Clerks' Reports.-A few clerks say there is too much minutiæ called for in their report, and when they get it all mixed one is ready to assent that for them it is "too much." But a number of districts continue in office the same person for clerk a number of years with very good results, for such send in full and accurate reports. The amount paid to the 76 clerks in this county last year was less then $10 each.

Clerks Bonds.-It is a good provision of our law that the clerk's bond shall be accepted by the directors before it is sent to the superintendent. The directors are usually acquainted with the persons offered for bondsmen, and know of their responsibility, which the superintendent can not often ascertain without the expenditure of more time than he can spare for that purpose.

Certificates. The present law works satisfactorily so long as the teacher finds employment in the county where the certificate is obtained. But when a teacher can not find employment in the county granting his certificate, and is compelled to go to another county to teach, the question arises whether or not that county can grant him another certificate of the same grade. It has been the custom in this county to take up the certificate first received if it has not been used, and give on examination another of the same grade good, for a full term in this county.

Official Labors.-During the the two years past I have found it advisable to visit each district twice annually or oftener if the teacher has been changed. As we have 76 districts, this requires a large amount of travel and time and considerable expense. The work in the office is also considerable, which is to more than covered by the salary allowed, $240. Since the law compels the visitation it ought also compel the compensation to be adequate. And on this account I would recommend that the next legislature amend the law so that superintendents may have an adequate salary.

YAMHILL COUNTY, 1890.-SUPT. L. H.

BAKER.

Enumeration.-The clerks' annual reports show 3,983 persons between the ages of 4 and 20 years residing in this county. The teachers' reports show an enrollment in the public schools of 2,693; number enrolled under 6 years of age, 119, making a total of 2,812; leaving a balance of 1,171 not attending any school. This number, however, is still further reduced by the fact that quite a number enumerated by the clerks attend private schools, but not reported by the clerks as such.

The Average Daily Attendance-During the year is 1,837. In 1889 the daily average was 1,710, with a total enrollment of 2,565. While the difference between the enumeration and enrollment seems startling, it should be noted that children are enumerated at 4 years of age, yet not admitted to the public school as a rule until 6 years of age. Again, many from various causes leave school before the age of twenty, some much younger, so that the enrollment may be considered as fair, compared with the total number of school age. The difference, however, between the actual enrollment and the average daily attendance is not what it should be. Yet, comparing one year with another, there seems to be a slight improvement in this line. The full measure of success in the schools cannot be attained until regular attendance can be secured.

Apparatus.-Much improvement in the matter of school apparatus has been made during the past year. School officers are showing a disposition to furnish schools with needed apparatus and also of funishing the school-room. with the latest improved furniture.

Clerks' Reports.-There is not the care taken that should be in the election of district clerks. Much depends upon the efficiency and public progresive spirit of the clerk, though in this respect I find also a decided improvement in the completeness and accuracy of the reports as compared with past years. With few exceptions this county is well supplied with good, well-furnished school-houses, ranging in value from $500 to $10,000. The few old buildings that remain will soon be replaced by new and commodious buildings.

Local Educational Meetings have been held throughout the county during the year, and wherever held have been well received by the people, and an impetus thus given to educational matters not obtained in any other way.

County Institutes have been held and well attended. The teachers' institute is an inseparable part of a well-regulated school system.

Examination of Teachers.-' -The present law governing teachers' certificates meets with general approval, as its tendency is to elevate the calling of the teacher to a profession and making it for him a life work.

Only in this way can the best talent for the profession be secured and retained, and the highest and best attainments can only be obtained by a permanency and continuity of the work. The question of teachers' salaries will then be settled, for usually the competent teacher can command a reasonable Salary, though it must be admitted that the teacher's salary as compared with other professions is far too small to hold the best talent.

Reviews and Examinations in the common schools are now receiving more attention. While this work is followed to excess in some graded schools there is little danger in the country schools, and as it tends to thoroughness it should be encouraged.

As

Arbor Day. So far Arbor day has received little attention, but it is destined to become a distinct feature in the school system in the near future. the necessity for the preservation of the forests becomes more and more apparent this day exercises will be a potent factor in educating the rising generation in this most important matter.

Educational Outlook.-In conclusion I would say the educational outlook for the county is good. We have less of a call for a cheap teacher and more for the competent. The financial standing of school affairs is yearly growing better, and the act requiring the funds for the current year to be all appropriated for school purposes is a most wholesome one.

Finally, with good and well furnished school-houses, with funds to support a free school from six to nine months during the year in a State and county rich in agricultural and other resources, with a climate unsurpassed in the world, the outlook for the future seems indeed good.

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