The discussion that followed brought out several points. Ancient History has been the object of attack by several critics of the high schools, and if it is to retain its place it must justify itself. It is the weak point in our secondary history work, chiefly for two reasons: 1. It is the most remote of the four “fields,” and yet is put before beginners, whose mental power is undeveloped. 2. It is usually placed in charge of less experienced teachers than are the other courses. The method set forth in the essay is well calculated to overcome the first of these conditions. Children enjoy discussing historical “problems” of a simple sort: e. g., the conduct of the Romans after Caudine Forks; the wisdom of Cæsar’s clemency. Anything that will make the men of the past real is useful; value of letters (Pliny’s, etc.). After the discussion was closed, the election of officers resulted in the choice of Professor E. D. Adams, Stanford University, president; Prof. J. N. Bowman, University of California, secretary-treasurer. H. W. E. * * * * * Something Besides Pedagogy for Teachers’ Reading Circles They will find cultural and inspirational value in the Chautauqua Home Reading Course. Opposed to the unscholarly and over “popular” on the one hand, and to the deadly professional grind and regrind on the other, it is calculated to lead those who follow it “out into a large place.” An orderly, well-balanced, and properly-varied scheme of work for circles or individuals. Four years, covering Classical, British, American, and modern European (continental) subjects, respectively; but each year separate and independent of the others. Authoritative. Based on the experience of thirty years. Approved by the testimony of scores of thousands who have “graduated.” Four books and twelve monthly numbers of THE CHAUTAUQUA MAGAZINE, $5. Address Chautauqua Institution, Chautauqua, New York. GET THE CHAUTAUQUA IDEA * * * * * A Great Opportunity FOR HISTORY TEACHER’S MAGAZINE READERS A Few Rubbed Sets at 40% Discount [Illustration] THE NEW IMPERIAL ENCYCLOPEDIA 40 Vols. 28,000 Pages 7,000 Illus. _=MADE FOR USE!=_ The distinguishing feature of the Imperial Encyclopedia is its usefulness. It is the result of the closest study of the entire encyclopedia field to ascertain what should constitute a work that would be at once the most =useful= and =useable=, as well as the most =complete= and =authoritative= reference library possible to make in a single publication. Covering as it does =completely= the large field occupied by all other Encyclopedias, it introduces many new features not found in =any= other. It is the only encyclopedia issued in convenient-sized volumes. Ninety per cent. of the encyclopedias in the homes to-day are rarely used; the great weight and cumbersome size of the volumes are responsible for their lack of use.