tion, with a decrease of 6,673 in public school enrolment and of 10,952 in average daily attendance. The number of pupils attending private schools also decreased, leaving 12,687 fewer pupils in both classes of schools. An increase of 6,915 appears in the number of colored youth enrolled in public schools, but even with this there was not quite 49 per cent. of the school population in attendance. The decrease of 13,588 white pupils enrolled left about 53 per cent. in the schools. More public schools were taught, also more private and more consolidated schools (the last being a union of the first two); the average public school term was 2 days longer, but the whole expenditure was $86,853 less, although 926 more teachers were employed and their average pay was only 7 cents a month less. The number of school-houses was 2 more than the previous year, but the estimated value of school property was $198,282 less, although considerable improvement is reported in school-houses, more than 500 old structures giving place to new ones and many being supplied with better furniture. Such inconsistent statistics are doubtless the result of imperfect reports, 3 counties having failed to report at all in 1880, and 6 in 1881. Possibly, too, some of the serious retrogression above noted may be due to the same cause, since encouraging reports are given of the condition of the schools by the State superintendent and the popular sentiment regarding them is said to be improving.

WEST VIRGINIA.

The report from this State shows encouraging educational progress: improvement in methods of instruction; a demand for better teachers; an increased interest of parents in the schools; improved school buildings, with better furniture and apparatus; an increased number of county educational meetings held; and provision made by the legislature for the free education of 18 colored normal students at Storer College, Harper's Ferry. There was an increase of 2,353 pupils enrolled in public schools against 3,078 more youth 6 to 21. The increased enrolment of white pupils was nearly equal to the increase in white school population; but the enrolment of colored pupils fell off, while the number of school age increased. Indeed, not quite 48 per cent. of the colored youth of school age attended public schools for any part of the year; and the per cent. of whites attending was only 69. The decrease in average daily attendance was not large, and was about the same for both races, though proportionately much greater for the colored. More public schools were taught and $44,386 more were expended for school purposes, but the average pay of teachers decreased and the average term of schools was 9 days shorter. More school buildings were reported and the valuation of school property was $82,609 greater.

NORTHERN CENTRAL STATES-OHIO.

Ohio reports 1,063,337 youth 6 to 21 years of age, 744,758 enrolled in public schools, and 468,141 in average daily attendance, with 30,362 in private schools, or nearly 73 per cent. of the school population under instruction during some portion of the year. The statistics show an increase during the year of 17,112 in school population, with a decrease of 2,380 enrolled in public schools and an increase of 1,712 in private schools, leaving a small decrease in the number of pupils under instruction in both classes of schools, with a largely increased number to be educated. There was also a decrease of 8,138 in the average daily attendance on public schools. But it must be remembered, in dealing with the statistics of this State, that for some time past each alternate year has been one of depression. The public school enrolment increased largely during 1875-76, 1877-'78, and 1879-'80, falling off in every intervening year. Comparing the statistics of 1879 and 1881, we find, indeed, about 20,000 more youth to be educated in 1881, with only 10,000 more enrolled in public schools and 8,000 more in average daily attendance, but the per cent. of attendance on enrolment, counting public and private school pupils, was about the same. It appears, too, that, notwithstanding the decrease reported for 1881 in public school enrolment and average attendance, there were 92 more

school-houses, having 134 more rooms occupied, school property increasing $252,264 in value; 286 more teachers were employed, though at reduced pay; $429,173 more were expended for school purposes, and the average term was 5 days longer.

INDIANA.

Although the annual enumeration showed 10,785 more youth to be instructed in 1880-'81 and although 217 more districts reported schools for such instruction as having been taught in that year, the fine record of the previous year was not maintained. Enrolment in the public schools fell off by 7,428 and average daily attendance on them by 15,358. Even with this falling off the enrolment was about 70.5 per cent. of the youth of school age and the average attendance about 60.7 per cent. of the number enrolled, which would be thought in most States very fair. The private schools in public buildings, which are here allowed by the school law in the intervals of public sessions, were 101 more and enrolled 1,702 more pupils, bringing up a little higher the percentage of all under instruction; while graded schools, with their superior training, though less numerous by 22 in districts, were more so by 125 in townships, giving an absolute increase of 103, making the general average of the public teaching better. The new school-houses, with their greater comforts and advantages, were also 56 more than in the previous year, school property thus rating $206,225 higher. Receipts and expenditures for public schools showed an increase of $77,456 in the former and of $36,904 in the latter.

ILLINOIS.

In this State, as in Indiana, the year's record was a fair one, but inferior to that of the preceding year. Instead of a public school enrolment that included more than the whole increase in youth of school age and an additional average attendance more than double this large increase of enrolment, there was a decline of 2,414 in one and of 5,780 in the other, attendance on private and church schools also diminishing. Still, here also the enrolment, thus diminished, took in 70 per cent. of the school youth of the State (75.9 per cent., if private and church schools are included), and the average attendance was about 60.7 per cent. of the enrolment. The public schools, too, gained on the private, the latter reported being 34 less, the graded schools in the public system 30 more, with 42 more houses for public schools and an increase of $1,080,744 in school property as valued. Then receipts for public schools were greater, expenditures for them $326,472 more, and the average pay of teachers of both sexes considerably better than for two preceding years.

