Several district institutes are being held semi-monthly, and University Extension work has been inaugurated in Carlisle. The County Directors' Association was well attended, and the programme admirably carried out. The joint Convention of Directors and Teachers, on Thursday afternoon, was a crowded and enthusiastic meeting. The addresses of State Supt. Schaeffer and Dr. Geo. E. Reed, of Dickinson College, were highly appreciated. Through the combined efforts of the citizens and teachers of the respective districts, flags were secured and raised at the Gap school, Lower Mifflin, and the Sycamore school, South Middleton, with appropriate exercises.

FAYETTE-Supt. Porter: The Principals' Association, organized at the last County Institute, has held a very successful meeting. Interesting and helpful talks were given by the several members. This organization promises to be of great value to the graded schools of our county.

FRANKLIN-Supt. Zumbro: A very interesting and profitable local institute was held at Waynesboro. A pleasing feature of the meeting was the general willingness on the part of the teachers to enter into the discussions. Dr. J. F. Barton, of the C. V. Normal School, was present and gave a sound, practical talk on "Concentration." Local institutes were held February 2d and 3d at Mercersburg, and February 23d and 24th at Fort London. Both were largely attended by teachers and patrons. At the former a lecture was delivered by Prof. Stein, of Mercersburg College, on the subject, "Among the Stars." At Fort London, Rev. C. H. Fitzwilliams lectured on "The Battle of Life." The recent election will bring about many changes in the school boards, but we are glad to say that good men have been elected.

FULTON-Supt. Chestnut: During the month one house in Bethel and two in Union have been supplied with slate blackboards. The boards in Thompson are totally unsuited for school use. Several in Bethel are unfit, and one or two in Ayr. In other districts some are entirely too small. The general tone of schools is much better than early in the term. Some noble teachers are doing good work all the time; many others are improving; some, it seems, nothing will awaken. Since my last report eleven local institutes have been held. They rouse and stimulate all who can be roused. A meeting of one delegate from each Township Board will be held in March to fix a grade of salaries and prepare a course of study with a view to examination in each township hereafter. There is improvement in a number of schools in the line of better methods and more conscientious work. We shall probably have a fixed course of study for all the schools next term. A few failures in government are to be noted.

GREENE-Supt. Stewart: At our. local institutes an earnest effort is being made to

get all the teachers to take part in the discussions. The maxim "If you have nothing to say, say nothing," may do for other people, but for him who would stand before the public as an enthusiastic, wide-awake teacher, the motto must be, "If you have nothing to say, find something."

JEFFERSON-Supt. Hughes: The schools are doing good work. Free books are a great relief to parents and an advantage to pupils.

JUNIATA-Supt. Marshall: During this month local institutes were held at East Waterford and Richfield. At the former, Prof. J. M. Barton, of the Shippensburg State Normal, was present and did good work for the cause of education. The latter was a joint meeting held by the superintendents, teachers and citizens of Snyder and Juniata counties. At both these meetings we had large audiences and such attention as to indicate the deep interest our people feel in everything pertaining to the educational welfare of the children. I have devoted this month to the visiting of schools the second time. It affords me much pleasure to report that I was accompanied by directors and parents. They find, as I have found, three classes of teachers: I. Those who are doing most excellent work and should be kept in the schools at any cost; 2. Those who are doing good work; 3. Those who are doing poor work, and are too dear, it matters not at how low a salary.

LACKAWANNA-Supt. Taylor: In each of the districts recently visited I called on directors, but could not persuade them to accompany me. The usual excuse was "work that must be done at once," and this was in most cases the true reason. On December Ist I attended the formal opening of the new graded school building at Mayfield. Music was furnished by the school and the Jermyn Cornet Band. An extended programme was carried out. The building, containing eight rooms, cost about $10,000. It is two stories high, eighty-two feet long and seventy-four wide. The class rooms are of good size with cloak-rooms adjoining. There is also a recitation room for the principal's use, and a directors' room. The rooms are well lighted and furnished with single desks and ample slate blackboards. The heating will be by hot air. The grounds will be properly graded, fenced and suitable stone walks laid, The building has been needed for some years. It is an ornament to the borough, and reflects credit on the directors. The first regular monthly meeting of the teachers of Blakely, Winton, Dickson and Olyphant boroughs was held at Olyphant. Nearly all the teachers were present and an excellent programme was rendered. On January 6th, I attended the monthly local institute of the second district, at Jermyn. The district includes the boroughs of Jermyn, Mayfield and Archbald, and the township of Scott. Nearly all the teachers of the three boroughs were present, also many visitors from adjoining districts,

