“It is the purpose of the following remarks to give a specimen of the manner of conducting exercises with reference to _waking up the mind_ in the school and also in the district. Let us suppose that the teacher has promised that on the next day, at ten minutes past ten o’clock, he shall request the whole school to give their attention five minutes to something that he may have to show them. This very announcement will excite an interest both in school and at home (playing upon the curiosity); and when the children come in the morning they will be more wakeful than usual till the fixed time arrives. At the precise time, the teacher gives the signal agreed upon, and all the pupils drop their studies and sit erect. When there is perfect silence and strict attention by all, he takes from his pocket an ear of corn and in silence holds it up before the school. The children smile, for it is a familiar object (foundational knowledge already in hand); and they probably did not suspect they were to be fed with corn.” Teacher. “Now, children,” addressing himself to the youngest, “I am going to ask you only one question about this ear of corn. If you can answer it, I shall be very glad. As soon as I ask the question, those who are under seven years old, and think they can give an answer, may raise their hand. _What is this ear of corn for?_” Several of the children raise their hands, and the teacher points to one after another in order, and they rise and give their answers. Mary. It is to feed the geese with. John. Yes, and the hens, too, and the pigs. Sarah. My father gives corn to the cows. Laura. It is good to eat. They shell it from the cobs and send it to the mill, and it is ground into meal. They make bread of the meal and we eat it. “I am sorry to tell you that none of you have mentioned the use I was thinking of, though, I confess, I expected it every minute. I shall now put the ear of corn in my desk, and no one of you must speak to me about it till to-morrow. You may now take your studies.” The consequence of this would be that various families, father, mother and older brothers and sisters, would resolve themselves into a committee of the whole on the ear of corn: and by the next morning several children would have something further to communicate on the subject. The hour would this day be awaited with great interest and the first signal would produce perfect silence. The teacher now takes the ear of corn from the desk and displays it before the school; and quite a number of hands are instantly raised as if eager to be the first to tell what other use they have discovered for it.