MICHIGAN.

Michigan, with more than 518,000 youth of school age (5 to 20), had 371,743 attending public and1 9,788 attending private schools, or over 71 per cent. of the school population enrolled in public schools and over 75 per cent. in both classes, an increase for the year of 12,073 in school population and of 9,187 in public school enrolment, with 934 more in private schools. There were 175 more public school-houses, with 8,595 more sittings, school property being valued at $406,857 more, and 17,891 more volumes were reported in public school libraries. There was an increase in the number of teachers employed and in the number attending State institutes. The permanent school fund was $159,241 more and $307,683 more were expended on public schools, although the average pay of teachers decreased slightly; the average term of schools was 4 days longer.

WISCONSIN.

Wisconsin reports over 300,000 pupils in public and 26,252 in private schools out of 491,358 youth 4 to 20 years of age. Counting 4,724 who attended State normal schools and academies gives us over 67 per cent. of the school population attending. There were also 2,971 students in collegiate and theological schools (an increase for the year of

384), besides 1,938 under instruction in benevolent institutions. Comparing these statistics with those of the previous year we find 8,129 more youth of school age, but only 665 more enrolled in public schools, while the average daily attendance decreased by 6,632. There were more pupils in private schools, however, by 314. There were fewer public schools taught by 141, but more of these were graded and high, and the average term was over 13 days longer; the expenditure for public schools was $48,331 more; the amount of public school fund increased by $42,370, and the normal school fund by $27,793, while there were smaller advances in the university and agricultural college funds. The superintendent finds in the above, and in other facts, evidence of a steady and healthful advancement. He reports greater harmony and zeal in the management and teaching of the schools; more apparent willingness to remedy defects in the system; a slight growth of sentiment favorable to the employment of better teachers for longer terms; a wider dissemination of information in respect to hygienic laws in their application to schoolhouses, grounds, and the care of children while in school; and a marked progress in methods of instruction in the country schools, through the adoption of a graded course of study.

MINNESOTA.

Owing to the death of State Superintendent Burt before completing his report for 1880-'81, full statistics for that year cannot be obtained. The return sent by his successor shows a decrease of 2,970 in public school pupils enrolled and of $239,622 expended for them, but an increase of 6 days in the average school term, of 356 in the number of teachers (who received a slight advance in pay), of $559,559 in the estimated value of public school property, and of $385,748 in the State school fund.

IOWA.

With 594,730 youth 5 to 21 years of age, there were 431,513, or over 72 per cent., enrolled in public schools and more than 15,000 attending private schools, which raised the percentage of pupils under instruction to 75. There was an increase for the year of 8,174 in youth of school age, which was nearly met by an increased enrolment of 5,456 in public and of 2,374 in private schools, but the average attendance on public schools decreased by 5,748. More school-houses were reported, at an increased valuation of $290,250; more teachers were employed, their average monthly pay was slightly advanced, and the permanent school fund was increased by $62,713.

NEBRASKA.

Here the public schools enrolled 100,776 out of 152,824 youth 5 to 21, or about 66 per cent., but only 65,504 were in average daily attendance. The number of pupils in private or church schools was not reported. A comparison of these figures with those of the previous year shows an advance in nearly all respects. There were 10,476 more youth of school age, 8,227 more enrolled in public schools, and 5,348 more in average daily attendance. With an increase of 269 in school districts there were 517 more having school 6 months and over, while fewer reported no schools and the average term for the State was a day longer. More teachers were employed, at a slight advance in average pay; $27,108 more were expended for public school purposes and the permanent State school fund increased by $1,803,348.

COLORADO.

In this State, out of 40,804 youth 6 to 21 years of age, 26,000, or 63 per cent., were enrolled in public schools, 14,649 being in average daily attendance. The number attending private and church schools was not reported. An advance for the year appears of 3,881 in pupils enrolled and of 2,031 in average daily attendance, with 5,238 more of

school age, which was met by an addition of 5,977 sittings for pupils in 22 school buildings, 112 more teachers, and $161,624 more expended on the schools. There were 1,395 more volumes in the school libraries, the valuation of school property was $294,803 more, and the average monthly pay of teachers in ungraded schools advanced considerably, men receiving $10.84 and women $6.56 more, while men teaching graded schools were paid $1.58 more, but women $1.52 less.

STATES ON THE PACIFIC SLOPE-NEVADA.

The decay of mining interests still shows its effect on the population and the schools, 22 fewer districts making report of schools and the number reported being 29 below that reported in 1879-'80, the reported value of school property going down also $15,081; teachers 21 fewer, with smaller salaries; youth of school age reported, 59 less; the average length of term was 2.4 days less; enrolment in public schools 716 less, with a corresponding diminution in the private schools. Yet, with all this falling off, the average attendance in public schools increased a little; 20 more schools were sustained without rate bills; receipts for public schools were $4,079 greater, and the growth of the State school fund was $149,000.