making an attendance of about fifty teachers. Mrs. Ella Green, a lecturer of the W. C. T. U., gave an excellent address on teaching physiology. There were also papers and discussions on Vocal Music, Drawing, Language Training and Reading. This is the first local institute held in this district; it awakened considerable interest. The next meeting will be held at Archbald. The second monthly institute of the first district was held at Priceburg. This district includes the boroughs of Winton, Blakely, Olyphant and Dickson, and was the first to organize for regular work. There are at each meeting exercises in arithmetic, geography and theory of teaching. The leading feature of this institute was the exercise in Theory, conducted by Miss C. A. Kenyon, principal of Blakely schools. The text of this exercise was the first chapter of Hughes' Mistakes in Teaching. The next meeting will be held in the Blakely Central building. The regular monthly Institutes were held at Archbald on February 3, and at Blakely, February 10. Both meetings were well attended and good work was done. Although Local institutes are new in these districts, the teachers are taking hold of the work with energy and results are visible in the school rooms. The educational event of the month was the meeting of the Lackawanna County Teachers' Association held in the M. E. Church in Moscow, February 24. The principal speakers were Principal Geo. P. Bible, of Stroudsburg, who spoke on "The Need of a Thorough Professional Training," and Prof. Charles Albert of Bloomsburg, whose subject was, "The Two Appetites. Prof. W. R. Graves, the President of the Association, delivered a very able address on "The Ideal in Education." The question "Should the Provisional Certificate be Abolished?" was warmly discussed. The attendance in the forenoon was good, and in the afternoon all the seats were filled. The directors of Jermyn are about to erect a new building. The Archbald Board had just introduced the study of drawing and form study. The elegant fourroom building at Dickson is nearly ready

for use.

public, and hence can do little in arousing à deeper interest in the work of the schools. The Directors' Association held its semi-annual meeting, February 17. The following officers were elected: President, Rev. J. K. Knerr, Lebanon; Secretary, Wm. A. Bachman, Fontana; Treasurer, Jacob Funk, Lebanon. "District Central High Schools," "Closer Supervision," and "The Moral Influence of School Environment," were the subjects discussed. The next session will be held June 9. Local institutes were held in the two Annvilles, Londonderry, North Lebanon, Heidelberg, Millcreek, Union, Swatara, and Jonestown and Cornwall. The only district in which local institute work is not organized, and where these educational gatherings are unknown, is East Hanover. I am sorry to report this fact, and hope there will be no occasion to make a similar report in the future.

LEHIGH-Supt. Rupp: On Washington's birthday, Camp 378, P. O. S. A., placed a flag in the school-house at Guthsville. A large audience was present, and there were addresses and music appropriate to the occasion. I have visited all the schools in the county once and quite a number twice. With a few exceptions I find our teachers doing good work. I have concluded my local institutes, having held nine during the term. The last was held at Hokendauqua, February 24. This was a sort of experiment. The people of the town supplied all the teachers with free meals in the school-house. The social part of the meeting was a decided success.

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LUZERNE Supt. Harrison: An unusual amount of sickness has very perceptibly affected our attendance for January. several instances the schools had to be closed. Hemlock township erected a new building at Hemlock's Creek. Previous to this year there was one school at that place with nearly sixty pupils. The school has now been graded, and very good work is being done. Huntington painted and papered all her school-houses, and has now as pleasant rooms as can be found anywhere. Lehman practically rebuilt two houses, and furnished slate boards for another. Jackson put in slate boards and lengthened the school term.

LYCOMING-Supt. Becht: Our annual institute was very well attended by both teachers and the public. All but four teachers were enrolled, and these were absent on account of sickness. Instruction was given by Supt. Draper, of Cleveland, O., Prof. J. S. Walton, Dr. L. B. Sperry, Supt. Chas. Lose, Prof. Enoch Perrine and Prof. H. E. Cogswell. By a resolution of the institute, a committee was appointed to arrange for a Teachers' Reading Circle. Loyalsock district held a successful local institute. Seventeen others will be held throughout the county during the winter. The annual session of the County Teachers' Association was held at Jersey Shore, Feb

ruary 22. The meeting was well attended by the teachers, and much interest was manifested in the discussions. The following questions were discussed: "The Director- from a Teachers' Standpoint ;" "What School Exercises are best to promote Education for American Citizenship?"

