SUGGESTIONS TO TEACHERS.

HIS work is designed to be recited in the topical method. On hear

THE

ing the title of a paragraph, the pupil should be able to draw upon the blackboard the diagram, and to state the substance of what is contained in the book. It will be noticed that the order of topics, in treating of the planets and also of the constellations, is uniform. If, each day, a portion of the class write their topics in full upon the blackboard, it will be found a valuable exercise in spelling, punctuation, and composition. Every point which can be illustrated in the heavens should be shown to the class. No description or apparatus can equal the reality in the sky. After a constellation has been traced, the pupil should be practised in star-map drawing.

The article on "Celestial Measurements," near the close of the work, should be constantly referred to during the term. In the figures, and especially in the star-maps, it should be remembered that the right-hand side represents the west; and the left-hand, the east. To obtain this idea correctly, the book should, in general, be held up toward the southern sky.

For the purpose of more easily finding the heavenly bodies at any time, Whitall's Movable Planisphere is of great service. It may be procured of the publishers of this work. A tellurian is invaluable in explaining Precession of the Equinoxes, Eclipses, Phases of the Moon, etc. Messrs. A. S. Barnes & Co., New York City, furnish a good instrument at a low price. A small telescope, or even an opera-glass, will be useful. A good star-map, and as many advanced works upon Astronomy as can be secured, should be included in the teacher's outfit.

The pupil should, at the outset, get a distinct idea of the circles and planes of the celestial sphere. The subject of angular measurements can easily be made clear in this relation. A circle contains 360°; 90° reach from horizon to zenith; 180° produce opposition ; while smaller distances can be shown in the sky (see pp. 216, 228).

Never let a pupil recite a lesson, nor answer a question, except it be a mere definition, in the language of the book. The text is designed to interest and instruct the pupil; the recitation should afford him an opportunity of expressing what he has learned, in his own style and words.

Teachers desiring additional information are advised to read “Newcomb's Astronomy," Young's "The Sun," Proctor's Works," Chambers's Astronomy," and Ball's "Elements of Astronomy."