not even aware of the existence of such a publication, and to some who imagined, with a very able man who was consulted at its commencement, that "nothing more than a pamphlet or two could be written about education !"

Among so many coadjutors, some of whom we only know through the results of their kindness, and all of whom, we are persuaded have done everything which their circumstances allowed, it would be indelicate to specify individuals. We cannot, however, refrain from stating, that while the first contribution to the Annals was received from a gentleman in a neighboring State, whose influence and wealth are a tower of strength to the benevolent enterprises of our country, the second was an order for ten sets, from the lamented Grimke; an early one for that number, came from an eminent gentleman of New Orleans, and another, for several copies, from North Carolina, for which we were indebted to the personal exertions of the late excellent Dr Caldwell, of the University of that State; and others still, from the presidents of our Western Colleges; thus showing, that the interest in the work was by no means local in its character.

But we are also deeply indebted to those who could only assist us by their efforts with others. To one devoted teacher, we are indebted for a contribution furnished in this mode, and secured by his own pledge, equal in amount to any which was supplied by individual wealth; and to others still, as much as any individual contributed with a few exceptions. We have to acknowledge, with peculiar emotions, the aid of some, who have, literally, given from their poverty; and of one, who, as we have since learned lived upon bread and water only, and yet paid cheerfully for the work, as one which he not only valued, himself, but which he felt it a duty to sustain.

We are dwelling perhaps too long for policy, or for the patience of our readers, upon the tale of difficulties; but if it be tedious, our preface will submit patiently to neglect, and an editor may be allowed once at least in a year, to lay aside his official forms, and employ a few unpaid pages in addressing his readers as his own feelings dictate. But we are also desirous of showing the connection of our work with its adopted parents; a connection which elevates it above the obscurity and misfortunes, and we hope, above the dangers which attended its birth. To them we commend it, and entreat that they will foster that which they have preserved - that they will still allow it a place in their houses, and an introduction to their friends, and include it among those objects which have a claim to a part of their efforts for the good of the rising generation; and that they will seek for it a guardian who may conduct it more efficiently, and release us from a burden, not of labor but of responsibility, which we often fear, and which our friends often predict we cannot sustain.

In reviewing the volumes published, we find a variety of matter from sources of the highest authority in our own country and in Europe. We have ained, especially in our early volumes, to assume the office of a painter; and endeavor to present the opinions of others, because we believed they would be more correct, and possess far more authority than our own.

We have been repeatedly asked for our own opinions, and as we have been suspected of reserving them either from negligence, or from the fear of offending, we are bound to say frankly, that we saw so much the extent and difficulties of our subject, that we felt little confidence in ourselves; and while these demands have led us to express our own opinions more freely, we confess that long examination only leads us to discover the extent of that field, in which we have gathered only here and there a flower.

We had but just finished our remarks on our own work, when we found with regret in the 20th No. of the London Quarterly Journal of Education, that this will be the last of that valuable series. It is relinquished because the sales are not sufficient to defray its expenses, in consequence of the same indifference or prejudice on the subject which has destroyed so many works of the kind. The views of the Editor are so coincident with our own, and present so strongly the necessity of sacrifice, as well as effort on the part of some to sustain a beacon light on this subject in our own country - a centre for reference -a medium of communication, on a topic in which we have a peculiar national interest so long as we retain those free institutions, which rest on the intelligence and morals of the people, that we shall present them to our readers. There is one general reason assigned, which is applicable to all works of a similar character,

"Periodical publications which are addressed solely to the understanding, the object of which is to communicate the results of laborious research, to deduce general principles in physical, political, or any other branch of science, do not in this country, and hardly perhaps in any country, command an extensive sale. The number who can understand them, or whose education has given them a taste for such reading, is comparatively small. A Journal of Education is a publication of this class, its object being to collect such facts as compose the annals or the history of education, to ascertain those general principles which should direct the education of all classes, and to point out the means of reducing them to practice. Some years ago, but hardly within the last twenty years, it might have been disputed in this country whether national education was a matter of such concern as to be worth any serious discussion; and in such a state of opinion, a Journal of Educa

tion, if one had existed, could hardly fail to have expressed opinions, which should assail prejudices, and excite angry feelings."