The Teacher out of School;" "Necessary Apparatus," and "The Teachers' Reading Circle." At the evening session, Emerson Collins, Esq., of Williamsport, delivered an address on Alexander Hamilton." The District Institutes and local educational meetings held during the month were unusually well attended by teachers, directors, and patrons.

MIFFLIN Supt. Cooper: During this month three local institutes have been held; all well attended by teachers and citizens. The schools of Milroy raised a flag some time since. The occasion was rendered interesting and profitable by appropriate addresses, music, and exercises by the pupils. Salem school in Armagh has also been provided with a flag. The recent Act of Assembly relative to outhouses has been carefully observed in some instances, but there is need of greater attention to this matter in several districts. A number of our schools have had to be closed on account of scarlet fever and diphtheria. Teachers generally are of the opinion that free textbooks are an advantage. I have visited all the schools of the county twice. Most of those visited during this month (February) are doing excellent work. I had reason to feel encouraged by the willingness of the directors to accompany me whenever it was possible for them to do so. Many of our teachers expect to attend school during the summer. On Washington's birthday many of our schools were open and exercises appropriate to the occasion were held. At Newton-Hamilton, Yaggy's Geographical Chart has been put in the schools, and the teachers are well pleased with it.

MONROE Supt. Serfass: In addition to two local institutes, the celebration of Washington's birthday proved to be one of the interesting events in connection with the public schools of the West End. At one of the local institutes, I had suggested the propriety of uniting in doing honor to the memory of the Washington, when by a unanimous voice I was requested to arrange a programme for such an occasion. A programme was accordingly prepared, in which representatives from fourteen different schools participated. A series of special addresses was delivered by Prof. E. T. Kunkel, Prof. S. F. Laury, Revs. S. W. Smith and A. C. Wachter. The exereises were highly appreciated by the audience which filled the spacious church at Gilberts.

MONTGOMERY-Supt. Hoffecker: Four local institutes, of two days each, were held during the month. The attendance of teachers and directors was very encouraging, and their work all that could be ex

pected. Dull times have not dampened the enthusiasm of the friends of popular education. The local institute held at Hatfield was largely attended. The class-drills and discussions were ably conducted by the teachers. The instruction and lectures, given by Profs. A. R. Horne and F. H. Green, were strong and inspiring, and they received the plaudits of an appreciative audience.

MONTOUR Supt. Steinbach: I have visited all the schools in the county once, and forty-eight the second time, and am glad to report good work in all thus far this year. The attendance has not been as good as we expected, but this was due to sickness. The teachers in Liberty district have a monthly meeting to discuss educational topics and methods of teaching. The free text-books are bringing about broader work in general. The Danville Board has decided to do away with final examinations at the close of the school term, and hereafter pupils will be promoted on their monthly standing-a good move.

NORTHAMPTON-Supt. Hoch: During the month I held two local institutes—one at Bangor and one at Hellertown. The Bangor meeting was one of the best ever held in this county. Seventy-three teachers and a number of Directors were in attendance. The church was crowded at every session. Prof. G. P. Bible, principal E. Stroudsburg Normal School, gave two talks on reading. The schools visited during the month, with few exceptions, are doing excellent work. NORTHUMBERLAND-Supt. Shipman: I have visited all the schools in the county once, except a few that were closed at the time, many of them a second time. No uniform system prevails in the rural districts, each school working independently of every other, and some doing double the work that others are doing. We have arranged to hold four local institutes during the coming month, at which we shall endeavor to arrive at some basis for a "course of study for ungraded country schools." I shall be obliged to county superintendents of counties in which there is a course of study' in use to send me a copy of same. teachers of Washington, Coal, Chillisquaque and a few other townships have been holding local institutes pretty regularly. A great deal of interest was manifested by teachers, directors and citizens in the three local institutes held in Washington township, at Herndon, and at Snydertown. Teachers came prepared to do the work assigned to them, and the general expression seemed to be, that local institutes are productive of much good in school-work. I have recently visited the schools of Chillisquaque township a second time. Here the directors all turn out and accompany the Superintendent in his visits. A night-school has been started at Thorptown, in Coal township. A second visit was made February 27th and 28th. These schools are under the direct

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supervision of Prof. Myron Geddes, and are noted among other things for regularity in attendance and punctuality.

