occurred at the time I
was writing the above description, and not because there is any thing
otherwise peculiar in it. Such cases are continually taking place, and
by the division of labor above illustrated, I am very much assisted in a
great many of the duties, which would otherwise consume a great portion
of my time.

Any of the scholars may, at any time, make suggestions in writing, to
any of these officers, or to the whole school. And if an officer should
be partial, or unfaithful, or negligent in her duty, any scholar may
propose her impeachment. After hearing what she chooses to write in her
defence, a vote is taken on sustaining the impeachment. If it is
sustained, she is deprived of the office and another appointed to fill
her place.

V. THE COURT.

I have already described how all serious cases of doing wrong or neglect
of duty are managed in the school. I manage them myself, by coming as
directly and as openly as I can, to the heart and conscience of the
offender. There are, however, a number of little transgressions, too
small to be individually worthy of serious attention, but which are yet
troublesome to the community, when frequently repeated. These relate
chiefly to _order in the school rooms_. These misdemeanors are tried,
half in jest, and half in earnest, by a sort of _court_, whose forms of
process might make a legal gentleman smile. They however fully answer
our purpose. I can best give you an idea of the court, by describing an
actual trial. I ought however first to say, that any young lady, who
chooses to be free from the jurisdiction of the court, can signify that
wish to me, and she is safe from it. This however is never done. They
all see the useful influence of it, and wish to sustain it.

Near the close of school, I find perhaps on my desk a paper of which the
following may be considered a copy. It is called the indictment.

We accuse Miss A. B. of having waste papers in the aisle opposite her
desk, at 11 o'clock, on Friday, Oct. 12.

C. D. }
E. F. } Witnesses.

I give notice after school that a case is to be tried. Those interested,
twenty or thirty perhaps, gather around my desk, while the sheriff goes
to summon the accused and the witnesses. A certain space is marked off
as the precincts of the court, within which no one must enter in the
slightest degree, on pain of imprisonment, i. e. confinement to her seat
until the court adjourns.

"Miss A. B.; you are accused o