were pupils of the Osceola High School, and many of the systematic methods in use there have been carried into their separate schools.

There is much improvement in the erection of school buildings and accessories thereto. A majority of the school directors planted trees about the school grounds, and others would have done so had the knowledge of the law reached them sooner.

It was pleasant to see the interest teachers displayed when informing pupils about the trees and inspiring pride among the pupils as to their care. I found no tree broken or marred by pupils anywhere. The attendance upon our normal institute was ninety-two per cent of the enrollment, and the three weeks' session was a pleasant one. A text-book on didactics was placed in the hands of the teachers.

Judging from observations made during my brief experience of the workings of the two systems, I consider the district township system much superior to the independent rural district. It is cheaper, the officers do their work much more promptly, and a better grade of teachers is employed.

CLAYTON COUNTY.

O. D. OATHOUT.

The schools of Clayton county are in a prosperous condition, and our teachers studying, perhaps, as never before. Third grade certificates have been discontinued since last spring, the standard for first and second grades remaining unchanged, viz: first grade, an average of 90 per cent, with no branch below 80 per cent, and successful experience for one or more terms; second grade, average 80 per cent, with no branch below 70 per cent. Not a word of discontent has come to my ears on account of dropping third grades. The measure has seemed to meet the approval of all classes.

Our institute course of study is prepared for two years to come: hence we expect more systematic study on the branches required for examination for certificates.

Except in independent districts, the enumeration of youth of school

age is taken by subdirectors, upon the accuracy of whose reports district secretaries and county superintendents must depend. In this county a large number of subdirectors are careless or indifferent in this respect, consequently secretaries fail to report the whole number of children belonging to their districts. Were subdirectors to be paid for their work, I think their reports to district secretaries would be much more accurate than they are at present.

Again: Are there not many district secretaries and treasurers who are deficient in a knowledge of practical arithmetic and of the science of accounts? This evil could be remedied if these officers were required to pass an examination in these branches before some competent authority.

Several new school-houses have been built this year, and last spring a large number of districts had shade trees set out on their school grounds. In some districts, also, measures are taken to open roads where they are needed for school purposes. Respectfully submitted.

DALLAS COUNTY.

MRS. JENNIE E. WHINERY.

In some parts of Dallas county the people seem to be waking up from their lethargy, and are manifesting considerable interest in educational matters. In Linn township an effort is being made to secure a library at the Center school house, for general reading and refer

ence.

Fully two-thirds of the teachers have purchased professional books, and I see them upon their desks in the school room. I have recommended a "course of reading" in American and English classics, which is being faithfully carried out by our best teachers.

Several new school houses have been added to our list during the year. I have had great trouble in getting the secretaries' and treasurers' reports from some of the independent rural districts. They are

entirely too independent. They keep no separate account of the dif ferent funds.

Wherever I have visited I have endeavored to carry out the instructions received through the State superintendent's circular of last winI have tried to encourage the teacher, and to impress upon him and the assembled school that the county superintendent was not a harsh critic, but a friend, ready to render every possible assistance, while at the same time I have not failed to point out privately (to the teacher) any fault I might notice.

I have been treated with uniform respect and kindness, and have found many schools in good condition, and the schools comfortable and happy.

I hope to do a better work next year.

DELAWARE COUNTY.

H. G. MILLEN.

Having but recently entered upon the work of the superintendency (January 2d, 1882), I cannot speak of the condition of the schools of the county with that familiarity that comes of long service in the work.

However, there are some signs that indicate progress. Preceding the March meeting, a circular was issued to school officers, advising them, among other things, to raise the wages of teachers, to the end that competent young men and women might be induced to enter the profession, and that experienced teachers might be retained. Also, that more months of school be provided for in many districts, and that there be spring, fall, and winter terms, instead of summer and winter terms merely. In accordance with these suggestions, several townships took action whereby the wages of teachers were raised, and many districts are now having fall terms for the first time.

Concerning the reports of district secretaries and treasurers, would say that, although the directions printed upon the blanks for these

officers seem to be all that are needed, yet practice demonstrates that they are not sufficient, and while it may be a question whether these ever could be simplified sufficiently to guard against mistakes; yet it is my opinion that if the proper instructions-such as are printed in the Iowa Normal Monthly-regarding the proper mode of filling the column, "average compensation per mo.," and the last three under the general head," pupils," were printed on each blank for secretaries, it would materially aid these officers.

Our normal institute was well attended, and the interest all that could be desired. The work in didactics, conducted by Prof. L. A. Rose, was of such a character as will certainly have a fruitage in better teaching.

Notwithstanding the many signs of promise and encouragement, one cannot but feel that there is much yet wanting to bring our schools up to the proper standard. The great mass of teachers of the country schools are lacking in many of the essentials requisite to successful teaching. An effort will be made the coming winter to stimulate teachers to perfect themselves in scholarship and in professional knowledge.

The organization of the county teachers' association for the coming winter was effected at the close of the normal institute, and meetings will be held in the principal towns of the county.

FLOYD COUNTY.

H. H. DAVIDSON.

Our schools in Floyd county are, we think, in a prosperous condition. We are trying to work a simple graded course of study into our country schools, which we hope will greatly benefit them.

We have introduced a semi-monthly report to the county superintendent, which seems to be giving satisfactory results.

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In making my annual report I was greatly delayed by reason of the

failure of the township and district secretaries and treasurers to report in proper time. In several instances I was forced to go after those reports.

FREMONT COUNTY.

T. J. R. PERRY.

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The school work within our borders is moving on quietly and harmoniously, with a manifestly increased desire for more of practical work in our school-rooms, and less of theory, only. We are directing our energies to meet this demand, feeling that it is a long step in the direction of true national education.

GUTHRIE COUNTY.

T. J. MAHONEY.

The educational outlook in Guthrie county is favorable.

On the theory that "as is the teacher so is the school," I think we may reasonably expect good schools in our county. The county teachers' association meeting three time a year exerts a powerful influence.

But yet we are not content to "lie on our oars." Observation in the school-room has convinced me that a teacher needs length and breadth and depth to his knowledge of any subject in order to teach it well. I have known teachers to waste much time and trouble trying to develop an idea by continuing to ask the same question or series of questions, until the pupil became confused and the teacher out of