PERRY-Supt. Arnold: Three local institutes were held during January-at Ickesburg, Blain, and Liverpool. They were well attended generally by teachers, directors, and patrons. There are, however, a few teachers who are indifferent, and do not attend these meetings. Every teacher should be present, if possible, and take an active part. Our teachers, with few exceptions, are doing good work. With more energy and enthusiasm, and better discipline, more satisfactory results could be obtained by many teachers. In our borough schools very good work is being done. Four local institutes were held during February. At Millerstown, Newport, and Duncannon, these meetings were well attended by the public, fairly well attended by the teachers; and much interest was manifested. Landisburg more than half the teachers failed to respond, and only two sessions were held. The school building at Landisburg has been for many years in a very bad condition. and wholly unfit for use.

At

The Board of Directors, composed of progressive men, has secured a most excellent site, containing an acre of ground, on which to erect a new building. To do this a vote of the citizens will be had to authorize the incurring of a debt. It is to be hoped that every citizen, knowing how greatly a new house is needed, will give the Board his hearty support, that a new building which shall be the pride of the town, may be erected. Through the exertion of the principal much improvement has been made in the high school room at Newport, making it one of the most pleasant and best equipped rooms in the county. The Church school-house in Carroll township was destroyed by fire February 22d. School is now being held in a small building near the old house.

POTTER-Supt. Bodler: A local institute was held at Genesee Forks; and the Teachers' Association met at Sweden Valley, with a larger attendance than several years.

SNYDER-Supt. Bowersox: The Directors of Union township have recognized the force of the outhouse law, and have been active in improving the condition of their schools in this respect. The district institute at Richfield was a grand success. A number of the teachers of Juniata and Snyder counties met in joint session, and discussed the practical needs of each as found in their respective counties. Large audiences greeted the speakers at each session. The district institute, comprising the townships of Beaver, Spring, Adams, and W. Beaver, was most interesting in all its appointments. A lively and profitable discussion was had on the "course of study," a question which we find will soon agitate the minds of superintendents and teachers in general. District institutes held at Independence, Fremont, Kratzerville, McClure and Selinsgrove, were

excellent. Nearly all the teachers of the townships and boroughs, comprising the several districts, were in attendance, and took a lively interest in the proceedings. The patrons of the several districts seem to be aroused more than ever to the importance and utility of such gatherings, and turn out in full force to lend encouragement by their presence and well wishes to the respective institutes. Washington's birthday was celebrated by a number of the schools in the county. Appropriate exercises were held by the primary and grammar schools of Centreville. Excellent recitations, essays, and select readings on the part of the pupils elicited hearty applause. The school decorations were fine and the entertainment excellent in all its appointments. Washington Camp, No. 98, P. O. S. A., of Beavertown, turned out en masse on the afternoon of February 22d. Invitations having been issued to the schools and citizens of the town and vicinity, a grand concourse of people gathered in the spacious Camp room, where, with music by the band and addresses, a few hours were spent in patriotic memory of him whose natal day we celebrated. The schools thus far visited, for the second time, show commendable progress. Many improvements along the line of methods of instruction are noticeable.

SOMERSET Supt. Berkey: A large number of local institutes were held throughout the county during the month. Some of these approach the regular county institute in interest and value. The teachers deserve much credit for their part in keeping up these educational meetings. They have been a great uplifting force in the work of the schools, as well as in the development of a healthy educational sentiment among the people.

TIOGA Supt. Raesly: Local institutes were held at Mainesburg, Covington, Academy Corners and Liberty. The midwinter meeting of the County Teachers' Association was held at Lawrenceville. It was well attended, and the proceedings were unusually interesting. Éducational meetings and local institutes were held at Lawrenceville, Wellsboro, Blossburg, Mansfield, Lamb's Creek, and Millerton. They were all well attended. The sessions lasted from one to two days, and in several places an unusual degree of interest was manifested. The County Teachers' Reading Circle now numbers one hundred members.

UNION-Supt. Johnson: The County Institute was, in almost every particular, regarded as a great success. The attendance, both day and night, was excellent. Instructors, teachers and entertainers did their several parts well. As a regulator of the public pulse in educational affairs, the County Institute has no rival.

