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couragement. He has been accustomed to observe the order
and discipline maintained by the teachers, and their method
of instruction; to give such suggestions to them as he
thought would be conducive to the excellence of the schools,
and to afford them that sympathy in their ill requited labors
which they so rarely receive. He has examined the child-
ren, at each visit, in their studies, inspected their books, and
endeavored, in short addresses, to inspire them with an
ambition to excel in their studies, and with a desire to prac-
tice those virtues which are the basis of good character. A
less pleasant duty has been to listen to complaints made of
teachers, to examine into their foundation, and administer
the proper corrective, when necessary. In all these visits he
has met with hospitality and courtesy from those, too, upon
whom he had not even the claims of acquaintance; and
though the labors have been arduous, they have always been
cheered by the cordial greeting of the teachers, the bright
smile-of the children, and the warm reception of the parents
into their homes when the day's work was over.

Upon a survey of the operations of the year, with what-
ever shortcomings, whether from incapacity within ourselves
or from opposition without, it is evident that much has been
accomplished. The conscientious worker may see where he
has failed, and where he could have done better, but he is
not blind to what has been done. Although this may not
be appreciable by those not engaged actively in school duties,
it being of such a nature that it cannot be measured by sensi-
ble standards, yet it is not the less real. A system of schools
of many and novel details has been made to support another
which was commended by long familiarity. Inaugurated
amidst a great social revolution, and encountering at the
very beginning, not simply the passive opposition of that
wise conservatism, which induces us, to retain what is old
though it may not be the best, rather than hastily to adopt
what is new, though it may be better, but also that active op-
position of highly wrought prejudice which classes all
measures of a hostile party, however beneficent, in the same
category with those which are most obnoxious, this system
has been placed in successful operation. Temperateness,
impartiality and conciliation have marked the administration
of this law, and these have been met, on the part of our fel-
low citizens, with indulgence when errors have been com-
mitted, encouragement when difficulties have been encoun-
tered, and commendation more frequently than it was justly
due. The standard of qualification of teachers applying for
schools, has been raised; those already employed have been
taught to be more efficient; methods of instruction have
been improved; the interests of parents and children has
been awakened; the school funds have been economized ;
school accounts are orderly and accurately kept; school