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left out the greatest improvement of all, I refer to the quali-
ty of the teachers. We show 7 or 8 "first grade" teachers
—first grade in merit, as in rank. Besides these, a large
number of faithful pains taking, moral instructors are at
work, improving themselves as well as their scholars. A
few there are still who have mistaken their calling.

Striking the balance of difficulties and encouragements, as
fairly as I can, it seems to me that the latter decidedly pro-
ponderate. Progress is made and making, and must go on,
in increasing ratio, if the hands that hold the destiny of the
State, shall continue to upheld the best interests of the child-
ren of the State.

Respectfully,

WM. H. FARQUAR,

President of the Board,

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY.

To Slate Superintendent of Public Instruction,
Dear Sir:

Since my last report I have personally visited and exam-
ined, every school in the County with two exceptions, And
in reviewing our educational history, I am gratified to any
the indications of improvement are unmistakable. The
new By stem has taken a strong hold upon the popular mind.
A fresh impetus And vitality have been imparted to it under
the operation of the new law.

According to the County school enrollment, the numari-
cal increase of pupils during the last twelve m onths, has
been twenty per cent., and the aveage attendance during
that time, has been upwards of forty per cent. And with
the increase of the pupils, there has been a corresponding
improvement in the moral and social condition of the schools.

Teachers.—Our teachers, taken in the aggrega e, have In-
creased very much in efficiency since my last report. Some
can be recommended highly for their acquirement, energy,
and aptitude to teach, and for the discipline and good order
which they preserve in their schools. But, I regret to say,
some still remain who are inefficient and who will have to
leave the ranks, and their places be supplied by others more
competent.

Examinations.—Public examinations are held at the end
of each quarter, and are conducted orally. The attendance
of parents and spectators is sometimes quite large. And
the anticipation of the presence of the Commissioners and
patrons by the pupils at the examinations, seem to inspire