At some former periods, or in some parts of our own country, as well as in England, the importance of general or improved education, was denied; and of course the whole subject would be regarded with indifference. But even when public opinion is changed, serious difficulties remain.

"The importance of education being now a thing agreed on and settled, — and unfortunately settled in the minds of many, like other opinions, without the reasons for them-it remains to say what shall education be, and how shall it be managed? A journal which shall discuss this matter must also unavoidably, and even without seeking for occasions, offend many prejudices. The Journal of Education has no doubt often done this, and to a certain extent its sale may have depended on the same general principles as those which mainly create the larger demand for religious and political publications. That it has not, howover, derived much advantage in the way of sale from gratifying passions, appears from the small number of copies sold, which bas never exceeded 1200 of any one number. To those who are acquainted with the book, it will be obvious from a consideration of the great mass of its contents, that nothing could be less adapted to please a mere partisan, whether in matters of faith, or any matter else; and that a large part of the book must always be, to persons not sincerely convinced of the importance of education, and anxiously bent on improving it-dry, wearisome, and sometimes unintelligible. What has been said, contains some of the reasons why neither this Journal of Education nor any other can, at present, command a large sale."

There is one class of obstacles not alluded to here, which we are ashamed to name, but which are still serious. We mean the jealousy of personal interest or feeling on the part of teachers, and authors of school books. The neglect of their schools, and their methods, (and above all, disapprobation) will produce disaffection or even opposition, and there are many who hesitate to sustain a journal which should recommend any other books or methods than their own; and some who hint very plainly at a species of traffic, and seem to imagine that in paying the price of a work they have acquired a claim to something more than the volume which is furnished. It is obvious that we can admit no such claim; but it is equally obvious, as we have already experienced, that it is one obstacle in the way of success.

The closing remarks on this subject, describe the only circumstances in which the sale of such a work can be properly extended.

"If there were a general and profound conviction of the importance of education, rightly understood, and of the improvements which are

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requisite in the education of all classes, in order to give them the best opportunity of attaining happiness, such a journal as this, and many more having the same object, would be easily supported. But such a general conviction does not exist. As in matters of religion, so in education, many assent to doctrines and principles, but few are in earnest about them."

We will only add, that there must be a " deep interest" in the subject, as well as profound conviction; for how many "know the right, and yet the wrong pursue !”

But how is this general and profound conviction to be produced? By stopping our presses, and throwing aside our pens on this subject? Has such an object ever been accomplished in such a way? Wait for the demand! As well might we wait for the Chinese to come and seek our wares and our trade -or expect the savage to come and plead to be taught kindness, and industry, and virtue. Does the earth produce its crop, without labor and cultivation, and sowing and gathering? Is there any royal way of doing good without labor or sacrifice of obtaining the reward without earning it? Do those who labor for political, or sectarian, or private objects relapse into silence because their objects are misunderstood or neglected? On the contrary, they lift up their voice the louder, and make the more urgent appeals. By these means they succeed, and in a multitude of cases, even in a bad cause, they resolve and expect to succeed. The Great Teacher, himself, has taught us the prevalence of importunity and perseverance, even with an unjust judge.

The friends of the Annals have done much to sustain it, and to extend its influence and its circulation. We have finally sacrificed our health, to secure its existence, and have come to seek it, where we hope to obtain materials of great value for its pages. These united efforts, have, we trust, insured its continuance-they have resulted, as we have stated, in making it more extensively known, and in increasing its subscription list. Let us not, then, be weary in well-doing. For ourselves, many of our readers, are well aware, that every hour we spend for this work, might be spent with fourfold personal benefit in other ways, and that we have no personal interest in its prosperity. But we are prepared to go on with it as long as it is in our power, and we earnestly invite our coadjutors to unite with us in a pledge, that with the aid of Providence, an AMERICAN JOURNAL OF EDUCATION, shall be sustained. The first, and great difficulties are now surmounted. Let us not lose our past labors, or fail of the great object for want of perseverance.