The work consists of 100 Cards on which are printed facts con cerning the life and writings of over 100 English and American authors; and at the bottom of each card is printed a choice selection from the author named. Besides the 100 "Gems," there are over 600 Questions on History and Biography answered on these cards. In selecting the Gems, it has been the aim of the author to select one that would teach some moral duty-therefore they will be useful to select Memory Gems from in school.

I give the matter upon two of the cards, but not in their original size or shape:

Whatever will induce the young people to become familiar with the literature of our own, and our mother country and with the author's names, ought to be commended. I have examined the "Gems of Thought," and believe they can be made very interesting and useful among young people for that purpose, and therefore most heartily endorse them. CHAS. D. SPENCER, County Examiner, Xenia, Ohio.

Complete set of these cards mailed for 50 cents. Three sets, $1.00.

HART'S HANDY HOW.

A Collection of Short Arithmetical Business Rules. This little volume contains rules for the most simple methods of performing all arithmetical opperations needful to the ordinary business man. It contains rules for Simple Interest, Lumber Measure, Cordwood Measure, Land Measure, Capacity of Barns and Granaries, Number of Shingles or Boards for Roofing, Gain and Loss, Capacity of Cylindrical Vessels, Value of Gold in Currency, Simple Partnership and Compound Proportion. While not prepared especially for teachers it contains much of benefit to them, and every man and boy should possess a copy. Price, 10c. A. FLANAGAN,

163 Randolph St., CHICAGO.

The lecture of Pres. Parks before the Page County teachers on March 5th was well received and greatly enjoyed. Pres. Parks spent several days in Page and Fremont counties, and Simpson College may well be proud of the representation given it by its worthy president.

Prof. E. R. Eldridge, of the Eastern-Iowa Normal school, Columbus Junction, is very busy superintending the erection of a new boarding hall for the school. Prof. Eldridge is one of the staunch school men of the state, and is building up an excellent Normal school.

Sioux County has 126 teachers, an increase of more than thirty. in two years. Twenty-eight of these are males and ninety-eight belong to the "gentler sex." The Sioux County Journal says: "Of the twenty-eight gentlemen, thirteen are married, one is a widower, three are confirmed old bachelors, and eleven are goodlooking (?) energetic young men of more tender years. Our school ma'ams are all good looking. Of the ninety-eight ladies, two are: married and two are widows. There are no old maids of course. School ma'ams never grow older than 24."

The statistics going the rounds, representing the numbers in Iowa colleges for 1885, do Western College great injustice. If they are taken from the catalogue at all, it is from an old one of four years ago. For 1885 it should be 233 instead 133. No college in Iowa, for the past few years shows a greater per cent. of increase in attendance than Western College. It has doubled its number since coming to Toledo. This year's register will show a large increase over 1885.-Tama County Democrat.

Supt. Kinney, of Harrison county, has secured the following institute instructors: C. C. Matter, C. S. Page, W. O. Riddell, and A. H. Sniff. The institute opens July 12th.

The Plymouth County Institute, beginning August 16th, will have the following corps of instructors: Minnie T. Hatch, of Des Moines; M. F. Arey, Fort Dodge; F. B. Couper, Le Mars; and Miss Sarah Loring, Le Mars.

C. D. Moyer has resigned his place as superintendent of West Waterloo schools. He is a successful school man, but for some time he has contemplated the study of law, and he has decided to enter the legal profession. What is loss to the teaching profession is gain to that of law. The NORMAL MONTHLY wishes Prof. Moyer abundant success.

Supt. R. C. Barrett, of Mitchell County, in a letter addressed to the directors and teachers of the county, says: "It is not necessary for me to dwell on the fact that lack of system, gradation, method, and a constant change of teachers, cause much loss of time, money and effort in our rural schools. This is admitted by all. For the purpose of curing many of these defects, every school will be supplied with Welch's Classification Register, a work that is now in use in many of the counties of the State. It is so arranged that a permanent record may be kept of every pupil, in every branch and class. This indicates to the new teacher, beginning school, its exact condition at a glance. A complete course of study is an important feature of the Classification Register. Reporting sheets, which are supplementary to and correspond with the register, are sent each month to the county superintendent, showing him the standing of each pupil in the county, and the studies which each pupil is pursuing. This will enable the superintendent to judge of the work his teachers are doing, better than he could from a hasty visit. Besides, it gives the pupil the incentive of a graded school, to finish a certain amount each term, and finally to graduate from the district schools. To grade and classify the schools of our county, means earnest, patient toil, and as you have undoubtedly long realized the importance of some systematic plan of work, you are now ready to lend your helping hand."

Superintendent Mitchell has made all arrangements for the Institute of Freemont County. There will be two sessions of the institute, one in Sidney, conducted by Prof. Dye, Prof. J. B. Cash, and lectures for one week by Prof. McClelland on "Mental Philosophy." The session at Sidney will begin July 19, and run two weeks. The other session will be held at Hamburg, beginning August 9, and run two weeks. This session will be conducted by Prof. H. W. Sawyer, of Hamburg city schools and Prof. H. B. Larrabee, of Creston; also Prof. McClelland will lecture for a week or more on "Mental Philosophy."

