eady too-complicated question, it also shows how increased activity
of thought and thoroughness of purpose bring us face to face with
difficulties of whose existence we had scarcely a suspicion. The more we
accomplish, the more there is to challenge our courage, skill, and
capabilities. Improved machinery, reformed methods, accumulated
experience, with increased ability and aptitude on the part of teachers,
cannot fail to advance the problem of popular education nearer to a
satisfactory solution; but we must never allow ourselves to forget that
many of the most important elements that contribute to the success of
teaching are not at the command of the teacher. Education has to do with
mind and character; and these are very subtle things, and exceedingly
difficult to deal with; and success depends on many things that can
never be incorporated in a theory or scheme of education, or in any
curriculum of studies.

FOOTNOTES:

[G] This newest educational suggestion appears in a vigorous and
thoughtful paper on "Education and a Philosophy of Life," in the January
number of _Education_.

HISTORICAL RECORD.

[_By sending to the editor brief contributions suitable for use in this
department, readers will greatly add to its completeness and value._]

MAINE:

Dec. 22.--Meeting of the Maine Historical Society in Portland, President
James W. Bradbury in the chair. A communication from Curtis M. Sawyer,
of Mechanics Falls, called attention to the fact that traces of Indian
settlements in Maine are now disappearing, and suggested that some means
should be taken to mark sites of Indian villages and shell-heaps. The
Rev. Henry O. Thayer read a paper on Popham colony. E. H. Elwell read a
paper on the "British View of the Ashburton Treaty, and the Northeastern
Boundary Question;" the Hon. Joseph Williamson on "The Rumored French
Invasion of Maine in 1798;" the Rev. Dr. Burrage on "Additional Facts
concerning George Waymouth;" Dr. Charles E. Banks on "The Administration
of William Gorges from 1636 to 1637." The original diploma of the
Society of the Cincinnati, signed by George Washington and General Knox,
was exhibited by Thomas L. Talbot. B. F. Stevens, of London, who has for
many years collected documents relating to the Revolution, and
negotiations of that period, requested that the attention of Congress be
called to these manuscripts, and an effort be made to have the
government purchase them. It was voted to refer the