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The Recording Secretary

The secretary commences his minutes thus: "At a stated or special, or adjourned stated, or adjourned special, as the case may be] meeting of here insert the name of the body], held on [here insert the time and place of the meeting], Mr. [insert chairman's name in the chair, and [here insert secretary's name] acting as secretary- "The minutes of the preceding meeting were read and approved." If the reading of the minutes was dispensed with, say so, instead of the preceding line. Then give a statement of what was done, without comments, as succinctly as possible, down to the adjournment.

In countersigning an order for money, or in giving a certified copy of the minutes, or an extract from them, always sign the name on the left-handed corner of each sheet except the last. On the last, the signature on the same corner should be preceded-if an order for money-by the word teste or attest; and if it be a copy of minutes, by the words "A true copy of the minutes."

In case of an adjournment for want of a quorum, say : "At a stated [or special, etc.] meeting called at [naming place and time], no quorum being present, the meeting adjourned."

In recording the yeas and nays, prepare a list of the members, or have it on hand, and after the name of each have two columns ruled. Where a member votes "aye," write it in the first column, or head one column "aye," and the other "no," and make a mark in the proper column, opposite the name, where he votes "no," write it in the second. Add up, and enter the number at the foot of each column. Indorse the resolution or motion voted upon the back of the list.

The Where a report is made, it is not necessary in the minutes to do more than give an abstract of its contents, or a sentence or two indicating its nature. report should, however, be indorsed with its title, and the date of its report, and filed. A list of the orders of the day should always be made out previous to every meeting, for the convenience of the presiding officer.