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The other and less agreeable fact by which the year has
been distinguished, is the distinguished attendance.
During the second term the number of students was
the smallest that we have had for several years.
The number in attendance during the year; compared
with that of the preceding year, given by terms; is
as follows:-
1877-8: Fall 74; winter 68; spring 73; 215
1878-9: " 53; " 47; " 62; 162
53
The income from students for the two years is as follows:
1877-8: 2330.66
1878-9: 1747.57
$583.09
In order to turn the tide, we announced for the spring
term a teacher class, + to furnish the instruction
needed by such a class, some additional work was
undertaken. The class brought some ten or twelve
students who would not otherwise have been present.
The work has been so satisfactory to both teachers
and pupils, that we are encouraged to continue the plan.
We have assurances that the number attending it in
the fall will be much larger.
Such a class with our lack of facilities can not
be made equal to a good normal shcool conducted
on sound methods. But it affords an opportunity
for improvement which many of the teachers of
common schools stand in great need of.
Indeed it proposes to do just such work as the
normal school, at least in Ohio, actually does, and
just such work as must be done for the present
teachers, before the ideal normal school will
be possible.
Early in the year the proposed extension
and improvement of the library room was completed,
and during the Christmas holidays the libraries of the
two literary societies were placed under the marriagement
of the Faculty. For all the purposes of a
library the three are now one, being open one hour
each day for reading and reference and one hour a week
for the issue and return of books. A copy of the
ruler accompanies this report.
Some money is still due on the subscriptions
that were made for this improvement, + with
this, when paid, we hope to carpet at least half the
floor, + provide some other conveniences.