1672

120

Nothing has been done as yet towards the establishment of
a High School. We have felt that thorough primary in-
struction was first needed. The crying defect in our schools
has been defective instruction in the rudimentary branches
of knowledge. This has shown itself even in the examina-
tion of teachers, where objections have not been infrequent
on account of ignorance of English orthography. To give
a thorough training in the elements of an English education,
was the task assumed by the School Commissioners of this
County. To this they have bent every energy. Teachers
have been warned against advancing pupils in their studies
before they were thoroughly ready for such advancement,
and, with the view of aiding the teachers in the performance
of their duties, a pamphlet containing 'hints' on instruction
was prepared for their use. A copy of the same will be found
appended to this Report.

As regards the erection of new school houses, nothing has
been done for two reasons. 1. The boundaries of our school
districts had not been very accurately defined, and there was
need of a thorough revision. A Committee of two members
of the Board having carefully gone over the County, have
presented a report on the subject, which, after the time re-
quired by the law to be d voted to its consideration and
amendment, will enable the Board to present the wants of the
several districts to those citizens who are properly and legal-
ly included within their boundaries. 2. It was felt that our
people would be more disposed to aid in the erection of school
houses and in furnishing the same, after they had seen the
advantages presented by the new school system. Indications
of a liberal feeling are being shown in some of the districts
on this subject, and we confidently expect that there will be
some new school houses erected by private liberality during
the coming year. Doubtless the best way to secure the erec-
tion of proper school houses is by local district tax, and tin's
method would probably best meet the views of the friends of
public schools in this County.

There is still a great want of good teachers. It has been
our policy to employ native talent as Car as possible, and this
policy has been carried out to such an extent that the nativi-
ties of the teachers employed during the fall term of 1866,
were as follows:

Maryland..................... 91

Pennsylvania................ 5

Virginia...................... 2

Massachusetts............... 2

Ohio.... ...................... 2

New Hampshire............. 1

District of Columbia...... 1

England...................... 2

Ireland........................ 1—107