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111l
MODIFICATIONS OF THE LAWFORMERLY SUGGESTED.

The modifications of the law, suggested by the Association
of School Commissioners at their meetings in August, 1865,
and January, 1866, which were submitted to the Legislature
at its last session, but failed to be carried out, I believe, for
sufficient time to consider them, will, if yet adopted, to some
extent, render the administration of the system more perfect.

SUGGESTIONS AS TO THE EXTENSION OF THE TIME OF SCHOOL TERMS.

I might here suggest a further modification, one I have
heretofore suggested, and of the propriety of which I am
still convinced, viz : the extension of the time of the respec-
tive school terms and the reduction of the time of the Sum-
mer vacation. If those counties which, like Cecil, are only
able to keep their schools open three terms in the year, could
have the terms so lengthened that the third, a Spring term,
would run up to or beyond the 1st of May, there would be
less occasion for the complaints we now constantly hear from
parents and guardians, because of the limited time devoted
to teaching. If a fourth term can be sustained by other
counties, it might readily be extended to the latter part of
July, leaving the whole month of August for the summer
vacation—or if a longer vacation be desirable, the fourth or
Summer term, which few counties will be able to sustain,
might, without injury to the system, be made the shortest
term in the year.

In conclusion, allow me, my dear sir, to acknowledge the
valuable counsel and encouraging support I have derived
from your correspondence during the year, and to express
the hope that the system of public education, inaugurated
under your administration in Maryland, may long continue
to receive the support of the people and long remain under
your effective and searching superintendence.
Very respectfully yours,

F. A. ELLIS,
President of the Board of School Com. of Cecil Co.

DORCHESTER COUNTY.
THE PRESIDENCY,

In February last, our late worthy and efficient President,
Dr. Edward F. Smithers, died from disease contracted by ex-
posure in the performance of his official duties. In recon-
structing the educational edifice, he found an immense field
of labor—old notions and systems had to be abandoned—pre-