Ex-Superintendent J. A. Lapham is now attending a theological seminary at Morgan Park, Ill., preparing to enter the ministery.

Several teachers of southwestern Iowa attended the Nebraska State Teachers' Association at Lincoln during the spring vacation.

A teachers' reading circle has been organized among the teachers of What Cheer. The circle is running perfectly, with fifteen members.

The next State Teachers' Association will be held at Des Moines, Dec. 28th to 31st. The president's address will be given Tuesday evening, Dec. 28th. Section meetings will be held Thursday A. M., Dec. 30th. The last meeting will be Friday A. M., Dec. 31st. Prof. A. R. Taylor, formerly principal of the Nashua schools, has gone to Duluth, Minn., where he opens a private school.

INTER-COUNTY CONVENTIONS.

WEBSTER AND HAMILTON.

From the Freeman, Webster City :-The Inter County Association met at Wilson's Opera House, at 9 a. m., Saturday April 17th. An organization was effected, with G. F. Richardson as chairman, Miss Olive Conlee as secretary of the Webster county division, and Miss A. L. Deering as secretary of the Hamilton county division. After the invoatcion by Rev. L. N. Call, and music by the orchestra, the visiting teachers were welcomed by Mayor Wickware. He spoke of the former union and separation, and expressed pleasure at the fraternal feeling between the two counties. He ended by giving one and all a cordial welcome.

The response by City Supt. M. F. Arey was in his usual happy style. Thanking the entertainers for the welcome given, he alluded to the teacher's work and what is expected of him, closing with the hope that not only might the visiting teachers gain much good, but would leave good thoughts behind them.

"School management," by Prof. W. H. Dixson, was the first paper read. The teacher, as the executive officer of the school board, was the standpoint from which he viewed the work. His paper brought out forcibly the necessity for good ventilation, order on grounds and in halls, and adherance to program. In the matter of disorder he would try to prevent, but if that be impossible, punish the pupil in such a way as not to compromise his self-respect.

The discussion was opened by Supt. G. F. Richardson. His main point was that the teachers work would be much lightened if he would make the acquaintance of parents.

Prof. M. F. Arey agreed with the last speaker, and spoke of some reasons why teachers fail to do good work, Not knowing a good next, not requiring strict compliance with regulations, were cited as fruitful causes of disorder.

Mr. Dixson called on Mr. Barge, who made a spirited speech on punish. ment.

There being no further discussion, Miss Nettie Rose, of Fort Dodge, recited the "Painter of Seville."

"Reforms in Educational Work" was well handled by Miss L. Crossley. She spoke of the work of Comenus and Pestalozzi; then of Froebel and his Kindergarten. The two reforms most needed at present, are the intro

duction of the Metric system and reform in spelling. These changes must be gradual, but there is a growing demand for them.

Miss Geary's paper, "Common Sense in the School Room," showed that the writer has a good supply of the article. "Common sense is shown first by beginning at the right place." Under this head were discussed the old and new methods of teaching reading and grammar. It is shown by not adhering to the antiquated methods; also by not adopting everything new. Each teacher must use such methods as will preserve his own individuality. The common sense teacher must not ride hobbies; must not talk too loud or too much; must be strictly honest. The lesson must be adapted in length and matter to the pupil's capacity. The paper was replete with good thoughts and suggestions.

The calisthenics by pupils from Nos. 4 and 5, of the city schools, were much enjoyed by all. The only criticism is that no boys took part.

Miss Clara Fisher recited "The Teacher's Dream."

The meeting then adjourned for enrollment, a walk to the park, and dinner.

AFTERNOON SESSION.

The meeting was called to order at 2:30.

Mr. E. N. Clark not having returned, Miss L. Fisher read "The SchoolMaster's Visitors."

Of Prof. Clark's paper, "The Teacher and His Work," only a brief synopsis can be given. "Thinking is the result for which we should aim." This must be attained by proper material with which to work; by arousing all the pupil's interest; by systematic use of knowledge.

"Beautiful Things in the School Room," received due praise from Miss Montzheimer. Beautiful thoughts should be given to the children. Bible poetry, thoughts from Carlyle, Longfellow, Whittier, can be used, and will always leave impressions even on young pupils. Flowers, pictures, good portraits, all have their place in school work, although care should be taken to have all ornaments well chosen.

In "Primary Reading" Miss B. Fisher discussed the old and new methods of teaching. Under the latter, the phonic, the word, and the object methods each received prompt attention. Penmanship, reading and spelling should all be taught in the last way.

After music by quartette, Miss Belle Woodward recited "Jairus' Daughter."

"The Practical Teacher" by Miss A. D. Deering, was enlarged upon in a way which showed conclusively that the subject was fitly chosen. Her ideas were thoroughly practical, and, at the same time, not devoid of the beautiful.

This was followed by the Wand Exercise by the pupils of the High School.

Miss Brown, of Fort Dodge, read the critic's report. She spoke pleasantly of the entertainment received, and the good derived from the day's work.

Supt. Arey moved that at least one similar meeting be held every year, arrangements as to time, place and program, to be left to a committee of