The size of the schools, measured by the number of pupils, must be judged mostly from material found relating to Philadelphia. It was doubtless true that in the country regions there were fewer children within reach of the school and it was not necessary to state limits beyond which they might not go. The yearly meeting certainly recommended that the number of children be specified, which the master was to teach, but this was often taken to mean that they should promise to teach a certain number of children for the use of the school. The schools were always composed of these two classes, the independent or _pay scholar_ and the poor or _free scholar_. Some of the Philadelphia reports state the number attending, of each of these classes. In that system the teachers were required to keep a roll, especially of the poor children, and turn it over for the inspection of the overseers.[826] In country districts the school committee usually kept account of the poor scholars, seeing that they were supplied with all things necessary.[827] It may prove interesting to examine the Philadelphia system a little more fully. [Sidenote: Both boys and girls assisted] [Sidenote: Everything furnished to the “free” scholar] First, let it be noted that cases of both boys and girls were investigated by the overseers, and if capable and in need of assistance, they were put under the tutorage of masters or mistresses free of any charge.[828] Not only were the children of Friends admitted, but an effort was made to find out the needy, of other denominations, and put them to school also.[829] All articles necessary were furnished free to the poor scholars by the Board, the master was required to keep an account of each item and present the bill therefor in his reports to that body.[830] The number of poor in Anthony Benezet’s school in 1743-4, about a year after he entered it, was 14.[831] There was very little fluctuation as to the number for many years; in 1749 there were 17.[832] Below are given the reports of some of the schools in 1757.[833] It seldom or never occurred that a report for all schools was made at one time. Pay Free Master Year Items Scholars Scholars Amount CHARLES THOMPSON 1757 Books and firing for (_Latin_) poor scholars 31 7 £150/00/00 ALEXANDER SEATON 1757 Teaching poor scholars 30 41 58/15/ 4 (_English_) Premiums 3/00/00 Books and firewood 15/ 4/ 9½ Clothing for poor 6/17/ 8½ JOSEPH STILES 1757 Teaching poor scholars 14 28/18/ 1 Books and firewood 3/14/ 7 REBECKAH BURCHALL 1757 Teaching poor children 23 36/ 9/10 Firewood 3/ 4/ 6