EXTRACTS FROM SCHOOL REPORTS.

APPARATUS.

BRISTOL.-Increase.-During the year the apparatus has been increased by the addition of over $100 worth of material, physical, chemical and geological. As a consequence, the interest taken in these branches has increased -J. P. REYNOLDS, Superintendent.

COVENTRY.-Lack of Tools. Some districts are absolutely destitute of books; others may possess one or two torn specimens; very few districts have books, maps and globes necessary for teachers' and scholars' use. We cannot maintain first class schools unless these things are attended to more closely. There should be more public spirit in the district, then all minor matters would be attended to without delay. The mechanic, in order to accomplish his task, must have tools to work with; so in the school room, the teacher without the necessary implements must work at a disadvantage. It is the earnest coöperation of the parent, pupil and teacher, that makes the school a success. It has been said "knowledge is power"; if so, where does this power come from if not from the school

room?

We have known teachers of very able ability to meet with a moderate amount of success, solely because there was a lack of proper facilities to work with.— Committee.

CUMBERLAND.—Awakened Interest in Music.-Only half as much money was expended for apparatus as last year. From town and State one hundred and ninety-one dollars were received. With it were purchased maps, globes, charts, books of reference, kindergarten material for the primary schools, and numerous volumes of supplementary reading. In one or two instances music charts and singing books were likewise procured. Some of the teachers, with the aid of these charts, have devoted a short time each week, without interfering with the regular studies, in teaching their pupils the elementary principles of music. As a result the interest of the children in this direction has been strongly awakened, a marked improvement has taken place in the singing, and if nothing else comes from it, it is surely something gained, if a love of music has been aroused within them, and their taste for it quickened by the knowledge of the simple, fundamental elements of musical notation and harmony thus acquired in the school

room.