1862-1863 School Committee Report

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10 those pupils who cannot extend their schooling beyond these a complete training in the most essential elements of a practi- cal education. What we have seen during the year in our own schools, and heard from other quarters, has confirmed the opinion formerly expressed of the real value of the new system of gymnastic exercises. We do not expect them to work a great revolu- tion in our hygienic condition ; but that they are promotive of health, cheerfulness, and good order, we hold to be as certain as that they are agreeable to those who join in them, and pleasing to those who see them. The Annual Report of the State Board of Education shows that the people of the State have not been induced by the troubles of war to relax in their efforts or contributions in the cause of popular education. The number of schools has in- creased ; and the amount of money raised and expended has been not only absolutely larger, but larger in proportion to the number of pupils, than before. It is an honorable testimony to the wisdom of the people, that they are not induced by an inconsiderate parsimony to subtract from that expense, on which, more than any thing else, the prosperity and high repu- tation of the State have been built up. There is no reason that this town should be an exception. Economy is indeed a virtue at all times, and especially necessary now ; but it would not be economy, even in the narrowest financial view, to dimin- ish the worth of our schools, and so neglect one of the few means within our reach of making the town attractive to those seeking a home. There can be no more genuine economy than to use all reasonable means, by money and otherwise, to keep our schools on at least as good a footing as heretofore. It may well be doubted, whether any better investment can be made, than in advancing them, as far as practicable, to a still higher standard. L. J. LIVERMORE, CALEB STETSON, Committee. JONAS GA11MELL, 11 REPORT OF BOOK—AGENCY. all Book -Agency to Town of Lexington, Dr. To Cash, balance on hand April 1, 1862 . „ Amount of Books . $4.72 30 61 „ Cash from Town Treasury, for books furnished indigent children and teachers' desks for the past three years (see School Report for 1861-2) „ Cash received from indigent children for 1861-2 Cr. By Books furnished indigent children, 1862-3 . teachers' desks ,, ,, ,, 19 „ Cash 7) on hand 39.67 093 . $8.25 3 25 43 80 20 63 $75.93 $75.93 The Agent has been paid by charging from six to ten per cent on the cost of the books. •r H. IloLMrs, Agent.