to resort to some other means of earning money. By a bill introduced in the chambers, which doubtless will become a law, the lowest salary will be 250 Prussian thalers, and the highest 400.

NUMBER OF CLASSES IN SCHOOLS.

In the whole duchy there is not a single school with only one class; all the schools having at least two classes.

SAXE-COBURG-GOTHA.

(Constitutional Monarchy-Duchy. Area, 509 square miles. Population, 174,339.)

Highest educational authority for Gotha, PRESIDENT OF THE MINISTRY VON SEEBACH. Highest educational authority for Coburg, MINISTERIAL COUNSELOR H. ROSE.

CHANGE IN THE SCHOOL-LAW.

The Gotha school-law, dated July 1, 1863, is to undergo a change. The change will refer chiefly to disciplinary measures, the preparation of teachers, the regulation concerning private schools, the maximum and minimum of children in one class, and a stricter separation of ecclesiastical and school affairs. The teachers' seminary will have a preparatory class added to it.

GYMNASTICS.

Since 1863 gymnastics forms an obligatory branch of instruction in all the schools of the duchy. During the months of July and August, a professor of gymnastics was commissioned by the government to make a tour of inspection through the whole country, and prepare a report on the state of instruction in gymnastics.

SAXE-MEININGEN.

(Constitutional Monarchy-Duchy. Area, 933 square miles. Population, 187,884.)

Minister of justice, ecclesiastical affairs, and public instruction, PRIVY COUNSELOR F. VON

ÚTTENHOVEN.

STATISTICS.

The teachers' seminary at Hildburghausen had 1/ director, 6 teachers, assistant teachers, and 74 students. Connected with the seminary there is a very excellent normal school and an institution for the deaf and dumb.

The gymnasium at Meiningen had 205 students, the gymnasium at Hildburghausen 116, and the real-school at Meiningen 146. Evening and Sunday schools, in which education is compulsory, have been established by 20 (chiefly rural) communities. The town of Sonneberg (population, 4,000) has established an industrial school with a oneyear's course, embracing German, French, English, history, geography, mathematics, natural sciences, drawing, modeling, vocal music, and gymnastics.

SAXE-WEIMAR.

(Constitutional Monarchy-Grand-Duchy. Area, 1,421 square miles. Population, 286,183.)

Highest educational authority, PRIVY COUNSELOR Dr. G. T. STICHLING.

TEACHERS' SOCIETIES.

There are quite a number of teachers' societies, prominent among which are the Pedagogical Seminary, under the leadership of Dr. Stoy, at Jena, and the Pedagogical Society, at the same place, numbering among its members nearly all the teachers of the higher elementary schools, and the Pedagogical Society at Eisenach. The latter usually holds twelve sessions every winter.

PRIVATE SCHOOLS.

Among the private schools of the grand-duchy and of Germany, the boys' boardingschool of Dr. Käferstein, at Jena, occupies a high rank. It has 3 gymnasium-classes, 4 real-classes, and 2 elementary classes, and is therefore a combination of gymnasium, real-school, and elementary school. Instruction in Latin commences in the third year, French in the fifth year, Greek and English in the sixth year.

The salaries of teachers were, in a great many cases, entirely too small. The gov ernment has taken the matter in hand, and intends, in consideration of the very favorable financial condition of the country, to raise the salaries considerably.

SAXONY.

(Constitutional Monarchy-Kingdom. Area, 6,777 square miles. Population, 2,556,244.)

Highest educational authority, THE MINISTER OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION, Dr. C. F. W. GERBER.

SCHOOL FINANCES.

