SCHOOL AT LEECH LAKE.
BY REV S. G. WRIGHT.
Twenty-seven children were boarded and clothed about eight months of the year, and fifteen attended very regularly as day scholars. The text books used were elementary speller, model reader, first, second and third readers, mental arithmetic. Several of the most advanced pupils are also familiar with the four ground principles of written arithmetic. Nearly all made good progress in their studies. There is no lack of ability in the Indian child to comprehend any branch of learning. The only obstacle in his way is that all his knowledge of books must be acquired through a strange language. The lessons must be explained all through the second and third years of his schooling in his own tongue; otherwise he gets no new ideas from his books, though he may read and spell and write ever so well. I explain the meaning of the words they spell, and translate the lessons read in the different readers. Much religious instruction is given in the school-room and in the morning and evening worship. I returned to this place a year ago, after being absent about two years, and was very happy to find the little company of earnest, devoted Christians whom we left still faithfully pursuing their work for God. I meet with them every week on Thursday afternoon for prayer. They are truly the salt of the earth, burning lights in this great darkness.