The Ariadnes are getting rather speedy, also flighty.

Alas! Fred's attentions are attracted some where else.

Why are the Freds so interested in the Agendia?

Did any one see "Brudder Will" with those two large valises ?

Ask some of the Senior B girls if they know how to make a noise on tin pans.

Teacher-"What State was admitted in 1861?" Brilliant Native Son-"California."

Perhaps it would be well for some Method student to develop a lesson on the quince.

It seems a shame that one of Prof. S's pupils should be asked to "explain" her drawing.

What shall we do with the escorts, he asks? Why feed them, of course, if they are men.

The Junior A's think they know something about geometry. How about that perpendicular?

Don't feel discouraged girls if no other beau is available get a pink one. "It" is better than nothing.

One of the Normalites remarked that the first "Thing" she saw on coming to San Jose was a Be(a)11(e).

What could have made that large hole in the road to Prof. C's? Ask the editors of the Pacific Coast Teacher.

Who were they buying presents for on Christmas eve, he in his cape over-coat and she dressed in her best.

Why did "Brudder Will" look so solemn on Monday? Because, as we afterwards found out, he got lost in the city.

Why does it always rain hardest in the vicinity of the Normal? According to one theory, noise causes rain to fall.

Teacher:-Give the distinction between hung and hanged."

Pupil-"He hanged the man when he was strung up."

Why don't the young gentleman of the Senior B class pluck up enough courage to ask

the young lady whom he wishes to see en he calls at a certain house on Tenth et.

Pupil: "I sot the bowl on the table. This sentence is incorrect for the verb sot is not in the dictionary."

Brudder Will sprained his finger playing base-ball; so he said, but, "How about that gate, Will ?"

Who is the Junior young man who is unable to buy New Year's cards, and so substitutes dress-maker's advertisements?

Ask Miss L. Jones whom she bought at the "Leap Year Auction," and if "Weeds" are a profitable investment.

Prof. K-"You had triangles in Middle B, didn't you?" Class-"Yes." Prof. K"Guess you didn't have 'em bad then."

If thirty-two is the freezing point, what is the squeezing point? Two in the shade, of course. Ask a certain Normal boy to prove it.

He sang of his love to the window above,

In a "tenor" voice that was soft and mellow, But the beautiful maid of his serenade Had gone out with another fellow.

A recent African explorer was asked how he liked the savages. "Oh," said he, "they are very kind-hearted people; they wanted to keep me there for dinner."

How fickle he is; first on Ninth street, sitting on one young lady's stairs; next we see the gallant gentleman staring vacantly at a house on Tenth street.

Teacher "What is water of temporary hardness?" Brilliant Senior-"Ice." Teacher"How may it be softened?" Student-"By warming."

Miss S-assuming a very weird expression of countenance: "What kind of an expression have I now, Willie?" Willie:-"An ugly expression."

Miss A to her small Geography class: "If you were sailing on the ocean and the wind stopped blowing, what would you do, Charey?" Charley-"I would get out and push."

Can any one explain why the young men of the school take so much interest in Agendia? It is not generally so with a society but the "Junior" boys even attend their meetings.

One of the young gentlemen, who is preparing to enter the Stanford University, is studying Latin. He is also studying Geology and is interested in the subject of "Stone" at present.

The Pacific Coast Teacher

A Magazine devoted to the Educational Interests of the Pacific Coast.

OFFICIAL ORGAN of the ALUMNI ASSOCIATION of the SAN JOSE STATE NORMAL SCHOOL.

Edited and Published Monthly by

JOHN G. JURY AND FRANKLIN K. BARTHEL.

Subscription price $1 per Annum, Payable in advance

Advertising rates sent upon application.

Address all communications to

PUBLISHERS PACIFIC COAST TEACHER,
Box 81, SAN JOSE, CAL.

PRINTED BY SMITH & WILCOX, 173 WEST SANTA CLARA ST., SAN JOSE.

T

DEACHERS OFTEN COMPLAIN that their calling is not regarded as a profession and that they do not receive the consideration at the hands of the public to which, by virtue of their position, they are entitled. We do not desire to discuss whether teaching should or should not be considered a profession, but desire only to call attention to a few points bearing upon this question.

We believe that teachers themselves are responsible, if cause for such complaint exists. Think over the teachers you met at your last Institute and do you not remember several who were continually belittling their calling, who derided their co-workers, who were narrowminded, self-opinionated, and intolerant? Can you not recall teachers, who are unkind and ungenerous to their fellowteachers; who violated every rule that a professional code dictates? Is it any wonder that, as teachers manifest this spirit toward each other, they fail of rightful recognition?

Can we reasonably expect the public to maintain a kinder attitude toward us as teachers than we maintain toward each other, or accord us greater respect than as teachers we dole out to one another?

Can we ask the public to regard "teaching" as a profession, when we do not act as professionals?

If there is to be a change for the better in this regard, the change must begin with us as teachers. If we think we are entitled to greater respect and esteem, we must prove ourselves worthy of them. Let us remember that ours is the noblest of all callings; that education is a savior of humanity and that its apostles must be pure in heart, noble in spirit and constant in purpose.