The appropriation for educational purposes for 1872 amounted to 774,000 thalers, (one thaler=72 cents, gold,) being 169,599 more than the preceding year. The increase is to serve in raising the teachers' salaries. The items of the appropriation are distributed in the following manner: University at Leipzig, 164,857; for the gymnasia, 112,308; for industrial schools, 22,000; for the schools for toy manufacture, weaving-schools, sewing-schools, schools of embroidering, straw-plaiting schools, spinning-schools, navigation-schools, (for river navigation,) drawing and Sunday schools, 2,250; special higher schools for the above-mentioned branches of industry, 16,250; business-colleges, 1,000; teachers' seminaries, 105,338; institutions for the deaf and dumb, 30,751; elementary schools, 160,825; for a new polytechnic school at Dresden, 400,000, &c.

THE NEW SCHOOL-LAW DISCUSSED BY THE LUTHERAN SYNOD.

The government had already in 1870 prepared the draught of a new school-law, which, however, was not discussed by the chambers till this present (1872) session. Its fate so far is not known. As the new law proposed to define more clearly the relation of the school to the church and the state, the ministry of public instruction deemed it advisable first to hear the opinion of the Saxon Lutheran synod, which met in Dresden in May, 1871. The most important subject of discussion was the following paragraph of the new law: "All the functions of the Evangelical-Lutheran church authorities which hitherto have been exercised by the ministry of ecclesiastical and school affairs pass over into the hands of a new ecclesiastical board, (Oberconsistorium.) The highest authority in educational matters remains with the ministry of public instruction, with the exception of religious instruction, which is under the superintendence of the Oberconsistorium, the new ecclesiastical board." The majority of the synod supported the government, but a strong minority openly expressed themselves against the new law. After long and violent discussion, it was resolved to lay the new school-law in full before the synod before it was laid before the chambers.

REAL-SCHOOLS.

By a ministerial decree of December 2, 1870, the course of instruction in the realschools of the higher grade was raised from six to seven years. All the scholars in these real-schools are obliged to study Latin, so as to be able to read Livy, Sallust, and Cicero, in the first (highest) class. In the real-schools of the lower grade, two foreign languages must be studied. The number of real-schools is constantly increasing, and all of them are filled to their utmost capacity.

TEACHERS' SEMINARIES.

The Saxon teachers' seminaries enjoy a well-merited reputation. Their course of instruction embraces the following subjects: Religion, (dogmatically,) exegesis of the most important books of the Old and New Testaments, church history; German grammar and literature, (also ancient German and Gothic;) arithmetic, geometry, geography, history, natural history, natural philosophy, pedagogics, history of education, catechetics, psychology, penmanship, drawing, gymnastics, piano, organ, and violin, vocal music, and thorough-base. Connected with every seminary there is a practiceschool. In some seminaries one or two foreign languages are taught.

WANT OF TEACHERS.

The number of teachers' places in the kingdom of Saxony is 4,549, while the number of teachers is only 4,411; so that, in spite of the numerous and well-attended seminaries, there are 138 teachers wanting. In view of this want, the government contemplates the establishment of another new seminary in the district of Zwickau, (one was established a few years ago at Zschoppau.)

SCHOOL-HYGIENE.

At the sixth annual meeting of the Saxon Medical Society, held at Dresden in November, 1871, a resolution was moved to petition the government to place all the schools under medical supervision; but as Dr. Hübel declared, in the name of the ministry, that by the new school-law all school-houses would be placed under medical supervision, and that the district-physicians were to become members of the regular conferences of district-school inspectors, the motion was taken back. It was resolved to petition the ministry to introduce instruction in hygiene, at least in all the higher schools: and this petition will in all probability be granted.

All teachers have to keep a regular account of the vaccination of their scholars. According to the accounts sent to the ministry, 46,884 children out of 51,980 who entered school during the year had been vaccinated. Of those that had not been vaccinated 36.6 per cent. were attacked by the small-pox, while of those that had been vaccinated only 1.2 per cent. had the disease.

EVENING AND SUNDAY SCHOOLS.