CALIFORNIA.

In this State there are clear signs of educational advance in the State school system, as is learned from the report of the superintendent, received since the abstract (page 13) was prepared. Although the census takers reported 4,741 fewer youth of age for free instruction, 985 more of that age were brought into the public schools, while, including those under and over the school age, 5,090 more pupils were enrolled. In average daily attendance, too, 4,575 more were reported. Per contra, youth in private schools fell off 1,055. To meet the considerable additional number of public school pupils there were 149 more public schools, 46 more of the districts reporting good school accommodations and 30 more good furniture. Of the 142 more teachers, also, 95 were graduates of normal schools. Enrolment, average belonging, average attendance, all were largely in excess of like items in any former year, while the per cent. of non-attendance was less than for seven preceding years.

OREGON.

School districts were more numerous by 30 and 28 more reported their statistics. These showed the existence of 87 more school-houses, adding $89,606 to the value of school property; showed a school population of 2,026 more to be instructed; showed funds for such instruction $20,139 greater; showed that 12 more first grade certificates had been issued to teachers and 80 more second grade; but yet showed also that 3,035 fewer pupils were enrolled in the public schools and that 2,239 fewer had been in average daily attendance; this, too, though private schools, which increased by 44, had gathered in 612 additional pupils. The only gain exhibited in attendance on the public system was in the districts with graded schools, and as these are almost wholly in the towns and cities the considerable decrease indicated must have been in the comparatively poor and unattractive country schools.

THE TERRITORIES-ALASKA.

The accounts show increase of educational facilities, of school attendance, and of improvement from these in this yet unorganized vast territory. New buildings for schools and teachers were erected among the Chilkats, Hoonyahs, and Hydahs at large expense and with great labor, owing to the immense distances of these tribes from each other and from the sources of supply. Attendance appears to have increased from about 250 to nearly 500, with an average of at least half this, while in one instance a school of much promise was formed substantially by a set of Indian boys, who voluntarily withdrew from the degradation of bad native homes to secure themselves an education, even at

the expense of daily labor for their own support while getting it. All this is from a report of the active Presbyterian agent in the field; the Methodists, who are said to be entering it, not having yet sent any report of work, and none having come from the Alaska Company's schools on the Seal Islands.

ARIZONA.

Although the report of the territorial superintendent indicates that the school returns here are incomplete, falling far short of showing the actual educational condition, it is evident from even these returns that public schools had increased in number, 148 being reported against 101 "rooms for study" reported in 1879-'80, while school property was rated $8,244 higher. Receipts and expenditures for schools, however, were less by several thousand dollars, as presented, and the enrolment reported was 368 less than that of the preceding year, perhaps because there were 9 private or church schools, not previously reported, working as rivals of the public schools.

DAKOTA.

Reports from this great Territory are defective, from the fact that important towns and cities have charters which release them from obligation to make returns of school affairs and from the further fact that county officers too often do not make them. Still, from the United States Census of 1880 and from reports of the territorial authorities for the latter part of 1881, it may be seen that there was in the latter year an increase of probably at least 11,000 youth of school age, an enrolment in the public schools of so many additional pupils as to more than cover this large increase, a provision of over 500 more schools for those enrolled, with a corresponding addition to the teaching force, while the receipts for schools, by the reported figures, exceeded by $108,000 the highest estimate of those of 1880, and, in the opinion of the superintendent of instruction, exceeded them by about a quarter of a million.

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.1

Of the school population shown here by the United States Census of 1880 there were 62.7 per cent. enrolled in public schools in 1880-'81, and, of those enrolled, 75.9 per cent. were in average daily attendance, the colored pupils especially distinguishing themselves in respect to this attendance. Receipts for all school purposes were $78,687 greater than in the previous year and expenditures $88,745 greater; school property, through the addition of new buildings and repair of old ones, rose in value $120,533. There was an increase of 27 teachers, and every new teacher appointed in the primary grades has received normal training.

IDAHO.

The most important county here not reporting its educational statistics and those from some other counties being too uncertain to form a basis for definite conclusions, it is diffi

1There is a natural desire in the District of Columbia and abroad in the country that education of the people at the capital of the nation should be in all respects a model for the study of the rest of the country and for the observation of foreigners. Great advances have been made in the last fifteen years, but much remains to be accomplished. The system should be complete; certainly a school for the reform of girls and special schools to give instruction in various industries and school-houses embodying the best results of pedagogical study and sufficient to accommodate all the children should be erected. No one can observe the large number of wayward or neglected children in the streets without acknowledging the necessity of providing for their care and instruction, and perhaps ample authority may be found in an old act passed by the city government providing for the binding out of poor orphan children and the children of drunkards, vagrants, and paupers, passed October 31, 1820. The child or children of drunkards, vagrants, or paupers who appear to be bringing up their children in ignorance and vice, sloth, and idleness, or who suffer them to be begging or holding horses for hire at public places, may be taken in charge by the trustee or justice of the peace, and, if a male child, may be bound out until he shall have arrived at the age of 21 years, and, if a female, till she shall have arrived at the age of 16 years.