VENANGO-Supt. Bigler: It was my privilege to spend a day at the local institute held in Clintonville. A very interesting programme was rendered, and a large audi

ence was present. At the County Institute we appointed local institutes to be held at fourteen different points in the county. They are held on Saturdays, and great interest is taken in them by citizens and teachers. Much good comes from these institutes. An unusual interest is manifest among the people generally in regard to the local institutes that are being held throughout the county. In reference to the fourteen very successful institutes held, it is the general opinion that much good has been accomplished in the way of stirring up the people. Every township in the county, except one, has purchased neat library cases for the safe keeping of the free text-books. The law providing for the better protection of the health and morals of school children in their respective districts has already been complied with in a number of townships, and nearly every one that has not as yet complied is making preparation to do so. Special mention is due to the board of Irwin township for the elegant new school-house recently built at Wesley. Also great credit is due the Sugar Creek Board for their two new school-houses with modern systems of ventilation. While the schools have never before had a larger enrollment, yet the attendance is not what it should be. A great deal of sickness has prevailed in different parts of the county and a few schools have been closed, others greatly reduced on this account. A large percentage of the irregularity and non-attendance is caused by carelessness and indifference on the part of parents; for this reason we believe a compulsory school law would be acceptable.

WASHINGTON-Supt. Tombaugh: The last of our series of district institutes was held at Monongahela City early in the month. About 600 persons attended. Prof. Dalby and his able corps of teachers held a reception during the day preceding the first session of the institute. Many citizens came to view the excellent work done by the schools and were not disappointed. Examinations will be held this year at 35 different points in the county for the benefit of applicants for diplomas. April 7 and May 12 are the dates for these examinations. Attendance during this term has been good. WAYNE Supt. Kennedy: The annual Institute, held at Honesdale the first week in January, was in all respects a successful one. The instruction was well adapted to our needs. A "Teachers' Reading Course,' covering three years, was adopted, and teachers have taken it up with enthusiasm. The new school-house at Ashland in Damascus district is one of the finest buildings in the county. WESTMORELAND Supt. Ulerich : County Institute, held in December, was a very successful and profitable gathering. The attendance of teachers, directors and citizens was unusually large, the instruction uniformly good and of practical value, and the evening lectures of a high order. We

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had for our instructors Drs. Arnold Tompkins, Terre Haute, Ind.; W. H. Mace, Syracuse, N. Y.; and D. J. Waller; Profs. Byron W. King, S. C. Schmucker, E. L. Kemp, Jno. B. Demotte, D. C. Murphy, C. C. Case and Hon. John Q. Stewart. Each in his department gave eminent satisfaction. Hon. Jno. J. Ingalls, Maj. Henry C. Dane, Prof. J. Demotte and Frank Lincoln were the evening lecturers, and delighted every one who heard them. A special feature of the week was "Directors' Day.' Almost every borough and township in the county was represented by one or more directors. A permanent organization was effected in the morning and important questions ably discussed. In the afternoon the teachers and directors met in joint session and were addressed by Deputy Supt. Stewart and Prof. Jno. B. Demotte. Many of the teachers are earnest and enthusiastic. Many schoolrooms were found beautifully decorated with evergreens, pictures, flags, work of pupils, etc. The directors also seem to be anxious for the comfort and success of the children; they often accompanied me in my visits. The law relative to the outbuildings is being complied with in many places, but disregarded in others. We earnestly hope, however, that during the coming summer the required improvements will all be made. A very interesting institute, consisting of teachers from Fayette, Washington and Westmoreland counties, was held at North Belle Vernon, Westmoreland county. Prominent educators were present and a number of profitable addresses were made.

WYOMING-Supt. Keeler: The directors of Monroe township have purchased a lot in Beaumont village and intend to erect a twostory school-house thereon. Their plan is to unite three districts and have a graded school. Several local institutes have been held in the county.

BRADFORD-Supt. Roth: Our 4th ward school house was destroyed by fire January 5. The 200 children were transferred to the 2d and 3d ward buildings, with the loss of but a single day. $2,900 insurance is granted by agents. It is proposed to erect a new building, with modern improvements, without delay. Kindergarten tables and chairs have been placed in the first year's primary room, to replace furniture destroyed. Our greatest need is a compulsory education law, to reach children on the streets. What can be done?

BRADDOCK-Supt. Keefer: The question, "Should Examinations be made the Basis of Promotions?" was very thoroughly discussed at a recent meeting of our institute; also the question, "Recess or no Recess?" It was the opinion of the teachers that recess should be abolished in the upper grades, but not in the primary and intermediate grades. BETHLEHEM Supt. Farquhar: Hon. Henry Houck paid a visit to the high school on Friday afternoon, February 2d. He dropped in upon the pupils in the midst