salutary, what will the effect be at a more advanced stage of this interesting branch of education? We might follow these infant scholars, as they advance step by step in the acquirement of a musical education. We might follow them day after day, and year after year, and see the growing loveliness of the family blessed with such inmates. We might see them gather around the domestic altar, and listen to their united songs of praise. I cannot imagine a more pleasing sight, than that of a family collectively, where they have all been brought under the subduing influences of a musical education, united with the principles of piety..

Around whose board,

Peace, joy, love and concord meet, where every countenance speaks, in language not to be misunderstood, of their affectionate regard; where parents and children look upon each other with complacency, and where smiles answering smiles, beautify every counteCan the reader imagine such a family

nance.

as this? Can he follow them as we have endeavored to do, from their very infancy, and see the influence spoken of gaining the ascendency over their unholy passions? Can he see it, as it gains strength, in the very words which the little child speaks? and can he see him as he grows older, bowing under its power, and yielding to its divine control ? Let him, then, if he has not already commenced giving his children a musical education, begin immediately to do so.

In conclusion, I would observe, that if we would have a musical education exerted in its full extent, it must go hand in hand with parental instructions. Had you room in your valuable paper, and had I time to devote to it, I should like to dwell upon this subject much more at length. I am aware, that I have not done it justice; I feel it, I know it; but hoping that these remarks through the blessing of God, may have the tendency to awaken, in some measure, the attention of parents to this important subject, I submit them to the reader's examination.

EDUCATION

--

AMICUS.

OF THE BLIND.

MR. EDITOR,-Feeling a deep interest in the education of the Blind, I was very much gratified in reading the account given by your correspondent" S.," of the blind musician, Mademoiselle Paradis, published in the MINSTREL of June 1st. Though I had frequently read of Saunderson, Moyes, Metcalf, and others,blind individuals, who have distinguished themselves in the arts and sciences, I had never before received information respecting the amiable M. Paradis,-whose acquirements in the science of music, was so truly wonderful. It is but another evidence of what can be accomplished by the blind, when assisted by those of their friends. As in the case of this lady, had she not have fortunately been present at a musical meeting, where the Empress Queen was in attendance, most probably she would never have been known beyond the precincts of her own neighborhood. And how many blind are there in our own land, who, with the same means extended to them, that were afforded those of Stanley, Gautier and Chauvain, would not become equally as eminent? The truth is, in this country, we have

not until quite recently possessed the means of educating our blind population, and therefore the above question cannot be satisfactorily answered, at present. The experiment, however, is now being tried,-or so far at least, as to determine whether the blind, can by the means of education, be enabled to acquire a livelihood themselves. From late Reports of the Boston Institution for the Blind, all doubt on this subject is laid aside. The pupils are now to be rapidly progressing in all the various branches taught in the Institution-and that already, the expectations of its friends have been more than realized, under the superintendence of its founder, Dr. SAMUEL G. HOWE, -whose indefatigable exertions in behalf of the blind have not been equalled, either in this country or in Europe. One of his pupils, in a letter to his brother, pays the following just tribute to his character:

* "Dr. Howe is a man truly worthy the respect of not only the blind, but of the community at large. I cannot express my admiration of his character in too high terms; he is constantly studying the good of the school, and does all in his power to render us as independent as those which enjoy their sight. I think we could not find one better adapted for the responsible situation he occupies, should we seek the world over."

TO CORRESPONDENTS.

"J. B." is a new writer in our columns, and it would please us to greet him often.

"Music-a Fragment," by "E. W. H. E." has reached us. It richly "merits a place in our Minstrel."

"Church Music in the country, No. 2," has come to hand, and shall appear in our next. We wish the facetious writer of these essays, would forward his contributions more fre quently. We will cheerfully pay the postage on all such communications.

We have filed for insertion, an article for our next number, entitled "Music should be redeemed from profane to sacred purposes." While we heartily thank the writer for this valuable contribution, we hope he will often furnish similar favors for our pages.

Lines entitled "Music at Midnight," by "X. N. H." are very acceptable, and shall be inserted in our columns. Will the writer please to inform us whether they are original or selected?

We thank "J. H. H." for the pretty original melody, composed for the Sacred Song, commencing, "Soft be the gently breathing notes." It shall certainly have a place in the pages of the Minstrel.

"A Friend to Education" is informed, that we shall soon publish his article, "On the expediency of forming a Musical Lyceum, to be located in the city of New York, that shall represent all the different interests of Music in the United States."

We gratefully acknowledge the receipt of "A Sketch" from Tennessee, showing "the power of association as connected with Music." Similar favors are solicited from "A. W. M."

A "Private Communication" relating to hired singers, choirs, &c. &c., from an esteemed friend, has been received. We feel much obliged to the writer for his hints, and for his promptness in seconding our efforts in the cause of music, and assure him, that his remarks are "received in the most friendly disposition." Will the author give his consent to the publication of the entire communication, or portions of it, in the columns of the MINSTREL? We make this request with the impression that it would lead to an important investigation.

แ 'Justice" has sent us another communication on the subject of the formation of the N. Y. Academy of Sacred Music. He says, "he is much obliged to us for admitting into our column, his first article," but appears to be dissatisfied with our accompanying remarks. He intimates, that we withheld a part of the desired information, and adds, "Your re

ply is good so far as it goes, but I think the public, especially the musical public, will feel satisfied with nothing less than a full statement of the organization of the institution, and of its proceedings since." In answer to these remarks, and as an apology for not publishing his communication entire, we plead our present relation to the Academy. Any articles, however, written in a temperate spirit, calculated to promote the practice of Music of an elevated character, will be readily admitted into our columns.

"W. B's" communication on the performance of Sacred Music in some of the churches at Albany, shall appear in

We are glad to be enabled to state, that our fears concerning this institution, were not destined to be of long continuance; for on Monday evening last, the first Rehearsal took place at the Brick Church Chapel. We were pleased to see so large a number of ladies and gentlemen present,-most of whom, we understand, contemplate uniting themselves with the Society. Several pieces of plain Psalmody and one or two Anthems, were tolerably well executed, and the objects of the Academy were briefly set forth by the 1st Vice-President, (Rev. Mr. OWEN.) He urged upon the members punctuality in attendance, and union in purpose, that the great object contemplated in the Constitution, might be accomplished. This object is "the successful cultivation of devotional music."

For the present, there are to be three Rehearsals every month, at the above place, viz: On the second Monday; on Friday in the following week, and on the Wednesday next succeeding.

LECTURE ON MUSIC.

J. SAUNDERSON, Esq., of Baltimore, (by particular request,) delivered at Broadway Hall, on Tuesday evening last, "a Lecture on the Science of Music-embracing Historical Hints as to the practice of the ancient Israelitish and Jewish Church, as well as the adaptation of the science to the service of the Sanctuary at the present day." The lecturer evidently well understood his subject,-but failed to produce the effect anticipated.

то OUR EDITORIAL BRETHREN.

We feel much favored by the editorial corps, for extending to us a helping hand, in noticing our work, and cheering us on in our harmonious way. Among the many who have thus dealt with us, we are free to acknowledge that no one has laid us under greater obligations than friend GATES of the Buffalo Republican. Besides speaking of our work in the most flattering terms, he occasionally gives in his columns the table of Contents of the number commented on.

"Canfield & Spencer will take the agency of the MINSTREL, if you wish."

The letter from which this extract is made, was recently received through the New York Post Office. Will the writer please to inform us where Messrs. Canfield & Spencer reside?