In consequence of the disposition early manifested by the scholars to render me every assistance in their power in carrying into effect the plans of the school and promoting its prosperity, I gradually adopted the plan of assigning to various officers and committees, a number of specific duties relating to the general business of the school.  These officers have gradually multiplied as the school has increased and as business has accumulated.  The system has, from time to time, been revised, condensed, and simplified, and at the present time it is thus arranged.  The particular duties of each officer are minutely described to the individuals themselves at the time of their election; all I intend here is to give a general view of the plan, such as is necessary for the scholars at large.

There are, then, five departments of business intrusted to officers of the school.  The names of the officers, and a brief exposition of their duties, are as follows: 

[I omit the particular explanation of the duties of the officers, as the arrangement must vary in different schools, and the details of any one plan can only be useful in the school-room to which it belongs.  It will be sufficient to name the officers of each department, with their duties, in general terms.]

1.  REGULATORS.—­To assist in the ordinary routine of business in school:  ringing the bells; managing the Study Card; distributing and collecting papers; counting votes, &c.

2.  SECRETARIES.—­Keeping the records, and executing writing of various kinds.

3.  ACCOUNTANTS.—­Keeping a register of the scholars, and various other duties connected with the accounts.

4.  LIBRARIANS.—­To take charge of books and stationery.

5.  CURATORS.—­To secure neatness and good order in the apartments.

The secretaries and accountants are appointed by the principal, and will generally be chosen from the teachers.  The first in each of the other departments are chosen by ballot, by the scholars.  Each one thus chosen nominates the second in her department, and they two the assistants.  These nominations must be approved at a teachers’ meeting; for, if a scholar is inattentive to her studies, disorderly in her desk, or careless and troublesome in her manners, she evidently ought not to be appointed to public office.  No person can hold an office in two of these departments.  She can, if she pleases, however, resign one to accept another.  Each of these departments ought often to assemble and consult together, and form plans for carrying into effect with greater efficiency the objects intrusted to them.  They are to keep a record of all their proceedings, the head of the department acting as secretary for this purpose.

The following may be given as an example of the manner in which business is transacted by means of these officers.  On the day that the above description of their duties was written, I wished for a sort of directory to assist the collector employed to receive payments for the bills, and, to obtain it, I took the following steps: