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amount only $2,854.50 has been paid, leaving as per bal-

ance, $2,617.50 due of the tax of 1865. We hare received
$2,000 of the County tax of 1866, which will be replaced
out of the balance, and leave an additional balance of $617.-
50 to be ai ded to the $550.63, which will make toe proper
balance of 1866, July 31st, $1,168.13, leaving the fell
$7,000 County tax [as a part of 1866,] for the support of
the schools from September 1st, 1866.

On the 22d day of May, 1866, I called all our teachers to-
gether, and held an " Institute " in aecordance with the
law. Proceedings were held four days and resulted favor-

ably to the interest of the New System. Professorg Newell
and Leakin, who presided on the occasion, expressed them-
selves pleased with the readiness of the answers of the
teachers; and they were equally pleased with the Professors.
I, with them, return my thanks to the distinguished Pro-
fessors for their interest manifested in the cause of educa-
tion on the occasion of their visit to our County. A Teach-
ers Association has been formed in the County, with the
fair prospect of much good. The new system is working
well in this County.
The few opponents of the system, are composed of those

who do not take the trouble to visit the schools; for of the
many who are beginning to visit the schools when examina-
tions are held by me, I have seen none, who do not think
the new system is working well, and preferable to the old

system and from the increased attendance in the schools, the

systems gaining favor. Old average, 750 pupils 5 present
average, 1 200 pupils.

I cannot close this report without returning my thanks to
the citizens of Howard in general for their manifest interest
in the schools of the County, and for their appreciation of

my efforts therein, and especially for their attention to me
during my quarterly visits of which due notice is given in
time to invite the parents of the pupils, and the friends of

education generally.

To my associates, Dr. Hopkins and Mr. Burdett, I return
my thanks for their aid and support in my efforts in the; good
cause. Harmony in all things, has marked our pleasant
intercourse during the past year.

Respectfully submitted,

SAMUEL KER DASHIELL,

President the of Board of School Commissioners of Howard
County.