now is. Owing to the increase of the business of the department, as it exists at present, it is not only fair, but proper, that a special appropriation should be made for Public Buildings, and Commons and Squares, to meet the expenses which are incurred in the necessary removal of ice and snow from public walks, yards and squares. This would add much to the efficiency of the department, and remove impediments which frequently arise from a doubtful jurisdiction in many matters between this and other departments. The department of Public Health has more regular duties to perform in the winter season than it can well attend to, without being called upon to do the work of other depart

ments.

The annexation of large districts of territory, including large farms and areas sparsely settled, has made it necessary that the ordinance on health should also be revised for the purpose of making such special provision for these as is not needed for the more thickly settled part of the city. The farmers cannot, and should not, be confined strictly to rules that, however well adapted they may be to the portions of the city that are covered with buildings, will be hardships to them in the ordinary pursuits of tilling

the soil, and managing large farms stocked with cattle for agricultural purposes.

Centrally situated places for the deposit of dry dirt, collected from the streets and houses, are much needed. These would be a great saving to the city, by diminishing the distance of teaming, and consequently the usual concomitant expenses which form large items in carrying out the work of the department.

The labor of this department is at present performed by three hundred and forty-nine men, and one hundred and nineteen horses, with harnesses and carts, all belonging to the city; and these must necessarily be increased in consequence of the large additional territory gained to the city by the annexation of Dorchester.

The inspection of milk, which is performed by an officer connected with this department, has proved highly beneficial to our citizens. The services of this officer have been constantly called in requisition; and the suppression of the sale of adulterated milk, and the encouragement of honest dealers, have had very good effect in the community.

PUBLIC SCHOOLS.

The same deep interest in all matters relating to the public schools which has always existed in our community, happily continues, and the public are as ready as ever, in any period of our school history, to do all that is necessary for their encouragement and support.

Although the past year has not been signalized by any very striking occurrence affecting their general interests, it has, on the whole, been one of continued prosperity in all our educational affairs; and it is believed, that our schools, of all grades, from the primary to the highest departments, were never more worthy the confidence of our citizens than at the present time.

For the purpose of supervision, the city is divided into twenty-eight school districts. According to the School census, which was taken last May, the number of children in the city between five and fifteen years of age was ascertained to be forty-two thousand six hundred and twentyfour. There are four high schools - the Latin School for boys, the English High School for boys, the High and Normal for girls, and the Roxbury High School at the Highlands for boys

and girls. The free Latin School at the Highlands received from the city treasury during the past year the sum of three thousand dollars; and although not under the control of our School Board, it is practically a public school. There are twenty-nine Grammar Schools, of which ten are for boys, ten for girls, and nine for boys and girls. There are also three hundred and seven primary schools for boys and girls, two licensed minors' schools for boys, and ten evening schools for children over fourteen years of age and adults, and a school has recently been established for the instruction of deaf mutes. These schools are taught by eight hundred and twenty-one teachers, of whom one hundred and twelve are males, and seven hundred and nine are females. The average whole number of pupils belonging to the day schools of all grades was thirty-three thousand five hundred and thirty-five; and the whole number enrolled in the in the evening schools schools was one thousand eight hundred and seventy-one, with an average attendance of seven hundred and seventeen. The whole amount appropriated by the city Council for the for the current expenses of the Schools, for the financial year terminating on the last day of April, was one million sixteen thou

sand eight hundred dollars, being about twelve per cent of the total amount of the appropriations voted for all purposes for the financial year, 1869-70.

During the past year the expenditures for school accommodations have been unusually large. Two primary school-houses have been completed, and three more of very large size are now building. Three first class grammar school-houses have been dedicated-the Lewis at the Highlands, the Rice in ward nine, and that in ward twelve at South Boston, and two more of the largest size have been contracted for. A large edifice for the accommodation of the Girls' High and Normal School was commenced last spring on Newton street, and it is expected to be ready for occupancy at the beginning of the next school year. Appropriations have also been voted for building a new primary school-house at the Highlands, and for purchasing land for another in South Boston. By the annexation of Dorchester the city will come in possession of a public high school for boys and girls, and nine grammar schools.

The system of free evening schools, established by the school board, has entered upon its second