IN ONE OF OUR EXCHANGES RECENTLY we came upon the record of an imaginary conversation, presumably an argument against those who are dissatisfied with the State series of school text books. Trusting that it would not be regarded as sacrilege, we have persuaded the aftermath left lingering in the archives of memory to allow itself to be conjured up and be put forth tangibly in this wise:

Socrates No. 2.-"Do you like the State Text Books?" California Teacher -"No. I am opposed to the whole system!" S. No. 2. "But do you like the books?" C. T.-"Well, yes. one or two of them." S. No. 2.-"Which ones?" C. T. "Well, the primary Geography and-but History is bad, very bad." S. No. 2.-"Well, now, I think it a pretty good book, if Eggleston's or Barnes' is used in its stead." C. T.-"I don't like the advanced Arithmetic." S. No. 2.-"Well, I think it is a good book; it makes the teacher work." So "it makes the teacher work!" Ah Work, Thy greatest ally is a clumsy hand! What pity 'tis that ever tools were keen! How much nobler he who fumes and raves

A year o'er toil with crooked sticks,

Than he who plows with steel? 'Twere better far,

(If this great man be given credence), -Than hunt for grandest ways to do great

things,

PROF. E. E. BARNARD, THE EMINENT astronomer of Lick Observatory has, in this number, an article on star observations for February that we are sure will be received cordially by all our readers.

Arrangements have been perfected. through the efforts of members of the Normal Astronomical Club to have Prof. Barnard give hereafter a monthly outline of observations that may be made by all who love "the heavenly science."

We are exceedingly glad that Prof. Barnard has made it possible for us to present to our readers this enticing series of articles, and that he himself has consented to guide the way among the stars.

"FRENCH FAIRY TALES" is the title of one of the most valuable little books for beginners in French that we have seen. It is elited by E. S. Joynes, M. A., and is issued from the publishing house of D. C. Heath & Co., Boston, which, alone, are sufficient guarantees of its attractiveness. Cinderella, Blue Beard, and other popular tales are given

in simple French. Following these stories are vocabulary and notes. The work is based on latest methods of language learning and will be found a delightful help to anyone who desires to add French to his accomplishments. (Heavy paper cover-price 35c.)

THE POSTOFFICE BOOKSTORE is the place to get stationery, books, music, musical instruments, etc. Students supplies a specialty.

Step in and examine stock and prices. If you are too far away "to step in," write to the proprietor, W. J. Kirkpatrick, for descriptive catalogue and price list of supplies, etc. Address-Postoffice Bookstore, San Jose.

THE CALIFORNIA SCHOOL of Elocution and Oratory is deservedly growing in popularity from year to year. The advantages offered by a course of instruction in this school are particularly alluring to teachers.

Miss F. M. Estabrook, the principal of the school, is aided in her work by strong educators. At the last commencement an entertaining programme was given chiefly by alumnæ of the school. Hon. John Swett delivered the principal address.

STATE TEACHERS ASSOCIATION.

The twenty-fifth annual session of the California Teachers Association, which was held in Riverside, December 28 to 31, inclusive, was attended by about 450 teachers.

As the people of the city of oranges are exceptionally hospitable, the social part of the week's visit was more than carefully guarded, while the most prominent Californian educators gave to the intellectual part of the session the fullest vigor and interest.

vigor and interest. Only the barest out

line of the work of the session is possible in a magazine article. For this reason we trust that brevity may be blamed for whatever is incomplete in the following report.

PRESIDENT W. W. SEAMAN, in his opening address, the topic of which was "Has the public school system kept pace with the progress of the times," said: "Teaching is yet too much regarded as a stepping stone to other more lucrative or desirable avocations. The State must step in and demand higher qualifications for those entrusted with its educational work, and at the same time guarantee a more secure tenure of position and a better salary."

tween different divisions of the same people.

The historian of to-day must know of trade, taxation, of finance, in their complex relations to the people. To be a true historian one must be something of an economist and know something of international law. In short, history as should now be written must comprehend far more than was thought essential in former times when war was the principal business of mankind. Merely a chronicle of military events can no longer be properly regarded as history. The complex life of a modern State, especially when ruled by the people thereof, must be studied in all its many phases by a competent student before any attempt to write its history can be honestly begun.

TEACHERS RECEPTION-On Monday evening a reception was given the teachers by the people of Riverside. Addresses of welcome were made by C. H. Keyes, Rev. Dr. Deere, and A. H. Naftzer. Replies in behalf of the teachers were made by Pres. Seaman, and Mr. J. W. Anderson.

DEPARTMENT OF SUPERVISION.

The morning sessions were spent in department work. H. J. Baldwin presided over this department.

SUPT. A. E. FRYE of San Bernardino said, on the topic, "Examination and Promotion:" "Modern educators of the highest type examine along the line of power to do the work. A knowledge of the time when a child reaches this result is better acquired by his immediate teacher than by the county board or those more remote."

SUPT. KNEPPER of Santa Barbara said, on this topic: "Modern American methods aim at brevity-quick results. Fruits are demanded without giving proper time for maturity. All short cuts to results are taken; the corners clipped every