There is in Saxony a very large number of such schools, to suit all demands. In the Dresden district there were 23 Sunday-schools, with 1,953 scholars; in the Zittau district there were 12 Sunday-schools, with 910 weaving-machines; in the Plauen district there were 20 Sunday schools, with 2,110 scholars; in the Chemnitz district 54, with 6,897 scholars. In many of these schools French, English, book-keeping, arithmetic, penmanship, drawing, and natural sciences are taught, and all of them are well attended by apprentices, clerks, &c. Recently, also, an agricultural Sunday and evening school has been started near Bautzen, attended by teachers and young persons between the ages of 15 and 32, to the number of 72.

PRIVATE SCHOOLS.

Saxony possesses a great number of very excellent private schools of all grades, especially in the cities of Dresden and Leipzig. A peculiar school is the private school for girls, founded by Miss Grossmann in Dresden. All the studies in this school are taught by three teachers, a German, a Frenchman, and an Englishman. Every subject is first taught in German, then the same subject in French, and lastly in English.

GYMNASTICS.

At Dresden there is a famous normal school of gymnastics. The number of scholars was 1,769, among whom there were 458 who prepared themselves for the profession of teacher of gymnastics. Some of the pupils came from Hanover, Hesse, Brunswick, Lippe-Detmold, Finland, and Hungary.

TEACHERS' SOCIETIES.

Since April, 1870, there has existed in Dresden a society of drawing-teachers, which has already held ten meetings, and discussed the whole subject in its various aspects. A peculiar institution is the Teachers' Fire Insurance Society, numbering 2,237 members. The capital of this society amounts to 2,109,610 thalers, and during the last year 5,704 thalers were paid. There are numerous other teachers' societies, for scientific purposes and for mutual relief.

EDUCATION OF IDIOTS.

The institution for idiots at Hubertsburg, which has been in existence for 25 years, has been very successful. During this period 221 persons were admitted, (168 boys and 53 girls,) of whom the greater majority have become useful citizens. The institution was opened with 10 boys, and numbers now 46 inmates, (33 boys and 13 girls,) between the ages of 6 and 17. The number of idiots, however, is greater than the institution can accommodate; for while in Saxony there is only one blind person to every 1,385 of the population, one deaf-mute to every 1,636, there is one idiot to every 497. The largest percentage of idiots (0.5 per cent.) is in the cities of Dresden, Leipzig, Chemnitz, and in the valleys of the Erzgebirge.

VITAL STATISTICS.

According to careful statistics, the total age of 100 teachers and 100 clergymen who died during the years 1861-'63 was 6,392 for the clergymen and 5,391 for the teachers, making the average age of a clergyman 63.92 years, and that of a teacher 53.91, (10.01

years less.) With regard to the ages at the time of death, they are grouped in the following manner:

(Constitutional Monarchy-Principality. Arca, 212 square miles. Population, 32,051.)

Highest educational authority, THE PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL OF MINISTERS, (vacant.)

[No report has been received this year.]

SCHWARZBURG-RUDOLSTADT.

(Constitutional Monarchy-Principality. Area, 340 square miles. Population, 75,523.)

Minister of finance, ecclesiastical affairs, and public instruction, PRIVY COUNSELOR BARON J. A. KETELHODT.

EDUCATION IN THE CHAMBERS.

During the last session of the chambers, held at Rudolstadt, the majority, with regard to the relation between church and school, expressed the opinion that the church had no authority whatever over the public schools.

TEACHERS' CONFERENCE.

The general teachers' conference of Schwarzburg-Rudolstadt held its twenty-first annual session at Schwarzburg in July, 1871. Two subjects were especially discussed-the study of the German classics and poets in the public schools and in the teachers' seminaries as the best means of awakening a noble patriotism, and to develop mind and character; and the subject of punishments. On the first subject several enthusiastic speeches were made, and all the members were in favor of introducing these studies:

SCHWARZBURG-SONDERSHAUSEN.

(Constitutional Monarchy-Principality. Area, 318 square miles. Population, 67,191.) Minister of justice, ccclesiastical affairs, and public instruction, PRIVY COUNSELOR G. BLEY.

