of which have
been created, in some cases, large school funds which yield a permanent
income.[181] Up to 1876 the United States had granted nearly eighty
million acres of land for educational purposes.

The Bureau of Education is obliged to rely on such statistics as its
correspondents are willing to give, yet its work has been so valuable,
its information so extensive and accurate, and its educational purpose
so high, that cordial cooeperation is generally given. This annual report
is the finest issued by any nation in the world.[182]

THE STATE SYSTEMS

=Administration.=--At the head of each state school system, there is an
executive officer usually called the State Superintendent of Public
Instruction. He is chosen for from two to five years, sometimes by
popular vote, sometimes by the joint houses of the Legislature,
sometimes by the State Board of Education, and in some cases is
appointed by the governor. His duties are to make reports, to examine
teachers, to inspect schools, to distribute school moneys, to hear
appeals in school matters, and to have general oversight of the
educational interests of the state. In some states there is a State
Board of Education that cooeperates with the State Superintendent. The
interests of education seem to be best conserved when there is a
non-partisan State Board of Education, which appoints the executive
officers and has general charge of the schools.

The second administrative unit is the county, over which is placed a
Superintendent of Schools. He is chosen by popular vote or is appointed
by the State Board of Education, and holds office generally about three
years. He must visit the schools, examine teachers, hold institutes,
distribute school moneys, and oversee the educational work. The number
of schools under the inspection of the county superintendent is often so
great, and the territory so large, that his work cannot be well done. In
many cases the compensation is so small that he is obliged to devote a
part of his time to some other occupation. The work is of sufficient
importance to demand the full time of a competent man; and the salary
ought to be proportionate to such needs.

The next division is that of the township, though in most states the
school district is the next unit. The so-called "township system" has
been adopted in several states, and recommended in others. This system
has a board of education which appoints teachers, purchases supplies,
and m