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rightfully taxed with the recollection of rules and definitions,
they will adopt a more intellectual system, one which seeks
the symmetrical development of all the faculties, and by
constant appeals to the perception and reason, teaches the
child to teach himself.

With better organization and modes of instruction not only
adopted, but enforced in all the schools with perfect uniform-
ity, a uniformity not to be secured by similarity of Text books
only, we may then, but not till then, realize the full benefits
which the present system, as such, is designed to bestow.

It affords me pleasure to state, that the attendance on the
schools, notwithstanding many were unorganized till near
the close of September, has been larger during the past year
than ever before. The total number of different pupils in
1861-2 (the highest recorded attendance hitherto) was 528 ;
the average number of scholars, 344; whereas the number of
different scholars was for last year, 690; the average number
466. There ig every reason to believe/it will be much larger
during the ensuing year.

TEXT BOOKS AND STATIONERY.

In reply to your Circular of December last, I remarked
that the Board in determining the price at which books
should be sold, used the margin allowed them by the publish-
ers ae liberally as possible, short of the retail price, and added,
that our reason for doing so was not merely to cover the cost
of stationery, but to anticipate to some extent the advance in
price whicli, we have reason to expect, the publishers would
make after the introduction of the books.

This expectation has proved correct, but by the course pur-
sued, we are saved the necessity of making any material
alteration in our prices, and thus fighting over again the
'Battle of the Books.' Most of our schools have been fully
supplied, and at the moderate average cost to each enrolled
pupil of 83 cents for text books, and of 18 cents for stationery,
For farther details on this head, I refer you to Treasurer's
Report, and his statements annexed to his Account Current.

TxACHixg' ASSOCIATION .

This important auxiliary to our system has been in full
and successful operation for some time; and as the first ever
instituted in the county, deserves a passing notice. The
Constitution adopted, was modeled after that of Baltimore
County (a copy of whicli was kindly furnished us by the
Secretary of the State Board) to which however some features
were added of practical value. Beside the County Association,
A Branch Association was organized in each Commissioner
District, to be governed by a vice President, and to hold its