4

average expenditure for Text Books per pupil at the small sum
of 98 cents during the years 1865 and 1866. If the value of
books remaining on hand be deducted, it is estimated that
the average would be reduced to about 75 cents for each
pupil. The cost of books for Public Schools of the City of
Baltimore for 1866 was $34,349 42.

3. There is no record in this office showing the number of
books disposed of by the County School Commissioners. In-
formation on this subject has been asked from the several
Boards of School Commissioners.

4. Text Books were purchased from the publishers or their
agents, at prices named in their written proposals at the time
the books were submitted to the State Board of Education for
examination. These proposals included the price for intro-
duction, and for subsequent years.

The cost of each book, delivered in the counties, is given in
Appendix "No. 3." I have no record of the prices re-
ceived for books from scholars in the several counties.

5. The bills of publishers and State Agents have been paid
in full, no discount of any kind having been given directly or
indirectly upon invoice prices. The Text Book accounts have
been kept as required by law, and are ready for inspection at
any time.

While the Act of Assembly gives to each Board of School
Commissioners, and to parents, the option to purchase books
of the uniform series wherever, and in whatever mode they
may consider most advantageous; parents have generally pur-
chased from the School Boards, and all the School Boards
have sent their orders to the Agents of the State Board of
Education.

The mode of distribution has proved entirely satisfactory,
and by placing Text Books in the Schools at the beginning
of each term, classes can be organized and work commence
promptly.

The following resolution was unanimously adopted by the
Association of School Commissioners at their meeting De-
cember 10, 1866:

"Resolved, That the uniform series of Text Books has
proved acceptable to teachers and useful to the pupils, and
that the mode of purchasing and distributing books adopted
by the State Board has been satisfactory to the County
Boards, and economical to parents and guardians."

All of which is respectfully submitted.

L. VAN BOKKELEN,
State Superintendent Public Instruction.