair of almost any of the Professorships in one of our colleges. He cannot, he ought not, to confine himself or his studies to a single department. He must teach to a greater or less degree many, and have an accurate knowledge of them all. It must also be apparent to those conversant with the great advance made in study during the present century, and with the voluminous works and repeated editions resulting from this activity, that the attainments necessary for the successful discharge of the duties of head-master of such a High School, as we should have under the care of Mr. Hunt, are such as are possessed by very few: such a work is enough for one poor mortal; more may end in failure. Such a school should satisfy him, and we should proceed at once to organize a Normal School, in which those who are to be the teachers of our children, shall be prepared by proper training to enter upon this sacred work with a just appreciation of its importance, and be ready to proceed with clearness and precision, because able to analyze the thoughts of children, to understand the early developed elements of their mental constitution, to meet these developments, and supply their wants. Thus only can our work be well done. Thus only shall we prepare our teachers to have a good degree of success in their calling. And more than this,- believing that God has made it possible for them to understand the true modes of training the young for their duties and their destiny, and that for every want of the soul God has ordained a supply just suited to that want,- thus only shall we prepare them to see the path of duty plain, and minister to the happiness of the young, and help them enjoy the sunshine of life, while they train them for "the emergencies and engagements " of active responsible duty. Thus only shall we regard as we ought the interests of education in this city, the home of our affections and the place of our activity. OTHER HIGH SCHOOLS. The schools known as the Roxbury and Dorchester High Schools, are under the care of men of reputation and culture, whose success as educators is well known. The Committee and the community recognize their excellence and value. The Committee can, however, only thus notice them as forming an important part of our school system, and as receiving the attention and support their importance demands. Males and females attend these schools. No. of High Schools Latin School for boys. English High School for boys. High and Normal, for girls. Highland High School for boys and girls. REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE. Number of school-houses for High Schools School Rooms, 28; halls, 4; seats, 1,220. Number of teachers in High Schools Male teachers, 30; female teachers, 25. Increase for the year GRAMMAR SCHOOLS. 39 4 55 11 The writer of this sketch has been connected with the schools of Boston since 1839, and has witnessed the improvements which have been introduced into them from that time to the present. The most important change was the abandonment of the "doubleheaded system," and placing each school under the care of one master, with such assistants as might be required. This change has secured a better classification and better discipline. Another change, which may not be an improvement, was the adoption of the system of large schools, each numbering from 700 to 1,000 pupils. We commend to the consideration of the City Council and the School Committee, the judicious remarks on this subject, to be found in the reports of the Superintendent of Schools. It is perhaps not the most economical nor the wisest arrangement. The masters of the largest of our schools can do little else than act as supervisors of their subordinate teachers. Another improvement introduced is, in so arranging the rooms in the construction of the Grammar school-houses, that each class is by itself. The master is assisted in the instruction and management of his class by a lady of culture and refinement, none other should be employed,-who brings an influence which the boys especially need. Still we have sometimes thought that the instruction thus imparted is not quite as comprehensive and thorough as when given by an earnest and faithful man. There may be a tendency on the part of some of the masters to rely too much upon what this head-assistant may do. If such be the fact, we would not change the arrangement at present, nor would we ever take from these older boys the influence of woman, nor from the older girls the influence of man. We trust, however, the time is not distant when much of the work which now devolves upon the masters shall be accomplished by additional superintendents, which will enable them to render more direct personal instruction. Vocal culture, physical training, and vocal gymnastics have also been adopted as a part of the school training for all the classes of our Grammar Schools. The most recent improvement is the introduction of the programme of study prepared by the Superintendent, under the direction of this Board. Its practical working and its good results are not to be questioned. These and other changes and improvements in the organization and conduct of the Grammar Schools were fully examined and carefully considered before their adoption; therefore progress has been certain. Every proposition for improvement has been adopted by a large majority of the Board, when recommended by the special committee whose duty it was to examine and weigh its merits. In the management of this great interest of public schools, the Committee have sought the best way; improvement has been their constant aim. Number of Grammar Schools 36 For boys 10; for girls, 10; for boys and girls, 16. Increase for the year 8 Number of school-houses for Grammar Schools . 36 School-rooms, 414; halls, 30; seats, 22,854. See the Superintendent's last Report for summary of statistics. PRIMARY SCHOOLS. A brief notice only can be given of these, as of the other schools. A citizen of Boston, a gentleman of intelligence and sincerity, for many years a member of the Primary School Board when it existed as a distinct body, visited in 1856, in company with friends from Scotland, several of our Primary Schools. In 1868, he again visited several of the same schools, with the same friends, and they all remarked with surprise the change and improvement apparent in the classification, instruction, and discipline of the pupils, and in the bearing and influence of the teachers. These schools have received direct and uniform supervision from the Superintendent. He has seen them under favorable and unfavorable circumstances, |