written statement is called a will or
testament. Some who are possessed of property die without making a will.
They are said to die _intestate_. To see that the provisions of wills, if
any be made, are complied with, and, in case no will is made, to make sure
that the property comes into possession of those best entitled to it, is
the important and wellnigh sacred duty of an officer called the judge of
probate. If no one is named in the will to look after the education and
property of minor heirs, the judge of probate may appoint a guardian. The
appointee must give bonds for the faithful discharge of his duty.
[Footnote: see chapter VII.] Incidentally it is made the duty of the judge
of probate to appoint guardians for any persons needing them, such as
insane persons, spendthrifts, and the like. He seems to be the friend of
the weak.

County Surveyor.--To survey all public improvements for the county, such
as roads, lands for public buildings, &c., there is an officer called the
county surveyor. He is required to preserve his "field notes" in county
books furnished for the purpose. Individuals frequently call upon him to
settle disputes about boundary lines between their estates.

Superintendent of Schools.--Not every one is competent to teach, and to
protect the children as far as possible from having their time worse than
wasted by incompetent would-be teachers, is the very responsible duty of
the county superintendent of schools. From among those who present
themselves as candidates he selects by a careful examination those whom he
deems most competent, and gives to each a certificate of qualification. He
visits the schools and counsels with the teachers regarding methods of
instruction and management. It is his duty also to hold teacher's
meetings. He reports annually to the state superintendent of public
instruction such facts as the superintendent calls for.

County Attorney.--Like railroads and other corporations, the county keeps
a regularly employed attorney to act for it in all suits at law. This
officer is called the county attorney. He represents the state in all
criminal prosecutions and is for this reason sometimes called the state's
attorney.

Sheriff.--An ancient officer of the county is the sheriff. He has three
principal lines of duty: 1. To preserve the peace within the county. 2. To
attend court. 3. To serve processes. He pursues criminals and commits them
to jail. He has charge of the county jai