The method of note taking is the most important matter in connection with this first piece of work, for here, probably for the first time in his life, the student is introduced to this particular application of the card index and filing system. It is required that each note be taken upon a separate card, that each card shall have a head line appropriate for filing purposes, and that there be an accurate volume and page reference to the book from which each bit of information was taken. Emphasis is also put upon the fact that all the reading should be done and all the notes completed before the essay is begun, and that the essay should be written solely from the notes, without further reference to the books; for experience has shown that this is the best way of proving to the student himself whether his notes have been well or poorly taken. It may be urged that twenty or thirty minutes will not suffice for thorough instruction in such a variety of matters; it certainly would be impossible if it were not for the fact that the whole process is simplified by providing each student in advance with a pamphlet which, besides explaining briefly all these points, contains also a condensed guide to the library. With the aid of this, the work of the instructor is reduced to the task of ascertaining by well-directed questions just what the student has done, and what he would do if he were confronted with certain problems which are sure to arise. And of course, each man is encouraged to consult the instructor informally at any time in connection with puzzling points that may crop up. As before, a definite time limit is set for this part of the work, and at a second meeting, both the notes and the essay are handed in; and in addition, directions are at that time given for the construction of a formal bibliography. This differs from the preliminary book list which was submitted at the beginning of the work in the following points: in the first place, each book is to be properly and formally listed on a separate card; secondly, reference must be made on each card, not only to the pages which deal with the student’s particular topic, but to those where further bibliographical lists are to be found; again, he is at this time introduced to and taught to use the principal historical bibliographies, and required to enter on cards those which give lists of books on his subject, with an exact reference to the pages where these lists are to be found, without, however, copying any titles from these lists; and lastly, he must make an elementary classification of all his cards by dividing them into three groups,--bibliographies, sources and secondary works.