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8 to be acquired later in the course, and will give the child a general understanding of the world about her. Familiar talks about plants, animals, and the outdoor world, and such laboratory work as lies within the comprehension of the youngest, are the methods mainly used.



The most characteristic feature of the classrooms in the Junior Department is the eager interest shown by each of the little pupils—an interest evidently inspired by the feeling that the pupil has a part to play in every happening of the school-room. One may see that each child accompanies mentally the recitation or work of every other in a spirit of sympathy and emulation. The sessions are, in a word, alive; and while there is no appearance of that driving pressure which results in a nervous strain on the part of both pupil and teacher, there is a continual progress and a steady achievement,

The little ones evidently enjoy their lessons; but it must be confessed that in order to appreciate to the full how welcome these school exercises are to the eager little minds and bodies, a visit to the gymnasium is necessary. Here, to the accompaniment of inspiring music, classes carry on gymnastic training in concert with a lively good humor that ts infectious, and give ocular proof that there is plenty of strength and vigor at command for the performance of their set tasks. Correct standing and breathing and an easy, erect carriage show there is no overdraft upon nervous force in the school work.

A most excellent preparation for any education, the Junior Department has been, as before noted, especially planned to lead to the wider and fuller training which, carried on by the Senior Department, presents in a graduate “ Merrill-van Laer girl” a type which is the best proof of the efficiency of the School.

The Junior Department is a proof that the youngest pupils most readily respond to newer methods of education, that a thorough revision and remaking of the system for teaching the young has resulted in unprecedented advance. Perhaps for this reason the principals and the head mistress of the Junior Department find in this branch of the School the most impressive exhibit to prove superiority of modem methods in education.

Parents are cordially invited to call, and become acquainted with the School's work; for the best proof of its value is obtained by witnessing its daily operation.