TEACHERS' SALARIES.

In the last session of the Schwarzburg-Sondershausen chambers the government proposed an increase of teachers' salaries, which was passed, so that since January 1, 1872, the minimum salary of elementary teachers has been 275 thalers in the three principal cities, 250 in the smaller cities, and 200 in the rural districts. Every five years the salary is to be raised 25 thalers, till, after having taught 15 years, the salary is respectively 350, 325, 275 thalers, the maximum.

MEETING OF KINDERGARTEN-TEACHERS.

On the 28th September, 1871, a conference of kindergarten-teachers from all parts of Central Germany was held at Arnstadt. Rev. Steinacker spoke on Froebel's system as thePreliminaries of peace between the parental home, the school, the infant-school, and the kindergarten."

WALDECK.

(Constitutional Monarchy-Principality. Area, 466 square miles. Population, 56,218.)

President of the council of public instruction, CoUNCILOR G. GLEISNER.

TEACHERS' CONFERENCE.

The Teachers' Society of Waldeck held its annual meeting at Sachsenhausen during April, 1871. Twenty different subjects were discussed, and a progressive spirit manifested itself. All agreed that church and school must be separated; that the teacher should have the same privilege as all the other civil officers of the government; and that nothing should be more avoided by teachers than a mere mechanical method of instruction.

WÜRTEMBERG.

(Constitutional Monarchy-Kingdom. Area, 7,840 square miles. Population, 1,818,541.)

Minister of ecclesiastical affairs and public instruction, DR. VON GESSLER.

STATISTICS.

The number of elementary teachers is 3,671, viz, 2,474 Protestants and 1,197 Roman Catholics. The salaries vary between 700 and 180 florins. Most of the schools are very much crowded, and there is such a want of teachers that, although last year 113 teachers left the seminaries after having finished their studies, there were a great many vacancies.

TEACHERS' SOCIETIES.

The Würtemberg Teachers' Society held its annual meeting at Ludwigsburg in August, 1871. The chief subjects of discussion were: German education as it should be to correspond to the grandeur and glory of the new German empire, especially by making the teacher's position more honorable in society; the necessity of an increase of the salaries of teachers and the pensions to teachers' widows.

SUNDAY AND EVENING SCHOOLS.

Würtemberg was the first German state where such schools were established, and their number is now very large. Recently an ineffectual attempt was made to make attendance in the schools compulsory. As it is, attendance is entirely voluntary, a small school-fee is charged, and scholars who manifest a want of diligence or talent are discharged; but, nevertheless, these schools are all crowded to their utmost capacity.

SCHOOL-HYGIENE.

The ministry has published a decree, giving special sanitary regulations for schools. Each school must have a play-ground and gymnastic apparatus, and separate rooms for the two sexes; the length of the school-rooms must not exceed 12 meters, and the height must be at least 3.4 meters. Great care is recommended as to the paint used for walls and furniture, that it does not contain any poisonous matter. Earthenware stoves are recommended in preference to iron stoves. In every school there is to be a separate room for the teacher, and in larger schools a room for scientific collections. Every schoolroom must have a wash-bowl and towel and a cloak-room. Rooms, stair-cases, and entries must be swept daily, and scoured at least four times a year; there must be good light and ventilation; and the temperature of the school-room is never to be less than about 62 degrees. If in summer the thermometer shows 77 degrees in the shade during the forenoon, there is to be no school in the afternoon. The scholars should be afforded an opportunity of changing their position by letting them sit and stand alternately. The means of punishing is to be a thin switch, which must have the prescribed length of half a meter.

GERMAN EDUCATIONAL LITERATURE.

No material being at hand to give an accurate exhibit of the educational literature of Germany for the year 1871, an exhibit for the preceding year, 1870, is given. The number of educational works published during the year was 1,174. This number only includes text-books for schools and private study, books for children, and the history