The number admitted for observation includes all new inmates, who in every case are sent to the hospital for examination. The number of children remaining in the hospital at this date is 25, with the following-named diseases: We had two deaths from pneumonia, one from scrofula, and one from heart disease. The nurses have performed their duties in a very satisfactory manner, and to them in a great measure is due the excellent results shown. Respectfully submitted, A. B. HEATH, 1 NURSERY. To the Commissioners of Public Institutions: GENTLEMEN: I respectfully submit the following report of the Nursery Department of this institution: 52 remained from last year. We have received during the year 134; 4 have died, 114 discharged; there are now 68 remaining. Number remaining Jan. 1, 1891 52 admitted from Jan. 1, 1891, to Jan. 1, 1892, 134 The ages of those that died were 8 days, 20 weeks, 6 months, and 1 year, respectively. We have continued the system of boarding, inaugurated in 1888, and, as our report shows, with the happiest results. I have kept in the nursery only such cases as required medical treatment. Respectfully submitted, A. B. HEATH, Superintendent. REPORT OF PRINCIPAL TEACHER. MARCELLA-STREET HOME, BOSTON HIGHLANDS, Jan. 1, 1892. Dr. A. B. HEATH, Superintendent: DEAR SIR: The report of the schools of Marcella-street Home for the year ending Dec. 31, 1891, is herewith presented. This being my first report to you, I believe a few words respecting the method which I am pursuing will not be amiss. My plan, like that of my predecessor, is, and shall be, to give the children under my charge a good, plain, serviceable education, the maximum attention being paid to the three "R's." On the inception of my duties as principal of schools I found them and everything connected with them in excellent order and condition. For this, praise is due to Mr. Francis J. Weller, my efficient predecessor. I have to say that attendance at schools has been remarkably good, no serious sicknesses or diseases having arisen to prevent the regular presence of the children in the schoolroom. Absence from school has been due simply to the slight indispositions incident to the life of the average child. The girls' kindergarten is showing good results under Miss Chaffin. It seems a pity that the boys cannot have a like advantage with the girls in this respect; they would undoubtedly show gratifying results. If the boys were to have a kindergarten training it would relieve Miss McCarthy of some of her very young pupils, thus enabling her to give undivided attention to those whose minds are ready to receive the rudiments of education. She certainly deserves praise for the good results she has obtained with her large class this year. Miss Crowell is ably represented during her absence by Miss Preston, whose conscientious efforts show pleasing results. Miss Ella Morrow is to be commended for her untiring efforts in behalf of her class. She has succeeded in making her class-room more cheerful and pleasant by the judicious use of potted plants. The good effect of a bright, cheery schoolroom is soon evidenced in the pupils. The average age of the pupils now attending school is about eight years. I have to report in attendance at special schools two at Deaf and Dumb Asylum, Hartford, two at Perkins Institute for the Blind. Very respectfully yours, Jos. C. PELLETIER, Principal. HOME FOR PAUPERS, RAINSFORD AND LONG ISLANDS. RAINSFORD ISLAND, BOSTON HARBOR, Dec. 31, 1891. To the Board of Commissioners of Public Institutions, Long Island is now occupied by the male paupers. It is a large island, and many improvements in grounds and buildings are much needed. During the winter we are well provided with all kinds of help, but in the summer we are left with those incapacitated by disease and age, so that we are mainly dependent for our labor upon Deer Island. During the past summer and fall we had about 50 prisoners daily from Deer Island employed on the farm and in digging the cellar for the new hospital. There is no reason why, with sufficient labor and proper care, this island should not repay a large percentage of the present cost of maintenance. At the time of its purchase by the city of Boston the land was in an impoverished condition, and it still requires a large amount of fertilizer to make it fully productive. By permitting the raising of small fruits, plants, and flowers for the market a considerable sum would doubtless be realized. The planting of trees for the protection of crops and improving the appearance of the island seems called for. The wharf at Rainsford Island requires repairing. The new hospital at Long Island is well under way, and will probably be ready for occupany about the middle of May, 1892. I would recommend the building of a new piggery on Long Island and coal-sheds on each island. We have planted a number of trees raised by ourselves, and have put in a number of trench-drains in many parts of the low lands. The general health and condition of the inmates remain excellent, considering the class of people we have. All seem contented and happy. Their religious wants are attended to by Rev. Fathers Broderick and Casey, and Rev. Mr. Toulmin, the Chaplain at Deer Island. Much credit is also due Mrs. Magennis and others for their kindly interest in the religious condition of the inmates. We are grateful |